Roles of religion and spirituality among veterans who manage PTSD and their partners
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Sherman, M. D., Usset, T., Voecks, C., & Harris, J. I. (2018). Roles of religion and spirituality among veterans who manage PTSD and their partners. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 10(4), 368–374. https://doi.org/10.1037/rel0000159
Abstract Created by REACH:
Traumatic experiences may interfere with service members’ intimate relationships as well as their religious and spiritual beliefs. This qualitative study interviewed 11 male veterans and 9 female partners of veterans to examine how veterans’ exposure to trauma may influence both intimate relationships and religious/spiritual values. Findings suggest that religion and spirituality can be perceived as a source of comfort and support or as a source of contention for veterans and partners of veterans who have experienced a traumatic event.
Focus:
Mental health
Trauma
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Spouse of service member or veteran
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Sherman, Michelle D., Usset, Timothy, Voecks, Cory, Harris, J. Irene
Abstract:
Traumatic events can have ripple effects on the survivor’s intimate relationships and on his or her religious/spirituality (R/S) beliefs and practices. Although both of these outcomes have been examined independently, research has yet to consider the intersection of trauma, its impacts on partners and intimate relationships, and R/S. This exploratory qualitative study involved individual interviews with 20 participants, including 11 male married veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; or subthreshold PTSD) and 9 female married partners of male veterans with PTSD (or subthreshold PTSD). Interviews explored perceptions of the roles of R/S in how participants coped with the veteran’s PTSD, both individually and as a couple. Participants described a wide array of responses in their R/S beliefs and activities, ranging from withdrawal and avoidance to deeper engagement and growth. Although many participants described drawing upon their R/S beliefs and practices to support their spouses, a few shared how female partners used R/S against their veterans in a hurtful manner. Couples described their spiritual bond with one another as facilitating communication and strengthening their relational bond. Implications for psychotherapy and future research are discussed.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
American Psychological Association
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, MDS
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, TU
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, CV
Minneapolis VA Health Care System, JIH
Keywords:
spirituality, religion, veterans, couples, posttraumatic stress disorder
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: