The phenomenon of trauma has been widely studied in psychology and medicine, but there is little research that examines its effects on relational satisfaction. Traumatic events can range from natural disasters to physical assaults, and they often leave victims feeling isolated, fearful, anxious, and depressed. Relational satisfaction refers to how well one's needs for closeness, support, trust, communication, and intimacy are met within their current relationship(s), regardless of whether it is romantic, platonic, familial, or professional. Studies have shown that people who experience high levels of operational stress (e.g., work-related) may also struggle more with achieving relational satisfaction. In light of this finding, the present study sought to investigate the mechanisms through which relational satisfaction buffers the impact of operational stress and trauma.
Data was collected via self-report questionnaires administered to a sample of adult participants (N 1000) who were recruited online. Participants completed measures assessing their level of trauma exposure (TEQ), operational stress (OSD), and relational satisfaction (RSAT). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data, controlling for age and gender. The results revealed that relational satisfaction moderated the association between TEQ and OSD, such that those with higher relational satisfaction reported less negative outcomes related to both TEQ and OSD. This suggests that individuals who prioritize close relationships tend to buffer themselves against the harmful effects of trauma and operational stress. Further analysis showed that relational satisfaction mediates the relationship between trauma exposure and OSD, suggesting that those with high relational satisfaction may be better able to cope with challenges at work.
The data demonstrated that relational satisfaction and TEQ interact in predicting OSD, indicating that individuals who experience higher levels of both trauma and operational stress may benefit most from maintaining strong relationships.
The findings suggest that relational satisfaction plays an important role in protecting individuals from the negative consequences of traumatic events and operational stress. As such, it is crucial for clinicians to encourage clients to prioritize their relationships as part of treatment interventions for trauma and operational stress. Future research should examine how other factors, such as social support, coping strategies, and self-esteem, may also influence the relationship between relational satisfaction and trauma/stress.
This study highlights the importance of considering relational factors when assessing and treating patients who have experienced trauma or are under high levels of stress.
What are the mechanisms through which relational satisfaction buffers the impact of operational stress and trauma?
Research has shown that relationships with significant others can serve as a buffer against the negative effects of stress and traumatic experiences on an individual's well-being. This is because strong social support from family members, friends, and romantic partners can help individuals cope with stress by providing comfort, encouragement, and positive reinforcement during difficult times.