ABSTRACT
In a previous review, Galovski and Lyons (2004) concluded that the impact of combat exposure on the family is mediated by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies from the 1980s to mid-1990s comprised the bulk of the evidence from which that conclusion was derived. At that time, nearly all veterans were men, a literature on deployment stress was just beginning to develop, and there were few studies of family interventions for PTSD. Research from that period found that psychopathology (PTSD more so than other diagnoses) consistently predicted the problems observed in or reported by partners (wives) and children. Of the various symptom clusters that comprise PTSD, numbing/avoidance symptoms were found to be most disruptive of relationship functioning. This chapter builds on our previous examination of marital/partner issues associated with military service and reexamines our prior conclusions in light of recent studies. Increased attention is given to deployment stress and to sexual trauma, although combat trauma remains a major emphasis. Interventions to strengthen and repair relationships are discussed. Recommendations for future directions are offered.
