A Dyadic Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress Clusters and Sexual Satisfaction with U.S. Veteran Couples

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are associated with adverse relationship outcomes, including sexual satisfaction. This is particularly true for veteran samples; yet, these associations have rarely been studied in dyadic contexts. This study aimed to examine the individual and dyadic associations among DSM-5 PTSS clusters and sexual satisfaction in trauma-exposed, veteran couples. The study included 125 treatment-seeking veterans (i.e., men) and their civilian partners (i.e., women), where at least one partner reported a lifetime history of trauma exposure. An actor-partner interdependence model was conducted to test the individual and dyadic associations among partners' PTSS clusters and sexual satisfaction. Veterans' negative alterations in cognition and mood symptoms were adversely associated with their own sexual satisfaction and their partners' sexual satisfaction whereas veterans' intrusion symptoms showed a favorable association with their partners' sexual satisfaction. These findings emphasize the dyadic context of traumatic stress and sexual well-being for veterans and their romantic partners. Interventions targeting veterans' PTSS and both partners' sexual satisfaction may be particularly beneficial for trauma-exposed veteran couples.