Optimism, Self-Differentiation, and Perceived Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Predictors of Satisfaction in Female Military Partners

Combat deployment is stressful for military spouses, so it is important to examine factors that can improve their relationship satisfaction. This study recruited 235 female partners of Service members or Veterans who had at least one combat deployment; each woman completed an online survey regarding their level of optimism, self-differentiation (i.e., being able to function autonomously when necessary), and perceived posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD). Results revealed that the three factors all played a role in female military partners' relationship satisfaction.