The Effects of Partner Perceptions on the Relationship Between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Aspects of Parenting

Objective: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with parenting difficulties, but the role of partner perceptions in this relationship is unclear. The present study aimed to (a) examine the links between partner perceptions, three PTSD symptom clusters (i.e., avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, changes in arousal and reactivity), and aspects of parenting (i.e., support, satisfaction, involvement) and (b) determine if partner perceptions moderate these relationships. Method: In total, 225 trauma-exposed parents (M = 36.87, SD = 8.32, 64% female, 52.9% White) were assessed via self-report measures. Results: As expected, the negative alterations in cognitions and mood and arousal and reactivity clusters were negatively associated with partner perceptions (r = -.17 and -.24, respectively) and all three parenting indices (rs = -.15 to -.35). Avoidance symptoms were unrelated to partner perceptions but were tied to parental support and satisfaction (rs = -.15). Partner perceptions moderated the relationships between negative alterations in cognitions and mood and support and satisfaction (beta s = .02), as well as changes in arousal and reactivity and support (beta = .02). Conclusions: Parents with negative alterations in cognitions and mood and arousal and reactivity symptoms who perceive their partners negatively may be at higher risk for experiencing lower levels of parental support or satisfaction. Additionally, the negative links between the aforementioned symptom clusters and parenting disappeared in the context of positive partner perceptions, indicating a potential protective factor.