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Using reinforcement sensitivity to understand longitudinal links between PTSD and relationship adjustment.
Laura A Meis1, Christopher R Erbes2, Mark D Kramer3
1Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System.
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity impairs relationship adjustment by increasing sensitivity to relationship punishment cues. Relationship adjustment did not significantly impact PTSD symptom severity over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Military Mental Health
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Longitudinal research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and relationship adjustment is limited.
- Understanding the mechanisms linking PTSD severity to relationship difficulties is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity influences relationship adjustment over time.
- To investigate the mediating roles of sensitivity to punishment and incentive cues in intimate relationships.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study surveyed National Guard soldiers deployed to the Iraq War.
- Cross-lagged panel analysis was used to assess PTSD symptom severity, relationship adjustment, and sensitivity to threat and incentive cues over two time points.
Main Results:
- PTSD symptom severity predicted poorer relationship adjustment through increased sensitivity to relationship-related punishment cues.
- Sensitivity to relationship threats maintained PTSD symptoms, while sensitivity to incentives maintained relationship adjustment.
- PTSD symptoms eroded relationship adjustment, but relationship adjustment did not significantly affect PTSD severity over time.
Conclusions:
- Sensitivity to punishment cues is a key mechanism linking PTSD to relationship maladjustment.
- Interventions targeting threat sensitivity may improve both PTSD symptoms and relationship adjustment in military personnel.
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