title: Trauma and couples: mechanisms in dyadic functioning.
abstract: Research traditionally has focused on the development of symptoms in those who experienced trauma directly but overlooked the impact of trauma on the families of victims. In recent years, researchers and clinicians have begun to examine how individual exposure to traumatic events affects the spouses/partners, children, and professional helpers of trauma survivors. The current study reports data from a larger mixed-methodology study that includes qualitative interview data from 17 individuals, coded to identify the mechanisms that may affect the couple's interpersonal functioning when there is a history of trauma exposure in one or both partners. The following primary themes were identified: role in the relationship, boundary issues, intimacy problems, triggers, and coping mechanisms. Areas for future research and clinical implications also are identified.
authors: Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA.
authors: Stacey Blalock
authors: SB
authors: Henry
authors: Douglas B
authors: DB
authors: Smith
authors: Kristy L
authors: KL
authors: Archuleta
authors: Erin
authors: E
authors: Sanders-Hahs
authors: Briana S Nelson
authors: BS
authors: Goff
authors: Allison M J
authors: AM
authors: Reisbig
authors: Kami L
authors: KL
authors: Schwerdtfeger
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Bole
authors: Everett
authors: E
authors: Hayes
authors: Carol B
authors: CB
authors: Hoheisel
authors: Ben
authors: B
authors: Nye
authors: Jamie
authors: J
authors: Osby-Williams
authors: Tamera
authors: T
authors: Scheer
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult