The aim of the present review was to explore how parental complex posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) may impact family functioning, parenting, offspring experiences and familial coping strategies.

The databases searched were Embase, APA PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and PTSDPubs for articles that included keywords and vocabulary relating to C-PTSD, family or parenting, and qualitative methodology. This resulted in 421 unique articles. After removal of studies that did not meet eligibility criteria, three studies remained. Themes were established through iterative discussions between the reviewers.

Two themes were explored: (1) role strain and emotional burden in family relationships, and (2) adaptation and resilience in family dynamics, both of which had sub-themes. The first theme explored sub-themes of (1) shifts in caregiving, (2) living with the unpredictable, and (3) parent hypervigilance towards the child. The second theme explored sub-themes of (1) disruption of daily family functioning, and (2) coping strategies. However, findings should be interpreted cautiously given the limited number and heterogeneity of included studies.

The results of this review explore how parental C-PTSD may have an impact on various facets of the family unit. These experiences can be looked at through direct links with symptoms unique to C-PTSD, as well as through the theory that families experience the symptoms together, rather than the individual alone. Thus, it is important to consider the way whole families can be impacted by C-PTSD, and how this can be addressed clinically.

This qualitative synthesis of how parental C-PTSD may affect the family and offspring experiences finds that there is a potential impact on both experiences that may be clinically relevant and should be explored further. Interventions such as family therapy and psychoeducation are suggested.