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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Published on: December 6, 2024

Posttraumatic stress disorder and intimate relationship problems: a meta-analysis.

Casey T Taft¹, Laura E Watkins, Jane Stafford

¹Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA. casey.taft@va.gov

Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology

|January 26, 2011

Summary

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to significant intimate relationship problems, including discord and aggression. Further research and interventions are needed to address these complex associations.

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Published on: December 6, 2024

Area of Science:

Psychology
Clinical Psychology
Trauma Studies

Background:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental health condition often associated with interpersonal difficulties.
Intimate relationships are crucial for well-being, yet can be strained by the impact of trauma.
Empirical synthesis of the literature is needed to understand the PTSD-relationship problem link.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct a meta-analysis of empirical studies examining the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and intimate relationship problems.
To synthesize existing research on the relationship between PTSD symptomatology and various forms of relationship discord and aggression.

Main Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major psychological and medical databases (PsycINFO, Medline, PILOTS, Dissertation Abstracts).
Thirty-one studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were identified and included in the meta-analysis.
True score correlations were calculated to quantify the strength of associations.

Main Results:

Medium-sized associations were found between PTSD and intimate relationship discord (ρ = .38), physical aggression (ρ = .42), and psychological aggression (ρ = .36).
Factors such as military samples, US-based studies, and dissertations were associated with stronger PTSD-discord links.
Military samples, male participants, community samples, and severe violence measures moderated the PTSD-physical aggression association.

Conclusions:

The findings underscore a significant link between PTSD and intimate relationship difficulties.
There is a critical need for theoretical models to explain these relationship challenges.
Interventions targeting both PTSD symptoms and relationship problems are warranted.