title: Posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology among partners of men in treatment for relationship abuse.
abstract: This longitudinal study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among current and former female partners (N = 96) of men participating in a group treatment program for partner abuse perpetrators. Female partner probable PTSD rates, obtained during time points corresponding with pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up for the male clients, were 52%, 34%, and 29%, respectively. Psychological abuse exposure was more strongly and uniquely associated with PTSD symptoms than was physical abuse exposure. Among psychological abuse ratings, denigration, restrictive engulfment, and dominance/intimidation behaviors evidenced the strongest associations with PTSD symptoms. Findings from this study suggest the association between psychological abuse and PTSD is complex and multidetermined.
authors.affiliation: National Center for PTSD, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA. casey.taft@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Casey T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Taft
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Lynda A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Judith M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Dedeyn
authors.forename: Peter H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Musser
mesh_terms: D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology