People experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may struggle to communicate effectively with romantic partners, and a new study suggests fear of emotions could be a key reason. Researchers found that worries about the consequences of feeling strong emotions were tied to more destructive conflict patterns.
The research, led by Penn State’s Steffany Fredman, analyzed data from 64 opposite-sex couples in which both partners had lived through a traumatic event. Participants reported their PTSD symptoms, their beliefs about emotions, and the communication styles they and their partners used during relationship disagreements.
How fear of emotions shows up
Those with higher PTSD symptom levels were more likely to fear their emotions, the study found. That fear was associated with less constructive communication, such as reduced listening, collaborative problem solving, and willingness to compromise.
Higher fear of emotions was also linked to demand-withdraw dynamics, where one partner presses or criticizes and the other retreats or avoids the discussion. This pattern can intensify conflict, leave problems unresolved, and make future conversations feel even more threatening.
Why PTSD can strain relationships
Researchers noted that PTSD often involves mistrust, anger, emotional numbing, avoidance, and withdrawal, which can erode closeness over time. Because romantic relationships naturally trigger strong feelings, emotionally charged moments may resemble trauma reminders for some people with PTSD symptoms.
In that context, people may try to neutralize distress by shutting down, pulling away, or becoming reactive, responses that can further damage communication. The study describes this as a cycle in which relationship discord can sustain PTSD symptoms unless interrupted.
Implications for couples and therapy
Fredman, who has co-developed couple-based PTSD treatments, said addressing PTSD symptoms and fear of emotions together may be important for improving relationship functioning. Prior research by the team has also suggested that couple therapy can reduce PTSD symptoms while improving communication, including in brief intensive formats.
The authors argue the new findings add detail to why some couples struggle: PTSD symptoms may fuel catastrophic expectations about emotions, which then shapes how partners talk and react. They recommend that interventions help couples build safer ways to experience and express emotion while working through conflict.
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