Daily Impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms and Sleep on Family Functioning among Asian Indians in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence

Dr. Ateka Contractor and Dr. Danica C. Slavish of University of North Texas Foundation, are using an MRI grant to explore how PTSD symptoms and sleep disturbances impact daily family life among Asian Indian adults who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). While trauma and poor sleep can make it harder to manage emotions and relationships, there’s little research on how these challenges play out in real-time within this community.

Trauma doesn’t just affect individuals—it ripples through families, shaping daily interactions, emotional bonds, and even sleep. For many survivors of IPV, the effects of trauma linger long after the abuse has ended.

Among U.S. Asian Indians, IPV is a pressing but often understudied issue, particularly when it comes to its impact on family relationships mostly because many Asian Indians do not recognize IPV as trauma and are reluctant to seek help due to cultural values prioritizing family honor. Asian Indians face health disparities, driven by stigma surrounding mental health, language barriers, economic challenges, and a lack of culturally responsive services. These factors contribute to under-reporting of IPV and a reluctance to seek mental health care.

The study will invite 100 Asian Indian adults with a history of IPV to participate. The study consists of:

  • An initial survey covering background information, PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, and family interactions.

  • A 7-day daily survey, where participants will answer short questions about their mental health, sleep, and family experiences.

By tracking experiences day by day, they hope to gather a better understanding of the immediate effects of trauma and sleep on family interactions.

The insights from this study will help develop culturally sensitive interventions to support Asian Indian families affected by trauma. The goal is to provide resources, raise awareness, and contribute to meaningful change through academic publications, community outreach, and survivor-centered programs.

Sophie Suberville