THE QUALITY OF THE INTIMATE-RELATIONSHIPS OF MALE VIETNAM VETERANS - PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER

This study examined the qualify of the intimate relationships of male Vietnam veterans. Heterosexual couples in which the veteran had posttr aumatic stress disorder (PTSD; n = 26) were compared to couples in whi ch the veteran did not have PTSD (n = 24). Over 70% of the PTSD vetera ns and their partners reported clinically significant levels of relati onship distress compared to only about 30% of the non-PTSD couples. Re lationship difficulties appeared to encompass a wide range of areas, w ith PTSD veterans and their partners reporting that they had more prob lems in their relationships more difficulties with intimacy, and had t aken more steps toward separation and divorce than the non-PTSD vetera ns and their partners. The degree of relationship distress was correla ted with the severity of veterans' PTSD symptoms, particularly symptom s of emotional numbing. Research and clinical implications of the resu lts are discussed.