Social support after a traumatic event is linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about the ways in which social support influences the adaptation to trauma and development of PTSD. The aim of the present article is threefold: to outline the various processes by which social support is linked to PTSD, to review the most relevant research in the field, and to suggest potential future research.

The goal of this study is to enhance the efficacy of CBT with victims of sexual assault suffering from PTSD by getting the spouse involved. Thus, in addition to attempting to reduce PTSD symptoms, the therapy focuses on improving the support offered by the spouse and favors management of the impact of the traumatic event within the couple. A single-case, multiple-baseline across-subjects design is used. Three victims of sexual assault with a diagnosis of PTSD participated in the study. Results at posttreatment and at 3-month follow-up are promising. None of the participants presents a diagnosis of PTSD, and all report a significant improvement in their satisfaction with the support received from their spouses.

In cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares can often persist, even after a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for this disorder. Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a CBT that targets the treatment of nightmares directly. Objectives: the present study describes the feasibility and the efficacy of combining IRT with first-line, trauma-focused CBT for PTSD. Method: two individuals with PTSD took part in this experimental case study protocol. The efficacy of the combined treatment was evaluated using semi-structured interviews, self-report questionnaires, and daily self-monitoring diaries. Results: after three IRT sessions for Participant 1 and five IRT sessions for Participant 2, combined with CBT for PTSD, both participants experienced a slight decrease in sleep difficulties and in the intensity of their PTSD symptoms post-treatment. More particularly, one participant demonstrated a significant decrease in the level of distress associated with his post-traumatic nightmares (PTNM). Conclusions: these results demonstrate that it is possible and promising to combine IRT with CBT for PTSD.

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