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Social Threat-Safety Test Uncovers Psychosocial Stress-Related Phenotypes
Published on: December 15, 2023
Resilient relationships: Role of partner responsiveness and relationship satisfaction in posttraumatic stress
Eline M Meuleman1, Johan C Karremans2, Elisa van Ee2
1Psychotraumacentrum Zuid-Nederland, Den Bosch, Brabant, Netherlands.
Introduction:
Research examining relationship quality among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) largely focuses on the negative impact PTSD can have on patients' romantic relationships, with less attention devoted to factors that build resilience in these relationships.
Methods:
In a sample of patients undergoing treatment for PTSD (N = 89), including 49 Veterans, this study examined 1) two main effects of PTSD symptom severity and perceived partner responsiveness on relationship quality, 2) a moderating model of perceived partner responsiveness, buffering the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms and relationship satisfaction, and 3) a mediation model, whereby posttraumatic stress symptoms lead to less perceived partner responsiveness, which in turn leads to poorer relationship satisfaction.
Results:
A linear regression analysis revealed that posttraumatic stress symptoms were not linked to relationship satisfaction, whereas perceived partner responsiveness showed a positive association with relationship satisfaction. Veterans tended to have lower relationship satisfaction compared with non-Veterans. The moderation and mediation analyses did not show any significant direct or indirect effects.
Discussion:
Findings suggest that responsive couples can maintain a strong and supportive relationship regardless of PTSD status.
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