Couple's Retreats for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Stopped: Nonrandomized, open-label study terminated at the end of the program's funding cycle.
United States20 participantsStarted 2022-03-18
Plain-language summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk for conflict and dissatisfaction in romantic relationships. Accelerated, Intensive, Multi-Couples Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (AIM-CBCT) is a behavioral treatment that targets reducing PTSD symptoms and improving relationship functioning. The treatment is delivered over two days using an intensive, outpatient group (between 2 to 6 couples) format. Previous research has found that AIM-CBCT for PTSD decrease PTSD symptoms and improves relationship functioning in military veterans and service members with combat-related PTSD. The present study examines whether these original findings can be replicated in a broader military/Veteran sample of up to 80 couples. The investigators predict that AIM-CBCT for PTSD will be associated with significant decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety in Veteran/military service members, significant decreases in mental health symptoms in their romantic partners, and an increase in couple's satisfaction for both the Veteran/service members and their partners.
Couples who agree to participate in the research study will be asked to participate in a 60-mintute pre-retreat meeting, the two-day retreat in which AIM-CBCT for PTSD will be delivered, and a 60-minute post-retreat check-in meeting. Additionally, each member of the couple will be asked to complete measures on their trauma history, mental health symptoms, and relationship functioning at baseline and at two and four weeks after the retreat.
Who can participate
Age range18 Years ā 65 Years
SexALL
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Inclusion criteria
ā. Cohabitating couples (ages 18 to 65 years old), who have been together for at least 4 months who reside in Texas.
ā. At least one partner in the relationship is a Texas Veteran with significant PTSD symptoms as determined by the endorsement of at least one Criterion A event on the Life Event Checklist, the endorsement of at least one re-experiencing on the PCL-5 (i.e., a score of 2 or higher on Items 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), the endorsement of at least one avoidance symptom on the PCL-5 (i.e., a score of 2 or higher on Items 6 or 7), and a total symptom score of 31 or higher on the PCL-5.
ā. Both individuals must be willing to participate in the study.
ā. Both individuals must be able to speak and read English.
Exclusion criteria
ā. Couple is separated and/or is taking steps to dissolve their relationship (e.g., divorce).
ā. Veteran or partner are currently participating in an evidence-based treatment for PTSD (Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, or Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD).
ā. Veteran or partner exhibit current psychiatric symptoms warranting immediate intervention that is beyond the scope of the treatment provided in this study.
ā. Veteran or partner exhibit evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (as determined by the inability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires)
ā. Veteran or partner report current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention (as determined by the Depressive Symptoms Index - Suicidality Subscale; DSI-SS)
ā. Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression as indicated by a "yes" endorsement to the one-question Screen for Conflict Question by Veteran or partner occurring within the past 6-months.