Study examines conflict behavior among military couples with and without PTSD

Nov 11 2016

Research conducted at The Family Institute at Northwestern University detected clear interpersonal behavior differences between couples with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The study examined conflict behavior in a sample of 64 military couples. Compared to couples without PTSD, couples with PTSD displayed more interpersonal hostility and control; more sulking, blaming, and controlling behavior; and less affirming and connecting behavior.

"Results advance our understanding of the relational impacts of PTSD on military service members and their partners, and underscore the value of couple-based interventions for PTSD," said the study's principal investigator, Lynne Knobloch-Fedders, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and researcher at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.