Degree Date

9-2021

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Psy.D. Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Academic Discipline

Clinical Psychology - Florida School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Kathie Bates

Second Advisor

Christina Brown

Abstract

This literature review addresses secondary traumatic stress (STS) in intimate partners and children of service members. More specifically, this literature review aims to explore if intimate partners and children of military service members are at risk for developing secondary traumatic stress. Secondly, this review aims to explore if there are specific risk factors associated with the development of secondary traumatic stress in intimate partners and children of service members. Finally, this review examines if there are other stressors and outcomes for intimate partners and children of service members. A systematic review of peer-reviewed research was explored to accomplish addressing the above aims. Results of this review indicate that some intimate partners of service members develop STS. Due to a lack of research, it is unclear if children of service members are likely to develop STS. This review did identify several general risk factors across populations for developing STS and PTSD. This review also identified mental health outcomes other than STS that intimate partners and children of service members may face. Limitations of this review include limited research on STS in intimate partners and children of service members, methodological shortcomings of reviewed studies, and studies reviewed not accounting for or not gathering sufficient information about trauma experiences not related to military services. General clinical implications include treatment recommendations for family focused treatment, utilizing protective factors, STS, and psychological distress for intimate partners and children of service members. Recommendations for future research include studies on STS in children of service members, expanding the diversity of participant samples (i.e., non-heterosexual couples, female service members, racially inclusive), and government organizations, such as Veterans Affairs, utilizing family focused treatment approaches.

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