Partners of Veterans With PTSD: Parenting and Family Experiences

Abstract

Partners raising children are significantly impacted by living with a veteran who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This qualitative study explored the parenting and family experiences of partners to veterans with military-PTSD. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight female partners, caring for at least one child below the age of 18 years. Thematic analysis produced four primary themes around parenting, (dis)connection, family identity, and unpredictability. A number of contrasting concepts such as feeling unsupported, yet reluctance to access support, highlighted the complexity of partner experiences. Clear recommendations arose from the study including greater in inclusion in health care, the need for upskilling of service providers and educators in area of family and parenting issues, and clearer pathways for spouses and families to access information.