Date

5-20-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Lisa Avirett

Keywords

PTSD, Nightmares, Veterans, Spouses, Family Systems Theory, Stress Theory

Disciplines

Counseling | Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of spouses of veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with recurring nightmares in coastal Georgia. Since the experience of the spouse of a veteran is a unique experience, the theories that guided this study were Bowen’s family systems theory and Lazarus and Folkman’s stress theory. These theories guided this study in comprehending the complexities of this role and the family dynamics and stress of a spouse of a veteran with PTSD and nightmares. Thematic analysis was used in this study to analyze the data. The literature on wars, PTSD, veterans, spouses, and nightmares was reviewed. The study used semi-structured interviews with spouses of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recurring nightmares in coastal Georgia. Literature on therapeutic modalities was given. The results of this study included an array of life experiences from spouses of veterans with PTSD and nightmares within the coastal Georgia area.

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