Forgiveness and marital satisfaction in combat veterans with post traumatic stress disorder and their wives

Stress caused by various events such as war is regarded as one of the factors threatening mental heath. Stressful life events and theirs consequences may result in post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which, in turn, will cause destructive effects, including marital mal-adjustment between couples. However, factors such as positive psychological sub-components, including forgiveness will have positive effects on symptoms of PTSD. The present research aims at predicting marital satisfaction in men suffering from PTSD and their wives, based on severity of PTSD symptoms in men and the rate of forgiveness shown by partners.Methods and Materials: In order to achieve the objectives of the research, first 103 patients under treatment in Jannat specialized hospital for psychiatric patients in Shiraz were chosen. In the next step, they were assessed through PTSD Scale. Based on the cut-off point by this scale, 42 of the patients and their spouses were selected in order to be assessed for forgiveness and marital satisfaction through forgiveness, and dyadic marital adjustment scales. Finally, the data was analyzed by stepwise regression method. The results showed that the higher score in forgiveness and the lower severity of PTSD symptoms can predict marital satisfaction in men suffering from PTSD and their wives. The findings of this research are in agreement with other studies conducted in various group particularly in combat related PTSD. This study emphasizes the role of forgiveness desire in increasing marital satisfaction and adjustment among combat related PTSD patients and their wives. The results of this study can be used to design and formulate programs and marital interventions based on forgiveness training for partners.