Complexities of posttrauma caregiving: Partner depression, survivor PTSD symptoms, and caregiving appraisals

This study examined the independent and interactive associations of romantic partners' depression symptoms and perceptions of traumatic injury survivor posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) with their caregiving appraisals (i.e., perceived caregiving costs and rewards).

Romantic partners of recent traumatic injury survivors (N = 513; M_age = 29.72; 63.9% male) completed self- and collateral-reports assessing their depression symptoms, caregiving appraisals, and perceptions of trauma survivor PTSS. Confirmatory factor analysis identified latent caregiving appraisal dimensions of burden, guilt, satisfaction, and mastery to be used in hypothesis testing. Hypothesized main and interaction effects were tested within a structural equation model.

Perceived survivor PTSS was associated with greater caregiver burden, guilt, and satisfaction. Partner depression was associated with greater burden and guilt and lower mastery. Depression significantly moderated associations between survivor PTSS and all caregiving appraisals, such that greater partner depression strengthened the positive relationship between survivor PTSS and caregiver burden and guilt. Furthermore, among more depressed partners, greater survivor PTSS was associated with higher caregiver satisfaction and mastery, suggesting caregiving may offer partners meaning or structure in the context of their depressive symptoms.

Findings underscore caregiving as a complex, dynamic interpersonal process shaped by both survivor and partner mental health. Results highlight the need to better understand caregiver mental health to enhance support for their unique needs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).