PTSD has been shown to have significant impacts on physical health (Pacella et al., 2013), substance misuse (Reynolds et al., 2005), interpersonal relationships (Taft et al., 2011), and the development of other comorbid psychiatric disorders (Kessler, 1995). While much attention has been given to the effects of PTSD on individuals, there is a lack of research focusing on the impact on partners and loved ones. Understanding these wider effects is crucial, as poor interpersonal relationships can worsen symptoms and hinder recovery (Brewin et al., 2000). Partners of individuals with PTSD often face psychological distress themselves, grappling with challenges like caregiver burden and secondary trauma (Lambert et al., 2012).
Recent research by Powling et al. (2024) seeks to fill this gap by exploring the experiences of partners of individuals with PTSD who are not in high-risk occupations, such as law enforcement or healthcare. The study delves into the interpretative accounts of partners as they navigate their loved one’s PTSD diagnosis. The research question driving the study is: ‘what are the experiences and views of people who have a partner with a history of trauma and diagnosis of PTSD?’ (Powling et al., 2024, p. 3).
The qualitative study conducted in a specialist NHS UK trauma service involved semi-structured interviews with partners of individuals diagnosed with PTSD. The interview questions covered various aspects, such as the context of the traumatic event, the state of the relationship pre-and post-trauma, access to services, and future expectations. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling strategy, ensuring a diverse range of experiences.
The study revealed that partners of individuals with PTSD undergo a journey of losses and gains. The overarching theme of “an ongoing journey of loss and gain” emerged, highlighting the complex nature of navigating a relationship with someone with PTSD. The study identified three superordinate themes: “making sense of the trauma and ensuing consequences,” “shifting identities,” and “accessing and experiencing outside resources.”
Partners described their journey as a constant struggle to understand the trauma, adapt to new roles and responsibilities, and seek support from various sources. The study shed light on the diverse emotions experienced by partners, from hope to hopelessness, as they grappled with the challenges posed by their partner’s PTSD.
While the study provided valuable insights into the experiences of partners of individuals with PTSD, there were limitations, including a small and homogenous sample. Future research should aim to include more diverse participants to ensure the generalizability of findings. Longitudinal studies may also help in capturing the evolving experiences of partners over time. Despite these limitations, the study contributes important findings to the literature and underscores the need for greater attention to the experiences of partners in the context of PTSD.
