Differentiation of the self and posttraumatic symptomatology among ex-POWs and their wives

J Marital Fam Ther. 2009 Jan;35(1):60-73. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2008.00102.x.

Abstract

War captivity is a highly traumatic experience which sometimes has deleterious effects on both ex-POWs and their wives. This study examined the relationships between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and differentiation among male ex-prisoners of war (ex-POWs; n = 103), their wives (n = 82), and comparable controls. Results show that ex-POWs and their wives endorsed more PTSD symptoms than controls. Ex-POWs endorsed more cut-off and fusion than controls, while their wives endorsed only more fusion than control wives. Finally, the relationship between differentiation and PTSD was found to be stronger among ex-POW couples than among control couples. The unique characteristics of war captivity and the relationships between avoidance symptoms and cut-off were suggested as possible explanations.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prisoners / psychology*
  • Self Disclosure
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Spouses / psychology*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • United States
  • Veterans / psychology*
  • Warfare