Between- and within-subject associations of PTSD symptom clusters and marital functioning in military couples

Allen, E., Knopp, K., Rhoades, G., Stanley, S., & Markman, H. (2018). Between- and within-subject associations of PTSD symptom clusters and martial functioning in military couples. Journal of Family Psychology, 32(1), 134-144. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/fam0000363

PTSD symptom clusters (numbing, hyperarousal, effortful avoidance, and reexperiencing) as a whole are related to marital functioning (e.g., satisfaction), but there is less information regarding how specific symptoms relate to specific aspects of marital functioning. Theoretically, numbing symptoms have been linked to deficits in positive relationship characteristics (e.g., positive bonding), and hyperarousal symptoms have been linked to greater conflict. Additionally, there is little known about how PTSD and marital functioning are related over time, such as whether changes in PTSD symptoms lead to changes in marital functioning. Data from 570 couples with male Army service members and civilian wives were used to examine these associations. Findings suggest a continued link between PTSD symptoms and marital functioning over time, with more evidence for the influence of numbing symptoms than other symptoms.

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