ARTICLE INFO

Article Type

Original Research

Authors

Mohammadyfar   M.A. (1 )
Najafi   M. (* )






(* ) Clinical Psychology Department, Psychology and Education Faculty, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
(1 ) Educational Psychology Department, Psychology and Education Faculty, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

Correspondence

Article History

Received:  September  7, 2013
Accepted:  March 11, 2014
ePublished:  April 2, 2014

BRIEF TEXT


… [1] Marital satisfaction is effected by both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors [2, 3]. Several studies have been conducted investigating the effective factors on marital satisfaction [5]. According to clinical experiences, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) leads to many problems for veterans and their family [7].

Researchers reported Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among the veterans and their families [8, 9]. … [10-14]. Several studies show that there is a significant correlation between personality traits and marital satisfaction [15-22]. There is a low marital functioning between the persons with PTSD [23]; and it has been stated that there are some factors affecting marital satisfaction [24]. … [25-29]. It has been revealed that neuroticism is one of the risk factors in PTSD [30]. According to a study, the personality issues are one of the most important factors concerning prediction of marital satisfaction among the veterans with PTSD [31]. Results of a study show that there is a correlation between PTSD and neuroticism, negative emotions, anger, and anxiety [32].

The aim of this study was to compare “personality traits” and “marital satisfaction” among the veterans with/without PTSD.

The method is causal-comparative.

The veterans were registered at Chahaar Mahaal Province Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. The study was conducted during 2012.

200 injured veterans were selected, using random cluster sampling method. The sample size was determined, using Gpower software and concerning test power, type of study, and the variables’ variance specifications.

Research tools were Enrich marital satisfaction questionnaire, and six-factor personality test. The questionnaire compiled by Olson [33] had two formats, the main format includes 115-item and the short format includes 47-item. The latter was used. Internal consistency of the test is obtained 0.93 in the main format, and 0.95 in the short format [34]. Six-factor personality test is provided by Lee and Ashton [35], which assesses personal differences in six personality dimensions. The dimensions contain “honesty – humility”, “affectivity”, “extraversion”, “accordance”, “loyalty”, and “openness”. Results of the studies by Lee and Ashton [35] and Palahang et al. [36] showed the reliability of the questionnaire, and the results showed that it had a good internal consistency. SPSS 19 software was used for data analyzing. Multivariable variance analysis test was used to assess the average score of “marital satisfaction” and “personality traits” of the veterans with/without PTSD. One-variable ANOVA test was used to assess the average scores of the components of “marital satisfaction” including “personality issues”, “marital relationship”, “conflict resolution”, “financial management”, “leisure time”, “sexual relationship”, “children and marriage”, “family and friends”, and “religious orientation”. In addition, One-variable ANOVA test was used to assess the average scores of the components of “personality traits” including “honesty – humility”, “affectivity”, “extraversion”, “accordance”, “loyalty”, and “openness”.

There was a significant difference between the scores of veterans’ marital satisfaction with and without PTSD. Among the components of “personality issues”, “marital relationship”, “conflict resolution”, “financial management”, “leisure time”, “sexual relationship”, and “children and marriage”, the average score of veterans without PTSD was more than those with PTSD ; and the difference was statistically significant. There was a significant difference between the scores of personality traits between veterans with and without PTSD. In “extraversion”, “accordance”, “loyalty”, and “openness” subscales, the average score of veterans without PTSD was more than those with PTSD; and the difference was statistically significant.

The results are consistent with the results of some other studies [15, 16, 19, 37-40, 42]. … [41-52]

It is suggested that some programs to be planned in order to decrease disorder symptom, and to increase marital satisfaction of the veterans. In addition, it is suggested that some interventions to be made concerning veterans with PTSD, based on enrichment of marital relations.

Veterans of Chahaar Mahaal Province were studied, so generalization is reduced.

“Marital satisfaction” and “personality traits” concerning the veterans with PTSD is lower than those of the veterans without PTSD.

The researchers feel grateful to the personnel of Chahaar Mahaal province’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs.

Non-declared

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