Psychiatric symptomatology among wives of soldiers following combat stress reaction: The role of the social network and marital relations

Abstract

Abstract Living with a veteran who has sustained a combat stress reaction (CSR) during wartime or who is currently suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may often be accompanied by increased levels of psychopathology and social dysfunction among wives. The current study examined 44 wives of CSR veterans in order to determine whether relations with other members of the social network may reduce the risk of psychiatric symptomatology among these wives and thereby compensate them for the loss of support in their marital relationship. Findings show that the only relationship within the immediate or extended family consistently related with wives' mental health is that with the veteran husband. The second aim of this study was to examine which aspects of the marital relationship are associated with wives' mental health. Results show that the only marital factor which makes a significant and independent contribution to wives' mental health is the degree of expressiveness in the relationship.