PTSD and conflict behavior between veterans and their intimate partners

Abstract

This study examined the influence of trauma history and PTSD symptoms on the behavior of veterans and their intimate partners (287 couples; N=574) observed during conflict discussions and coded using the Rapid Marital Interaction Coding System (Heyman, 2004). Dyadic structural equation modeling analyses showed that PTSD was associated with more frequent displays of hostility and psychological abuse and fewer expressions of acceptance and humor in both veterans and their partners. Findings provide new insight into the social and emotional deficits associated with PTSD and emphasize the importance of addressing the trauma histories and PTSD of both partners when treating veteran couples with relationship disturbance.

Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Figures

Figure 1

Note. The figure shows the measurement model for RMICS codes evaluated in this study. HO = hostility; PA = psychological abuse; HM = humor; AC = acceptance; D1 = total changes . floor for discussion 1; D2 = total floor changes for discussion 2. Not shown are correlated residuals of the same code within a discussion across members of the couple (these values are available from the first author).

Figure 2

Note. The figure shows the standardized (and unstandardized) parameter estimates of the structural elements of the final model, w hich included equal actor and partner effects across members of a couple. Parameter estimates that were statistically significant are shown in solid lines and parameter estimates that did not achieve statistical significance are shown in dotted lines. The disturbances among the latent discussion behavior variables were all correlated with one another at p < .001. The measurement model for the latent dependent variables is shown in Figure 1. *p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.