The role of partner perceptions and perceived support in treatment of PTSD symptoms in Dutch veterans

Kellenaers, Fleur A.M. (2022) The role of partner perceptions and perceived support in treatment of PTSD symptoms in Dutch veterans. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

Spouses of veterans suffering from PTSD have been shown to experience more psychological and marital distress. Such distress is higher when there is a large discrepancy between the veteran’s perception of their own symptoms and their spouses’ perception of these symptoms, and this discrepancy tends to be larger for internalizing symptoms than for externalizing symptoms. However, little if any research has investigated the impact of such discrepancies on treatment. A limited body of research has explored the impact of related systemic factors such as spousal support as perceived by veterans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the discrepancy in PTSD symptom perception between veterans and their spouses predicts treatment outcome, and whether this discrepancy moderates the association between perceived support and treatment outcome. This was investigated both on a general level and per symptom cluster to identify possible inter-cluster differences. Data was collected from a randomized controlled trial in which veterans received trauma treatment over a period of 16 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-treatment in which symptom severity, perception of symptoms by both veterans and their spouses, and perceived support were measured. A multiple regression analysis yielded no significant results. Therefore, the hypothesis that a high discrepancy in symptom perception between veterans and their spouses would negatively impact treatment outcome and moderate the effect of perceived support on treatment outcome was rejected. However, limiting aspects of this study such as the small sample and methodological limitations ask for further research on this largely overlooked topic. Keywords: PTSD, veterans, support, partner, perceptions

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Lommen, M.J.J.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	03 Aug 2022 07:59
Last Modified:	03 Aug 2022 07:59
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1228

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