Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder
Published on: March 8, 2018
Associations between complex post-traumatic stress disorder and intimate relationship quality: the parallel mediating
Shu-Xin Tan1, Hang Li1, Chengjing Chu1
1School of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.
Background:
The association between Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and intimate relationship quality remains underexplored, particularly regarding protective factors that may buffer against trauma-related impairments.
Methods:
A total of 3,250 participants completed self-report surveys assessing CPTSD symptoms, intimate relationship quality, mentalization, and playfulness, with 12.8% (N = 416) meeting criteria for probable CPTSD. A dynamic network heatmap and Mantel-based network analysis revealed distinct connectivity patterns. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relationships among the variables.
Results:
Our study indicates that CPTSD symptoms formed a negatively correlated network with relationship quality indicators. Structural equation modeling further showed that CPTSD was negatively associated with relationship quality, mentalization, and playfulness; while mentalization and playfulness positively associated with relationship quality. Mentalization and playfulness served as parallel mediators in the association between CPTSD and relationship quality.
Conclusions:
The present study is the first to reveal the dual mediating roles of mentalization and playfulness in the association between CPTSD and intimate relationship quality. Our findings suggest that enhancing mentalization and playfulness may serve as effective intervention strategies for improving relationship quality among individuals exhibiting symptoms of CPTSD.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Personality Disorders: Paranoid and Schizoid
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Paranoid personality disorder is...
Social Relationships and Well-Being
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Relationship Growth
