Talk to Me: Disclosure of Past Trauma Experiences to Spouses in Military Couples

Abstract

Trauma disclosure in interpersonal relationships has received limited attention in both clinical and empirical literature. In the current study, using a mixed method research design, participants’ disclosure levels were coded based on their interview descriptions of their disclosure of trauma experiences to their spouse. Participants were classified into one of two groups: low trauma disclosure (n=16) or high trauma disclosure (n=55). The low disclosure group reported significantly lower relationship adjustment than the high disclosure group. In addition, using qualitative methods, the high disclosure group participants reported primarily positive functioning themes, while the low disclosure group participants reported more negative effects.

Keywords

• trauma disclosure, relationship functioning, military couples, mixed method research design