Single- and dual-trauma couples: Clinical observations of relational characteristics and dynamics.

Abstract

Trauma survivors and their spouses/partners who seek therapy often present with unique dynamics owing to the ongoing effects of previous trauma. This article provides a clinical framework for understanding single-trauma (only 1 partner reports a trauma history) and dual-trauma (both partners report a trauma history) couples. The descriptions of single- and dual-trauma couples were developed through several focus group discussions. Interpersonal patterns characteristic of single- and dual-trauma couples are described. We emphasize the importance of using a "trauma lens" when working with couples and families to avoid overlooking important cues about the individual and systemic effects of traumatic stress.

The effects of trauma on intimate relationships: A qualitative study with clinical couples.

“…This research describes the individual or secondary effects on the partners of trauma survivors, rather than a description of the interpersonal or systemic patterns that may occur between partners. Nelson et al (2002) and Nelson Goff and Smith (2005) provided a clinically based framework (2002) and theoretical model (2005) to describe the interpersonal patterns that may be characteristic of trauma couples; however, these models, although based on empirical literature, have not been empirically supported.…”

A qualitative study of single-trauma and dual-trauma military couples.

“…To date, the literature describing single-trauma and dual-trauma couples has been predominantly clinical and anecdotal (Balcom, 1996;Nelson et al, 2002). The current study attempts to provide preliminary analysis of a sample of single-trauma and dual-trauma couples to further understand the systemic effects on couple functioning.…”

“…helpful term to describe the pattern of secrecy and avoidance that occurs in dual-trauma couples (Nelson et al, 2002), as well as in military couples more generally (Joseph & Afifi, 2010). In other words, one or both partners may purposefully omit information about previous trauma that could be particularly painful to hear or because they do not know how their partner will respond to their disclosure.…”

“…Single-trauma couples have been described as couples in which only one partner has experienced a history of trauma Trauma in Military Couples 4 (Nelson, Wangsgaard, Yorgason, Higgins Kessler, & Carter-Vassol, 2002). In comparison, dualtrauma couples are described as "couples in which both partners have experienced a trauma, or multiple traumas, which continue to impact their individual and relationship functioning" (Balcom, 1996, p. 432).…”

“…In comparison, dualtrauma couples are described as "couples in which both partners have experienced a trauma, or multiple traumas, which continue to impact their individual and relationship functioning" (Balcom, 1996, p. 432). Clinical descriptions of single-trauma couples include dynamics such as polarized emotional roles, extreme pursuer-distancer patterns, secrecy surrounding the trauma, individual trauma symptoms and issues in both partners, parentification of the nontraumatized partner, and impacts on other subsystems (Nelson et al, 2002). Issues of power and control, competition between partners, external boundary ambiguity, trauma-related symptoms, survivor guilt, preoccupied-dismissing patterns, and minimizing the effects of past trauma experiences on current behaviors may be patterns observed in dual-trauma couples.…”