Military couples’ trauma disclosure: Moderating between trauma symptoms and relationship quality.

Abstract

Open communication postdeployment has been encouraged for military couples (Allen, Rhoades, Stanley, & Markman, 2011), as trauma symptoms have been found to influence military couples' marital satisfaction and relationship functioning. Limited research has investigated whether trauma disclosure moderates the association between trauma symptoms and relationship quality. The current study included data from 50 Army couples. Based on a multiple-group actor-partner-interdependence model (APIM), we found that higher levels of trauma symptoms were associated with lower relationship quality for the actors (themselves) and their partners. In addition, trauma disclosure moderated the relationship between partners. Implications for future research with larger samples are discussed.

Brief‐Systemic Programs for Promoting Mental Health and Relationship Functioning in Military Couples and Families

“…In addition to the theoretical rationale, there is also an abundance of empirical support for incorporating a systems orientation into interventions. For example, a particularly important reason for including family members (especially spouses and romantic partners) in programs is the interpersonal effects of stressors like PTSD (e.g., Campbell & Renshaw, 2016;Monk & Nelson Goff, 2014;Monson et al, 2009;Nelson Goff, Crow, Reisbig, & Hamilton, 2007). Studies suggest that the mental health risks associated with combat-related deployment affect not only individual service members but also their family members, both spouses and children (Chandra et al, 2010;Eaton et al, 2008;Mansfield et al, 2010;Nelson Goff et al, 2007).…”

Integrative Intensive Retreats for Veteran Couples and Families: A Pilot Study Assessing Change in Relationship Adjustment, Posttraumatic Growth, and Trauma Symptoms

“…Of particular concern is the research suggesting that secondary traumatization contributes to decreased relationship satisfaction and distress among couples coping with trauma (e.g., Allen et al, 2010;Arzi et al, 2000;Monk & Nelson Goff, 2014;Nelson Goff et al, 2007). The interpersonal paradox of trauma (Schwerdtfeger & Oseland, 2013) can enhance distress and shape the recovery process for veterans and their partners (Monson et al, 2009(Monson et al, , 2012.…”

Talk to Me: Disclosure of Past Trauma Experiences to Spouses in Military Couples

“…Looking at the couple level, there is preliminary work indicating disclosure may have a buffering effect for relationship adjustment for those below the clinical threshold for PTSD (Monk & Nelson Goff, 2014). Researchers have found that relationships can be negatively affected even when there is avoidance of directly discussing trauma experiences (e.g., Creech et al, 2013;Nelson Goff et al, 2006).…”