Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for Couples with Concurrent PTSD and Traumatic Bereavement Due to the Loss of a Child

Nicole Freeman-Favia, B.S., Mindy Merricle, Psy.M., & Jeremiah A. Schumm, Ph.D.

The following is a review of literature, focusing on Monson and Fredman’s (2014) Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and its possible utility with couples concurrently presenting with PTSD and bereavement due to traumatic loss of a child. Suicide-bereaved parents and parents who have lost children to other traumatic deaths, frequently experience traumatic grief and symptoms of PTSD (Albuquerque, Pereira, & Narciso, 2016; Murphy et al., 1999; Murphy et al., 2003; Swan & Scott, 2009). Traumatic loss of a child is unique from other traumas because it may involve a shared traumatic loss that is experienced by both parents. Other forms of trauma can impact both partners in a dyadic relationship, but they may not experience the interpersonal loss in the same way (e.g., a military member witnesses the death of a close friend in combat who is not well-known to the civilian partner). CBCT for PTSD has been developed to treat an individual for PTSD while incorporating a partner, significant other, or a close loved one. The incorporation of concerned significant other aids in the effectiveness in treating the individual with PTSD as well as improving relationship satisfaction between the dyad. The use of CBCT can be effective when one or both partners have PTSD. However, research is limited on couples in which both partners exhibit PTSD. In addition to addressing PTSD, this treatment may also lend itself to addressing traumatic grief identified in parents bereaved by violent child death (i.e., suicide, homicide, accident).

Traumatic Loss of a Child

When a couple experiences the death of a child, the associated grief may be even more severe than when grieving other losses such as the death of a spouse (Sanders, 1980). This is especially true for parents bereaved by violent child death (i.e., suicide, homicide, accident). The sudden and catastrophic death of a child may lead to traumatic and complicated grief years after the loss (Rogers et al., 2008). A study from Ross, Kõlves, Kunde, and Leo (2018) examined suicide-bereaved parents and their response to traumatic grief, as well as parents who experienced other forms of sudden or catastrophic death. Researchers gathered interview data over a year period from parents who had lost their children through a traumatic experience. Based on self-report from the participants, Ross et al. found that while maladaptive coping methods like avoidance and alcohol abuse occurred, there was also the potential for post-traumatic growth and strengthening of relationships. The data collected had no clear indication that the participants were seeking additional supportive counseling to address their feelings around their loss, but several indicated the benefit of support groups (Ross, Kõlves, Kunde & Leo, 2018). 

About 25 percent of mothers and 12 percent of fathers meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD five years after child death (Murphy et al., 1999; & Murphy et al., 2003). Conceptualizations of complicated grief and PTSD have shown several similarities including factors that maintain and exacerbate symptoms such as the inability to process loss into autobiographical memory, negative beliefs and interpretations of the grief, and avoidance of the loss (Boelen, van den Hout, & van den Bout, 2006).   With child loss, parents can experience their grief while also being affected by their partner’s grief process. During such times, a couple often becomes disconnected from one another, and long-term grief becomes less manageable (McFarlane & Bookless, 2001). Similar to couples managing PTSD, bereaved parents may experience a decline in their relationship functioning (Albuquerque, Pereira, & Narciso, 2016). One study found that 12 percent of marriages end in divorce after the death of a child but also indicated that the death of the child might not have been the sole reason for divorce (The Compassionate Friends, 1999). Interventions including both parents can assess how the traumatic event has impacted their relationship regarding communication, sexuality, and intimacy (Albuquerque, Pereira, & Narciso, 2016; Amick-McMullan, Kilpatrick, & Resnick,1991; Barrera et al., 2009). When addressing PTSD in CBCT, communication and intimacy become target areas for change. These target areas are hypothesized to increase relationship satisfaction and reduce symptoms of PTSD (Monson & Fredman, 2012). We propose that CBCT for PTSD may similarly benefit couples experiencing traumatic grief related to traumatic child loss impacting their relationship satisfaction.

 Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD

In addition to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes that occur when an individual develops PTSD, multiple studies show that higher levels of PTSD symptoms may be associated with worse intimate partner relationship functioning (Birkley, Eckhardt, & Dyskstra, 2016; Monson, Fredman, & Dekel, 2010; Taft, Watkins, Stafford, Street, & Monson, 2011).  Research has suggested specific symptoms of PTSD impact relationship functioning. For example, emotional numbing has been found to be negatively correlated with relationship satisfaction and intimacy, while hyperarousal has a strong positive association with intimate partner aggression (Birkley, Eckhardt, & Dyskstra, 2016; Riggs, Byrne, Weathers, & Litz, 1998).

CBCT is designed to target the symptoms of PTSD and improve relationship functioning with potential secondary benefits to reducing distress among concerned significant others (Monson & Fredman, 2012). This is accomplished by conducting conjoint structured sessions that focus on learning skills to improve positivity, manage conflict, improve communication, promote effective sharing of emotions and thoughts, increase problem solving, and promote changes in trauma-related cognitions. CBCT consists of 15 sessions that are broken into three stages. The first stage is focused on psychoeducation about PTSD and developing conflict management skills, which includes attention to avoiding aggression and promoting safety within the relationship. This stage is also designed to increase commitment to the conjoint therapy. The second stage incorporates behavioral interventions to increase positive behavioral exchange and to help improve communication skills between the dyad. Stage three focuses on cognitive interventions that begin addressing the maladaptive thinking patterns that maintain the PTSD symptoms and effect relationship functioning. Research on CBCT for PTSD has found that it is efficacious at reducing PTSD, unhelpful trauma-related cognitions, comorbid symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and anger, as well as improving intimate partner relationship functioning (Amick-McMullan, Kilpatrick, & Resnick, 1991; Barrera et al., 2009; Macdonald et al., 2016; & Monson et al., 2011). 

CBCT for Violent Loss of a Child

Research on CBCT for PTSD has been conducted in couples with PTSD with one partner being diagnosed with PTSD or in mixed trauma samples, including those who have experienced combat-related trauma and interpersonal traumas such as sexual assault (Monson et al., 2012; Monson, Schnurr, Stevens, & Guthrie, 2004).  CBCT with these populations focuses on education around PTSD, relationship satisfaction, and conflict management skills. Aspects of this approach can aide bereaved parents explicitly focusing on skills that may improve the relationship, emotional numbing, intimate aggression, and behavioral avoidance. Parents that have lost a child due to traumatic circumstances also report similar symptoms of PTSD and traumatic grief along with relationship disruption (Albuquerque, Pereira, & Narciso, 2016; McFarlane, & Bookless, 2001; Riggs, Byrne, Weathers, & Litz, 1998; & Swan, & Scott, 2009). Traumatic child death research suggests these conflicts and communication breakdowns can damage marital relations (Albuquerque, Pereira, & Narciso 2016; Oliver, 1999).

Although a traumatic death of a child may increase the risk for divorce and marital distress, there is also the potential for growth and strengthening of the relationship (Albuquerque, Pereira, & Narciso, 2016; Barrera et al., 2009; Murphy et al., 1999). CBCT for PTSD can be applied to couples experiencing traumatic loss of a child to foster increased feelings of connection and support and to help these couples to develop adaptive cognitions and behavioral coping strategies. Few services are available for bereaved parents and current options, such as support groups, may not help couples unable to adapt to new roles, fail to teach couples effective coping skills, or are not effective in improving their relationship functioning (Albuquerque, Pereira, & Narciso, 2016; & Barrera et al., 2009).  CBCT for PTSD may be a viable option for helping parents who are struggling with symptoms of complicated grief and PTSD related to traumatic child loss.

References

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Amick-McMullan, A., Kilpatrick, D. G., & Resnick, H. S. (1991). Homicide as a risk factor for PTSD among surviving family members. Behavior Modification, 15(4), 545-559.

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Mindy Merricle is a fourth-year doctoral student at Wright State University School of ProfessionalPsychology (SOPP). She is completing generalist training in her degree program at SOPP and is on track for graduation in 2020. Her early career goals consist of working within a Veteran’s Affairs setting incorporating Veterans, their significant others, and families intotreatment. Her clinical interest areas consist of the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), othersignificant traumas and mental health diagnoses onreintegration into civilian life after deployment.