Effects of posttraumatic stress and acculturation on marital functioning in Bosnian refugee couples

Forty Bosnian refugee couples living in the United Stares completed a translated version of the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self Report, the Behavioral Acculturation Scale, the Marital Satisfaction Inventory-Revised, and a demographic questionnaire. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology was the best predictor of marital functioning and was related negatively to acculturation. After controlling for PTSD, acculturation did not predict marital functioning. Wives' marital satisfaction was best predicted by husbands' PTSD, husbands' acculturation, and their own PTSD. Husbands' marital satisfaction was not predicted significantly by any of these variables. These findings suggest several implications for mental health professionals dealing with refugees and other traumatized populations.