Grant: Operating Grant

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health condition that occurs in approximately 10% of Canadians following exposure to a traumatic event (Van Ameringen et al., 2008). Though a number of individual factors have been associated with the occurrence of PTSD (e.g., severe distress at the time of the traumatic event), social support after a traumatic event is one of the strongest factors associated with successful recovery. Furthermore, traumatized individuals indicate that intimate relationship problems are among their greatest concerns and PTSD is strongly associated with poorer intimate relationship functioning. This study aims to extend prior research in this area by testing a model that identifies individual and interpersonal risk and resilience factors that predict the course and severity of PTSD and relationship problems over time. A sample of 250 dyads (romantic and other close relationships) in which one member has PTSD symptoms will be recruited from the Greater Toronto Area and assessed four times. This research investigating individual and interpersonal factors associated with posttraumatic adjustment will lead to more effective prevention and treatment interventions for those with PTSD, as well as their loved ones.