Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Matthew Fearrington
Abstract
The reintegration process for combat veterans is challenging not only for soldiers but also for their spouses and family members. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine factors affecting relationship commitment in military couples in which a service member has shown signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sternberg’s triangular theory of love provided the framework for the study. Independent variables were passion, intimacy, age, and social support, and the dependent variable was commitment. Survey data were collected from 116 participants using Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that there was no significant effect of all factors combined; however, intimacy and passion were found to have a significant effect individually. Findings may increase awareness among mental health practitioners and shift the focus from the combat veteran to the partner or the couple as a unit when combating PTSD.
Recommended Citation
Villalobos Garza, Laura, "Factors Affecting Commitment for Military Couples" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9291.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9291
