Characteristics of Effective Communicative Partners for Veterans with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

This study identifies communicative and non-communicative characteristics of spouses of veterans with PTSD as discussed by the participants. Due to the exposure to traumatic events, language abilities of soldiers are often affected, commonly delaying the retrieval of memories, as well as analysis and production of everyday speech. These symptoms make it difficult to perform the communication behaviors that are conducive for healthy relationships. Improved acceptance and acknowledgment of PTSD in veterans by the armed services has increased the demand for preventative and therapeutic methods being used to treat returning veterans assimilating back into society. Qualitative methodology was used in this study to obtain rich descriptions of interactions spouses have experienced. This study is intended to give professionals and family members of veterans with PTSD perspectives of communication methods used by spouses.