Influence of Olson's Circumplex Model on Marital Intimacy and Communication Beliefs of War Veterans and Their Spouses

Abstract

Background: The transition from military to civilian life presents considerable difficulties for veterans and their families, with significant implications for marital relationships, particularly in the areas of intimacy and communication. Objectives: This study sought to determine the impact of Olson's circumplex model on marital intimacy and communication beliefs among war veteran couples. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test-follow-up control group design was implemented, with 32 couples recruited via convenience sampling from veteran counseling and rehabilitation centers in Ahvaz during the fall of 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 16) or control (n = 16) group. The experimental group received ten 90-minute weekly sessions based on Olson's circumplex model, while the control group received no intervention. Pre- and post-test data were collected using the Marital Intimacy Needs Questionnaire (MINQ) and the Dysfunctional Relationship Beliefs Questionnaire (DRBQ). Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for data analysis. Results: At post-test, statistically significant between-group differences were found for both marital intimacy and communication beliefs among war veteran couples (P < 0.01). The intervention, based on Olson's circumplex model, resulted in increased marital intimacy and improved communication beliefs. These between-group differences persisted at the follow-up assessment. Conclusions: The present findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting the potential utility of interventions based on Olson's circumplex model for enhancing marital intimacy and communication beliefs within war veteran couples. Clinicians working with this population may consider integrating principles of Olson's circumplex model into their therapeutic approaches.