The Connections between PTSD and Relationship Problems

By Jay Morse & Heidi Radunovich, PhD

Is there a clear link between PTSD and relationship problems?  Dr. Casey Taft, Principal Investigator at the National Center for PTSD, and colleagues reviewed the research findings related to PTSD and relationship problems [1].

A total of 31 articles published between 1984 and 2009 were analyzed using meta-analysis. The primary research objective was to document the association between PTSD and 3 relationship factors including:

1. Intimate relationship discord,
2. Intimate partner physical aggression perpetration, and
3. Intimate partner psychological aggression perpetration.

Dr. Taft and his colleagues found that PTSD was related to all three of the above listed relationship factors. Some additional findings included:

• The military sample showed a stronger relationship between PTSD and relationship discord or physical aggression than the civilian sample.
• In cases of severe violence, there were greater associations between PTSD and relationship problems.

The linkage between PTSD and relationship problems suggests that clinicians should consider relationship-based approaches to treatment for those military members that exhibit symptoms of PTSD.  Not only can PTSD lead to relationship problems, the presence of relationship discord and aggression can lead to worsening of PTSD symptoms.

For more information on PTSD and intimate partner relationship problems, consider attending the MFLN webinar series.  Dr. Taft, Principal Investigator at the National Center for PTSD, will be presenting a webinar on the links between PTSD and Domestic Violence in Military Couples on May 28.

Reference:

[1] Taft, C.T., Watkins, L.E., Stafford, J., Street, A.E., & Monson, C. M. (2011). Posttraumatic stress disorder and intimate relationship problems: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(1), 22-33.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0022196

This post was written by Jay Morse & Heidi Radunovich, PhD, members of the MFLN Family Development (FD) team which aims to support the development of professionals working with military families. Find out more about the Military Families Learning Network FD concentration on our website, on Facebook, on Twitter, You Tube, and on LinkedIn.