Involving a significant other in treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms: A systematic review of treatment interventions
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Meuleman, E., Sloover, M., & van Ee, E. (2023). Involving a significant other in treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms: A systematic review of treatment interventions. Trauma, Violence, and Abuse, 24(3), 2034-2044. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380221082939
Abstract Created by REACH:
Interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly involve social support from peers (e.g., other Veterans), but only a few involve social support from significant others (e.g., family, friends, partners). This review examined whether social support from significant others was related to improved PTSD symptoms across 8 interventions. 3 of the interventions were categorized as passive (e.g., a significant other provided social support while the individual with PTSD attended therapy) and 5 interventions were active (e.g., a significant other participated in therapy alongside the individual with PTSD). Generally, both types of interventions were related to PTSD symptom improvements.
Focus:
Mental health
Couples
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Civilian
Veteran
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
Meuleman, Eline, Sloover, Mèlanie, van Ee, Elisa
Abstract:
Previous studies have called for the inclusion of social support in the treatment of PTSD. The current review identifies interventions for adults with PTSD symptoms, which include a significant other as a source of social support. 11 articles focusing on eight interventions were found, including a total of 495 participants who had experienced trauma. These interventions were divided according to level of involvement of the significant other in treatment. Significant others were either passively or actively involved in the treatment. Preliminary results show that interventions actively involving a significant other in the treatment of the patient with posttraumatic stress symptoms were most effective in reducing PTSD symptoms. The current review provides recommendations for future research and suggests that significant others should be actively involved in the treatment of PTSD symptoms.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Sage Journals
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Psychotraumacentrum Zuid Nederland, Reinier van Arkel, EM
Psychotraumacentrum Zuid Nederland, Reinier van Arkel, MS
Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, VEE
Keywords:
treatment intervention, social support, ptsd
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: