Romantic Relationship Problems Research Articles

Analysis of Teenagers' Romantic Relationship Problems

Adolescent love, commonly known as "early love," refers to the act of young people under the age of 18 establishing a romantic relationship or developing a love for another person. The term "early love" is widely used in society and implies a negative conception from society compared to "adolescent love". There are many parents and teachers who do not accept the phenomenon of early love. In fact, can romantic relationships among adolescents really not exist? The paper discusses the pros and cons of teenage romantic relationships as well as discuss discuss the influence be affected by and have an impact on. This paper hopes that people will be able to see teenage romantic relationships from a different perspective. Many people have different views on teenage romantic relationships. The development of adolescent romantic relationships can have an impact on their surroundings and their own personalities as well as being influenced by their surroundings such as family upbringing.

Stressful life events and passive behavioral patterns in women with major depressive disorder: a mixed method analysis nested in a clinical trial

BackgroundWomen are more vulnerable to presenting with major depressive disorder (MDD) as they seem more sensitive to stressful life events (SLE). Few studies describe the effect of SLE on the development of avoidant/passive behavioral patterns (PBP) of MDD. Understanding the relationship between SLE and PBP is essential for the clinical management of MDD. Here, we aim (1) to describe and categorize the perceptions about SLE, emotional experience, and PBP in women with MDD and (2) to discuss the PBP according to evolutionary and behavioral processes. This mixed-method study, including qualitative and quantitative analyses, was nested in a clinical trial with 76 patients. We selected a sample of 18 female patients, randomized to behavioral activation therapy (BAT). In the first sessions, we interviewed the patients about SLE, emotional experience, and PBP perceived during their current depressive episode. The reports were submitted to content analysis and categorized under similar themes. We performed bivariate Spearman correlations to test the strenghts of associations between depressive symptoms (HAM-D), anxiety symptoms (BAI), disability (SDS), and cognitive distortions (CD-Quest).ResultsIn our sample, the most frequent SLE were romantic relationship problems and family problems. The patients most reported emotional experiences were sadness, discouragement, and anxiety. The most common PBP categories were getting isolated, stopping doing activities, and ruminating.ConclusionsWomen frequently perceive interpersonal, family, and affective problems as triggers of depressive episodes. The most common passive patterns include isolation, stopping doing activities, and ruminations. The evolutionary functions of PBP are to keep the organism passive, avoiding energy expenditure, and risk exposure in the face of a chronically stressful environment with few opportunities for reward.

Problematic use of the internet, smartphones, and social media among medical students and relationship with depression: An exploratory study.

Students in sub-Saharan African countries experienced online classes for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some individuals, greater online engagement can lead to online dependency, which can be associated with depression. The present study explored the association between problematic use of the internet, social media, and smartphones with depression symptoms among Ugandan medical students. A pilot study was conducted among 269 medical students at a Ugandan public university. Using a survey, data were collected regarding socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, online use behaviors, smartphone addiction, social media addiction, and internet addiction. Hierarchical linear regression models were performed to explore the associations of different forms of online addiction with depression symptom severity. The findings indicated that 16.73% of the medical students had moderate to severe depression symptoms. The prevalence of being at risk of (i) smartphone addiction was 45.72%, (ii) social media addiction was 74.34%, and (iii) internet addiction use was 8.55%. Online use behaviors (e.g., average hours spent online, types of social media platforms used, the purpose for internet use) and online-related addictions (to smartphones, social media, and the internet) predicted approximately 8% and 10% of the severity of depression symptoms, respectively. However, over the past two weeks, life stressors had the highest predictability for depression (35.9%). The final model predicted a total of 51.9% variance for depression symptoms. In the final model, romantic relationship problems (ß = 2.30, S.E = 0.58; p<0.01) and academic performance problems (ß = 1.76, S.E = 0.60; p<0.01) over the past two weeks; and increased internet addiction severity (ß = 0.05, S.E = 0.02; p<0.01) was associated with significantly increased depression symptom severity, whereas Twitter use was associated with reduced depression symptom severity (ß = 1.88, S.E = 0.57; p<0.05). Despite life stressors being the largest predictor of depression symptom score severity, problematic online use also contributed significantly. Therefore, it is recommended that medical students' mental health care services consider digital wellbeing and its relationship with problematic online use as part of a more holistic depression prevention and resilience program.

The relationship between causes of suicidal attempts in Iran and individual and social variables: a retrospective study

ObjectiveDetermine the prevalence of suicide attempts and the relationships between the different causes of attempts with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among individuals in Iran.MethodsA retrospective review of data about suicide attempts from poisoning care centers in Babol city between 2017 and 2021. Multinomial regression analysis (with mental illness being the reference variable) was used to determine the factors associated with the different causes of suicide attempts (addiction, romantic relationship problems, and economic problems).ResultsThe overall prevalence of completed suicide in the population sampled was 10.8% (95% confidence interval 9.5–12.1) (244/2,263). Relative to mental disorder, given that other variables in the model are held constant the following were associated with suicide attempts. A previous history of suicide attempts was associated with increasing the relative risk ratio of attempting suicide while having no positive history of smoking was associated with reducing the relative risk ratio of a suicidal attempt. However, the use of multiple drugs to attempt suicide was associated with an increased relative risk ratio of attempting suicide with romantic relationship problems and addiction as causes of suicide attempts. The first year of data collection (2017) and the female gender were both associated with an increased relative risk ratio of having a suicide attempt due to romantic relationships and economic problems. A family history of suicide was associated with an increased relative risk ratio of suicide attempts due to romantic relationship problems. However, using Pesticides-aluminum phosphide and detergent and javel water to attempt reduced the relative risk ratio of attempting due to romantic relationship problems. Age, self-employment, middle income, and married were associated with an increased relative risk ratio of suicide attempts among individuals due to addiction. However, staying longer at the emergency department was associated with a reduced relative risk ratio of having had a suicide attempt due to addiction.ConclusionsThis study highlights the interplay between romantic hardships, addiction, economic hardships as reasons for suicide attempts and various sociable variables in a population in Northern Iran. The most associated reason for suicide attempts was romantic relationship hardships. Therefore, interventions such as sessions on conflict resolution, boundary setting, and management of grieving would greatly benefit this society and reduce the rate of suicide, especially among individuals with a history of suicide attempts.

Comparison of Attachment Problems in Romantic Relationships Between Individuals with Bipolar Diagnosis and Individuals Without a Known Psychiatric Diagnosis

Parenting Styles, Attachment Styles, Loneliness as a predictor of Relationship satisfactionAttachment is when one forms a deep and lasting emotional connection to one another across time and space. Attachment is not always mutual. It is also possible to connect to a person unrequitedly. The bond that an individual has with the people in his life is related to attachment styles in infancy. There has been postulation about the connection between bipolar and attachment problems, and several studies have been done on the relationship between anxiety, depression, and relationship satisfaction in general but due to the scarcity and unavailability of bipolar patients, few studies have been conducted. Hence this study aimed to examine the relationship between attachment styles, parenting styles, loneliness, and romantic relationship satisfaction among individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorders and people without the diagnosis. One hundred and sixty-nine people participated in this study. Parenting styles were examined using the Parenting Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), The Experience in Close Relationships questionnaire was used to evaluate the attachment style, UCLA Loneliness Scale measured loneliness and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ) evaluated the relationship satisfaction. Results of the multiple regression showed that there was a collective significant relationship between, loneliness, attachment styles, and relationship satisfaction.Also, a significant negative relationship between Avoidance Attachment and romantic relationship satisfaction and also a significant negative relationship between Anxiety Attachment and romantic relationship satisfaction were found. But no significant relationship between parenting styles and romantic relationship satisfaction.

The predictive effect of self-compassion on relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution styles in romantic relationships in nursing students.

People who are compassionate to both themselves and others want to alleviate their experiences of pain and those of others. This study aims to evaluate the predictive effect of self-compassion on relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution styles in romantic relationships in nursing students. The sample of this study consists of 356 nursing students. The data are collected by using the Self-Compassion Scale, the Conflict Resolution Styles Scale in Romantic Relationships, and the Relationship Satisfaction Scale. A linear regression model is used to test the predictive effect of self-compassion on relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution styles in nursing students. Mean age of the participant is 20.70 ± 1.90, 68.5% (n = 244) of the nursing students are female, and 33.2% of them (n = 211) are male. Self-compassion is found to be a significant predictor of both relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution styles (positive conflict resolution, negative conflict resolution, and retreat) in romantic relationships (p < .05). Self-compassion is an important factor in relationship satisfaction and conflict resolution. These results of the study can be used to address conflict resolution problems in romantic relationships and further research.

Associations between non-suicidal self-injury and negative romantic relationship life events in male justice-involved adolescents

BackgroundIn the current study we investigated impulsivity and negative life events in relation to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in correctional settings.MethodsA total of 141 male justice-involved juveniles participated in our cross-sectional study, aged between 14 and 21 years old (M = 17.75; SD = 1.38). Data collection took place in correctional institutions in Hungary. A binary logistic regression was conducted to investigate possible associations between NSSI, impulsivity and negative life events.ResultsLifetime prevalence of NSSI was 53.9% (N = 76). In a binary logistic regression model, only negative romantic relationship events were significantly associated with the risk of current NSSI (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = [1.06–1.56]). Other types of negative life events (family-related, friendship-related), impulsivity, age and conviction status did not have a significant role in the model.ConclusionsThe results suggest that juvenile offenders should receive additional support to manage stress that is associated with negative life events, especially problems in romantic relationships. It is essential to help young inmates to find an adaptive way of reducing stress caused by negative relationship life events.

Barriers in Seeking Online and Face-to-Face Therapy for Romantic Relationship Problems

This study identifies how private stigma may impact one’s intent to seek therapy for romantic relationship issues via face-to-face and online therapy. The mechanisms of self-disclosure, self-concealment, and attitudes about therapy are analyzed as mediators through path modeling analysis. Results indicated significant indirect effects through self-disclosure and attitudes about therapy for seeking both online and face-to-face therapy. There was a significant indirect effect through self-concealment for intending to seek face-to-face therapy, but not for online therapy. Clinicians should find ways to normalize seeking therapy for relationship issues and be cognizant of how private stigma may impact their work with couples.

Developmental Pathways from Childhood Maltreatment to Young Adult Romantic Relationship Functioning

ABSTRACT Childhood abuse has been suggested to potentiate a maladaptive developmental trajectory, leaving adolescents and young adults at risk for mental health and romantic relationship problems. It has been suggested that mental health problems mediate the relationship between childhood abuse and young adult romantic relationship functioning; however, there are few prospective studies. The objective of the current study was to examine the effects of childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse on posttraumatic stress symptoms in adolescence, and relationship quality, intimacy, companionship, and conflict in young adult’s romantic relationships. Using data from the Longitudinal Studies of Childhood Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), a sample of 313 racially diverse adolescents were used. Using structural equation modeling, it was found that dissociation mediated the relationship between physical abuse and relationship quality, but in the opposite direction of what was expected. Additionally, anger mediated the relationship from both physical and sexual abuse to conflict. Childhood abuse appears to influence young adult relationship functioning through mental health problems in mid-adolescence, particularly anger and dissociation. These results are consistent with the notion that children who were abused may struggle in romantic relationships in young adulthood and addressing mental health problems in adolescence may a point of intervention.

Disrupted physiological coregulation during a conflict predicts short-term discord and long-term relationship dysfunction in couples with personality pathology.

Interpersonal dysfunction is a core feature of personality disorders, often affecting close relationships. Nevertheless, little is known about the moment-to-moment dynamic processes by which personality pathology contributes to dysfunctional relationships. Here, we investigated the role of physiological attunement during a conflict discussion in romantic couples oversampled for personality pathology. We hypothesized that physiological coregulation would be disrupted in individuals with personality pathology, subsequently predicting short-term discord and long-term relationship dissatisfaction. One hundred twenty-one couples completed a 10-min discussion about an area of disagreement while cardiovascular physiology and behavior were recorded. We quantified coregulation using a dynamical systems model of heart rate changes. We found that greater interpersonal problem severity was associated with more contrarian coregulation, exacerbating negative affect and interpersonal perceptions. Furthermore, the extent to which coregulation was associated with increased discord prospectively predicted relationship dissatisfaction 1 year later. Altogether, this work sheds light on a pathway by which personality pathology contributes to problems in romantic relationships. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

We Shall Overcome: The Association Between Family of Origin Adversity, Coming to Terms, and Relationship Quality in African Americans

Because adverse childhood and family of origin experiences may have implications for adult relationships, the current study was designed to understand the associations between childhood family of origin adversities, and adult romantic relationship quality for individual African Americans in relationships (N = 1286) considering the potential intermediary role of coming to terms, self-esteem and depression symptoms. A structural equation model was conducted using a selection of data from the RELATE assessment (see www.relate-institute.org ). Results revealed no direct effect between family of origin adversity and relationship quality, however there were several indirect effects carried through coming to terms, self-esteem, and depression symptoms. Results also suggested that coming to terms associated with higher self-esteem and lower levels of depressive symptoms for the African Americans in the current study sample. Clinicians may find it useful to focus on assisting African American individuals in coming to terms with childhood family of origin adversity as part of treatment for depression, self-esteem issues, and adult romantic relationship problems. Additional clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Self-harm with suicidal and non-suicidal intent in young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

BackgroundSelf-harm, whether attributed to suicidal or non-suicidal motives, is associated with several poor outcomes in young people, including eventual suicide. Much of our understanding of self-harm in young people is based on literature from Europe (particularly, the UK), North America, and Australia. We aimed to synthesise the available evidence on prevalence, the commonly reported self-harm methods, correlates, risk and protective factors, and reasons for self-harm, in adolescents (aged 10–25 years) in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodWe searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, African Journals OnLine, and African Index Medicus for records from 1950 through August 2019, without language restrictions. We supplemented the database searches by searching relevant portals for postgraduate theses, reference harvesting, contacting authors for unpublished studies, and hand searching relevant print sources. We applied narrative synthesis to the evidence.ResultsSeventy-four studies from 18 sub-Saharan African countries met the inclusion criteria. The median lifetime prevalence estimate was 10·3% (interquartile range [IQR] 4·6% – 16·1%); median 12-month prevalence estimate was 16·9% (IQR: 11·5% – 25·5%); median 6-month prevalence estimate was 18·2% (IQR: 12·7% – 21·8%); and the median 1-month prevalence estimate was 3·2% (IQR: 2·5–14·8%). Studies from Western sub-Saharan Africa reported the highest 12-month prevalence estimates (median = 24·3%; IQR = 16·9% – 27·9%). Clinical samples commonly reported overdose, whereas self-cutting was most commonly reported in non-clinical samples. Academic failure, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, romantic relationship problems, family conflict, depression, and previous self-harm were identified as key correlates of self-harm. No study reported protective factors against self-harm.ConclusionVariation in estimates was explained by small sample sizes and variation in definitions and measures used. Exploration of associations, risks and protective factors was based upon concepts and measures derived from high income countries. More detailed and culturally sensitive research is needed to understand the context-specific risks and protective factors for self-harm in adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

Are Playboy (and girl) Norms Behind the Relationship Problems Associated with Pornography Viewing in Men and Women?

Research has indicated that pornography viewing is related to romantic relationship problems. However, the correlations across past studies have been small. We tested a model in which playboy norm conformity (i.e. desires to have frequent sex with multiple partners) functions as a confound between pornography viewing constructs on three romantic relationship wellbeing indicators: Relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and infidelity proclivity. Results from men (n = 286) and women (n = 717) indicated that the significant inverse correlations between relationship satisfaction and relationship commitment with pornography viewing constructs becomes non-significant when playboy norm conformity is accounted. Further, the positive relationship between pornography viewing and infidelity proclivity also becomes non-significant in women (no initial connection between pornography viewing and infidelity proclivity was found in men). Though conformity to playboy norms was more strongly related to all romantic relationship wellbeing indicators across genders, pornography viewing frequency was still significantly inversely correlated with relationship satisfaction for women; though the effect size was small. Moderation analyses suggested that pornography viewing frequency was more strongly inversely correlated with relationship satisfaction for women than men. Cumulatively, our results suggest conformity to playboy norms is a significant confounding variable between pornography viewing and romantic relationship wellbeing.

Influence of Lack of Trust on Romantic Relationship Problems: The Mediating Role of Partner Cell Phone Snooping.

We investigated how a lack of trust in one's romantic partner exacerbates problems such as emotional instability, conflict, or intention to break up in relationships with the role of cell phone snooping as a mediator. A cross-sectional survey of married individuals (n = 329) was conducted using an online questionnaire. Results indicate that lack of trust is a significant predictor of romantic relationship problems. In addition, structural equation modeling results support the theoretical model indicating that cell phone snooping partially mediates the significant relationship between emotional instability, intention to break up, and conflicts. Findings support the development of trust in romantic partners as an approach to stability and avoidance of problems in romantic relationships.

How Will I Know If (S)He Really Loves Me? An Analysis of Romantic Relationship Concerns in Ghanaian Print Media Advice Columns, 2000–2016

Advice columns disseminate life dilemmas in a public forum for problem-solving. They provide readers’ entertainment and education, including about how to navigate romantic relationships. Thematic examination of 283 advice column articles published between 2000 and 2016 in two widely circulating Ghanaian newspapers was conducted to explore: (1) the scope of romantic relationship problems, and (2) the messages being transmitted about relationships, sexuality, and love. The articles comprised the following topics: (1) Commitment, (2) Communication, (3) Culture, (4) Socioeconomic Concerns; and (5) Violence. Agency and tension in relationships, the representation of romantic love, and other implications are discussed.

Differences between medically treated and untreated non-fatal self-harm reported by hotline callers in China

BackgroundMany self-harmers do not present in hospitals due to the self-harm. It is still unclear on the differences between medically treated and untreated self-harm in China. This study described the differences of the two groups of self-harmers using the largest psychological aid hotline data.MethodsThe present observational study recruited 3,403 hotline callers who reported episodes of self-harm before the call. In routine assessment, information about the most recent episode of self-harm was collected, including the method of self-harm, the wish to die, goals of the self-harm, and any medical treatment (irrespective of psychological services) in the hospital. The callers were divided into two groups: those who received hospital-based medical treatment due to the most recent self-harm (treated self-harm callers) and those who did not (untreated self-harm callers).ResultsIn the most recent episode of self-harm, 65% (n = 2,217) of callers were untreated and 55% (1,226/2,217) of the untreated self-harm callers reported a wish to die. A total of 67% of the callers reported that their main goal of self-harm was to relieve suffering. The most common self-harm methods were using instruments (knife or rope) and overdosing on medicines. Compared with treated self-harm callers, the untreated self-harm callers were less likely to have a wish to die (OR = 0.57), engage in self-harm outside the home (OR = 0.71 and 0.78), and attribute their self-harm to romantic relationship problems (OR = 0.76); however, they were more likely to use instruments, to jump, or to choose other methods (OR = 3.73, 3.83, and 7.71, respectively).ConclusionsAmong hotline callers, many episodes of self-harm did not receive medical treatment, despite over half reporting a wish to die. Characteristics of self-harm behaviors were different between treated and untreated self-harm callers. Our findings suggest that more strategies should improve access to hospital-based medical treatment and coverage for post-intervention for self-harmers who are not presented in hospitals.

Close relationships and depression: A developmental cascade approach.

Previous research has shown that problematic parent-child, peer, and romantic partner relationships are associated with an increased likelihood for major depressive disorder (MDD). Less research has evaluated the developmental unfolding of how these interpersonal relationship features are both an antecedent versus a consequence of MDD symptoms from adolescence through young adulthood. These gaps were evaluated using a large community sample (N = 1,127; 54% female, 96% white) via a developmental cascade model. Results showed support for significant antecedent effects, as greater parent-child relationship problems at ages 11 and 17 predicted rank-order increases in MDD symptoms at ages 14 and 20. Supporting a developmental cascade of problematic social relationships, greater parent-child relationship problems at ages 11 and 14 also predicted greater subsequent rank-order increases in antisocial peer affiliation at ages 14 and 17. Greater affiliation to antisocial peers at age 20 predicted greater rank-order increases in romantic relationship problems at age 24, which in turn predicted greater MDD symptoms at age 29. Cross-effects were generally small (βs ≤ .16), illustrating other factors may be relevant to the development or consequences of MDD. Nonetheless, findings support the importance of efforts to strengthen social support networks to offset risk as well as potentially treat depression.

Intimacy Mediates the Relation Between Maltreatment in Childhood and Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction in Adulthood: A Dyadic Longitudinal Analysis.

Trauma theories suggest that childhood maltreatment (CM) may partly explain intimacy problems in romantic relationships. However, empirical studies have yielded conflicting findings, likely due to the varying conceptualizations of intimacy. Findings that support long-term negative effects of CM on sexual and relationship satisfaction are almost exclusively based on cross-sectional intra-individual data, precluding the examination of mediating pathways and of dyadic interactions between individuals reporting CM and their partners. This study used a dyadic perspective to examine the associations between CM and the different components of intimacy based on the interpersonal process model of intimacy: self-disclosure, perceived partner disclosure, and perceived partner responsiveness. We also tested the mediating role of these intimacy components at Time 1 in the relations between CM and sexual and relationship satisfaction 6months later. A sample of 365 heterosexual couples completed self-report questionnaires. Results of path analyses within an actor-partner interdependence framework showed that women and men's higher levels of CM did not affect self-disclosure, but was negatively associated with their own perception of partner disclosure and responsiveness. In turn, women and men's perception of partner responsiveness at Time 1 was positively associated with their own sexual satisfaction, as well as their own and their partner's relationship satisfaction at Time 2. Thus, perception of partner responsiveness mediated the associations between CM and poorer sexual and relationship satisfaction. The overall findings may inform the development of couple intervention that targets the enhancement of intimacy to promote sexual and relationship well-being in couples where one partner experienced CM.

THE ROLE OF EARLY MALADAPTIVE SCHEMAS ON ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: A REVIEW STUDY

Human beings are a social entity, and the relationships have an important role in the lives of people. Beliefs and patterns of behavior in relationships are shaped by early life experiences (Bartholomew & Shaver, 1998; Hazan & Shaver, 1994). Ainsworth and Bowlby (1991) have stated that babies can only feel safe when they can have parent figures that care for them and take responsibility for the consequences of their behavior. A similar view of object relations and attachment theories is that the individual develops schemas according to the level of meeting the needs of early childhood and reflects these schemas to current life events (Rafaeli, Bernstein & Young, 2013). There are 18 early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) that arise due to most of the relational needs, and they arise in distressed relational processes. In the relationship, if the partners are faced with situations that trigger their schemas, they may be insufficient to meet each other's needs, show sensitivity and cognitive distortion (Young, Klosko & Weishaar, 2013). As a result, the purpose of this study is to briefly introduce the EMSs, to provide some research on the role of EMSs on romantic relationships, and to suggest recommendations to mental health professionals on how to conceptualize and treat romantic relationship problems. Research conducted over the past two decades shows that attachment problems persist in adulthood and these problems have a strong influence on a large number of behaviors in relationships. Research on the role of EMSs on romantic relationships show that schemas play an active role in adult-related conflict (Messman Moore and Coates (2007), divorce process (Yousefi, Etemadi, Bahrami, Ahmadi & Sadat Fatehi 2010), inclinations of romantic relationship (Cihan Gungor, 2015), marital satisfaction (Kebritchi, & Mohammadkhani, 2016), couple satisfaction and individual mate value (Dumitrescu, & Rusu, 2012). Thus, it can be said that moving through EMSs in relational problems enables the systematic understanding of emotional, cognitive and behavioral structures.

OEF/OIF/OND Veterans Seeking PTSD Treatment: Perceptions of Partner Involvement in Trauma-Focused Treatment.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to a variety of adverse mental and physical health outcomes including distressed relationships. Involving romantic partners in PTSD treatment appears to be a promising new avenue for PTSD treatment; however, additional research is necessary to clarify veteran preferences for inclusion of significant others in treatment and relationship characteristics that may influence such preferences. Accordingly, the present study was designed to evaluate Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) veterans' desire to include romantic partners in trauma-focused care (n = 74) and to explore psychological and relationship variables associated with preference for partner inclusion in PTSD treatment. This study surveyed male (N = 74) OEF/OIF/OND combat veterans seeking mental health services at a Veterans Health Administration PTSD treatment program. Relationships between PTSD symptoms, romantic relationship functioning, and interest in including their romantic partner in PTSD treatment were examined. Consistent with previous research, OEF/OIF/OND veterans seeking treatment at a specialty PTSD program report low relationship satisfaction. The majority of participants reported that PTSD symptoms interfere with relationship functioning; specifically, numbing symptoms were a significant predictor of PTSD-related relationship impairment. A minority (26%) of participants reported a desire to include their romantic partner in PTSD treatment. Greater behavioral avoidance and communication difficulties were associated with increased interest in including a romantic partner in PTSD treatment. We confirmed that OEF/OIF/OND veterans seeking PTSD treatment experience PTSD-related problems in romantic relationships, low-relationship satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction was positively associated with perceived communication and problem-solving skills. A minority of veterans were interested in involving significant others in their PTSD treatment; however, in the present study, veterans were not given information about the various ways that a romantic partner might be involved in treatment, and they were not presented with specific conjoint therapies (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, Strategic Approach Therapy). For veterans with PTSD, relationship distress, and communication difficulties, conjoint psychotherapies may offer a way of increasing engagement in PTSD treatment by parsimoniously addressing multiple treatment targets at once (PTSD symptoms, relationship distress, communication problems) and providing veteran-centered care.