The Mediating Role of Hypervigilance in the Relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress and Marital Insecurity
Keywords:
Post-traumatic stress, Hypervigilance, Marital insecurityAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of hypervigilance in the relationship between post-traumatic stress and marital insecurity among married adults. A descriptive correlational design was employed with a sample of 409 married individuals from Kenya, selected based on Morgan and Krejcie’s sample size table. Participants completed standardized self-report instruments measuring post-traumatic stress, hypervigilance, and marital insecurity. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation via SPSS-27 and structural equation modeling (SEM) via AMOS-24 to assess the direct, indirect, and total effects among variables. Model fit indices were calculated to evaluate the adequacy of the hypothesized model. Pearson correlations revealed significant positive associations among post-traumatic stress, hypervigilance, and marital insecurity (p < .001). Structural equation modeling results indicated that post-traumatic stress significantly predicted hypervigilance (β = .58, p < .001), which in turn significantly predicted marital insecurity (β = .53, p < .001). A direct effect of post-traumatic stress on marital insecurity was also observed (β = .27, p < .001), alongside a significant indirect effect via hypervigilance (β = .31, p < .001), supporting partial mediation. The model demonstrated good fit indices (χ²/df = 2.44, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.058). These findings suggest that hypervigilance serves as a critical psychological mechanism linking post-traumatic stress to marital insecurity. Addressing hypervigilant thought patterns in trauma-exposed individuals may be essential for improving relational stability and emotional security within intimate partnerships.
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