Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Parenting, and Marital Adjustment among a Civilian Population.

Michal Hershkowitz,Sara Freedman,Shimon Fridkin,Rachel Dekel

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01655

Abstract

While psychopathology in general is linked to poorer marital and parental satisfaction, there is a paucity of data regarding these interactions in parents with Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study addresses this issue among a civilian population. Two hundred trauma-exposed parents, mean age of 37.2, 62% mothers, were assessed using self-report questionnaires, for background variables, PTSD symptoms using the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS), depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), marital satisfaction (Dyadic Adjustment Scale, DAS-7), parenting behavior (Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, APQ-9), and parenting satisfaction (Parenting Satisfaction Questionnaire). We hypothesized that positive parenting behavior and parenting satisfaction would be negatively correlated with PTSD symptom levels, and that this relationship would be mediated by marital satisfaction; the independent effects of depression on marital and parenting functioning were also examined. Data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results indicated that PTSD was related to poorer parenting behavior (B = 0.089, p = 0.033), depression had a negative impact on parenting satisfaction (B = 0.983, p = 0.003), and marital satisfaction (B = −0.672, p = 0.004), and marital satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between depression and parenting. The findings demonstrated that the effects of PTSD can cast a pall not only over the individual but over the entire family. Interventions are needed to address these issues.

Highlights

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is broadly associated with difficulties in family functioning
In the few studies examining parenting in individuals with PTSD, two have found that numbing symptoms were related to poorer reported relationship quality and parenting satisfaction in male veterans (Samper et al, 2004; Taft et al, 2008)
PTSD was found to have a negative direct effect on parenting behavior [B = −0.089, SEB = 0.036, bias-corrected bootstrap 95% confidence intervalB = (−0.146; −0.004); β = −0.165, SEβ = 0.067, bias-corrected bootstrap 95% confidence intervalβ = (−0.288; −0.009); p = 0.033]

Summary

Introduction

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is broadly associated with difficulties in family functioning. Studies have examined the effects on significant others, showing that spouses of veterans with PTSD report elevated levels of PTSD, as well as emotional stress and caregiver burden (Ben Arzi et al, 2000; Campbell and Renshaw, 2013). In the few studies examining parenting in individuals with PTSD, two have found that numbing symptoms were related to poorer reported relationship quality and parenting satisfaction in male veterans (Samper et al, 2004; Taft et al, 2008). In a prospective study of Army National Guard fathers, increases in PTSD symptoms were associated with poorer couple adjustment and greater perceived parenting challenges over time (Gewirtz et al, 2010)

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Results

Conclusion