Abstract

Current literature focusing on those exposed to disaster includes calls for more studies with populations who have regular exposure to extreme weather events. The current study reported on a secondary data analysis with a sample of 240 heterosexual couples living in or near coastal regions in the southeast US, who were at risk of experiencing disaster events during the 2019 hurricane season (June-December). An actor-partner interdependence model was fit to the dyadic data via path analysis to test the mediating effect of grit on the relationship dyadic coping (mental health and attachment behaviors) and disaster-related losses, accounting for trauma history. Negative, indirect actor effects suggested women's trauma history is associated with their own attachment behaviors, through lower levels of grit. Direct effects were also found, women's higher levels of trauma history were associated with lower levels of grit for themselves and their husbands. Lastly, male and female partner's higher grit levels were associated with lower levels of male's mental health outcomes (e.g., post-traumatic stress symptoms). Clinical implications were provided for how couple and marriage therapists can best serve couples facing trauma history and disaster-related loss.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

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