Abstract: Female wives/partners of active-duty military personnel, reservists, and veterans (N = 235) who had experienced a combat deployment participated in a study on the contributions of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, dispositional optimism, and self-differentiation to romantic relationship satisfaction. Optimism and differentiation were tested as protective factors in the context of PTSD symptoms. As hypothesized, more partner-perceived PTSD symptoms predicted less relationship satisfaction, and optimism contributed uniquely to satisfaction when controlling for symptom severity and the partner’s military status (active duty vs. separated). Contrary to prediction, however, self-differentiation was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, possibly due to the unique experience of military life and/or being partnered with a man who had experienced a combat deployment. Further analyses revealed that participants who indicated that their partners had formally received a PTSD diagnosis reported greater emotional reactivity and less emotional cutoff. The implications of these results are discussed along with the study’s limitations and recommendations for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Although divorce is relatively common, there is little research on long-term predictors of relationship dissolution among heterosexual married couples, and even less on same-sex couples. The present study examined longitudinal predictors of relationship dissolution among male–male couples, female–female couples, and heterosexual married couples over a 12-year period. Women in same-sex relationships were more likely to have dissolved their relationship than were men in same-sex couples and heterosexual married couples. There were no differences in dissolution rates between same-sex couples who had legalized their relationship and those who had not. Being in a shorter relationship, reporting lower relationship quality, and having had sex outside the relationship predicted dissolution; other factors predicted dissolution among same-sex female and heterosexual couples but not male–male couples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The present article examined couple service utilization in adults in same-sex relationships, as well as satisfaction with couple services, and preferences regarding content, delivery, and tailoring of services. Couples accessed services relatively infrequently and were generally dissatisfied with the usefulness of such services. Most participants (87%) endorsed the importance of couple interventions being tailored specifically for same-sex couples. Concerns such as financial constraints and time limitations were identified as barriers to accessing services, in addition to stigma-related barriers such as fear of discrimination and a lack of appropriately trained practitioners to work with same-sex couples. It is expected that the findings of the present article can inform future research and practice and help to improve the relationships of same-sex couples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects many individuals, especially those who served in the military. Children are especially at risk for experiencing a variety of negative biological, behavioral, social, and psychological effects due to having a parent affected by PTSD. This review has 4 aims: to present a description of the effect of parental PTSD on functioning in children, outline 2 different theories of transmission of PTSD from parents to children, provide an account of researched interventions, and describe the need for future research. An emphasis is given to the negative psychosocial effects on children who have a parent suffering from PTSD after military deployment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT
Abstract: A self-report scale to measure adolescents’ involvement in parental figures’ conflicts, disagreements, or relationships, a phenomenon known as triangulation, was developed, and initial evidence for reliability and validity was obtained using a three-study format. In Study 1, the 24-item Triangular Relationship Inventory (TRI) was developed using classical test theory in a sample of college-aged students and found to have a multidimensional factor structure. In Study 2, the multidimensional factor structure was replicated in a new sample of college-aged students. Evidence of reliability was supported with excellent internal consistency. Construct validity was supported by replicating the multidimensional factor structure of the TRI. A strong correlation between the TRI and the Intergenerational Triangulation subscale of the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire indicated criterion-related validity. Convergent validity of the TRI was indicated by a negative correlation between the TRI and the Differentiation of Self Inventory–Short Form, a positive correlation between the TRI and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-21, and a positive correlation between the TRI and the State–Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety. Discriminant validity was evidenced by a low correlation between the TRI and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. Study 3 found the test–retest reliability of the TRI over a 4-week period to be strong, at .84. In summary, the TRI appears to have good psychometric properties and contributes to the literature in family systems theory by enabling a more nuanced measurement of triangulation than has been previously available. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved) PubDate: Mon, 29 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT
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