title: The effects of trauma on intimate relationships: a qualitative study with clinical couples.
abstract: Research has traditionally focused on the development of symptoms in those who experienced trauma directly but has overlooked the impact of trauma on victims' families. In recent years, researchers and clinicians have begun to examine how individual exposure to traumatic events affects the spouses or partners, children, and professional helpers of trauma survivors. The current study examines qualitative interview data from 17 individuals, analyzed using a retroductive methodology to identify how intimate relationships are affected when there is a history of trauma exposure. The following primary themes were identified: increased communication, decreased communication, increased cohesion/connection, decreased cohesion/connection, increased understanding, decreased understanding, sexual intimacy problems, symptoms of relationship distress, support from partner, and relationship resources. Areas for future research and clinical implications are identified.
authors.affiliation: School of Family Studies and Human Services, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA. bnelson@ksu.edu
authors.forename: Briana S Nelson
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Goff
authors.forename: Allison M J
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Reisbig
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bole
authors.forename: Tamera
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Scheer
authors.forename: Everett
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Kristy L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Archuleta
authors.forename: Stacey Blalock
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Henry
authors.forename: Carol B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Hoheisel
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nye
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Osby
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sanders-Hahs
authors.forename: Kami L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Schwerdtfeger
authors.forename: Douglas B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D004645:Empathy; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*