Resilient family: A pilot study of a stress management program for military-connected families
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Sylvia, L. G., Chudnofsky, R., Winklosky, T., Mulzoff, A., Francona, J., Sampson, B., Lynch, E., Xu, B., McCarthy, M. D., Gupta, C., Denninger, J. W., Mehta, D. H., Park, E. R., Ohye, B., Spencer, T., Fricchione, G. L. (2022). Resilient family: A pilot study of a stress management program for military-connected families. Psychiatric Annals, 52(5), 179-185. https://doi.org/10.3928/00485713-20220506-02
Abstract Created by REACH:
Resilient Family is a mind-body stress reduction program designed for military-connected family members. Resilient Family focuses on supporting participants in building skills that reduce the negative impact of stress on their well-being. It includes six 90-minute group sessions delivered either in person or via an online video platform. The current study examined how participants felt about engaging with the program, its impact on stress (e.g., depressive symptoms, perception of stress, self-efficacy), and the effectiveness of participating in the program in person versus online. Participants completed assessments before the start of the program and after completion. Overall, the program was perceived as relevant, helpful, and effective at improving participants’ self-reported stress.
Focus:
Programming
Mental health
Veterans
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Army
Air Force
Navy
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Military families
Parent of a service member or 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:
Longitudinal Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Sylvia, Louisa G., Chudnofsky, Rana, Winklosky, Tricia, Mulzoff, Ariel, Francona, Jacqueline, Sampson, Brianne, Lynch, Elyse, Xu, Bingyu, McCarthy, Megan D., Gupta, Carina, Denninger, John W., Mehta, Darshan H., Park, Elyse R., Ohye, Bonnie, Spencer, Thomas, Fricchione, Gregory L.
Abstract:
Military service can add stress to military-connected family members, and this stress has been linked to their overall well-being. This study examined the acceptability and explored the effectiveness of a mind-body stress management program for military-connected families and whether it was more effective delivered in person or online. Participants (n = 55; 96% female; Mage = 39.98±10.11) completed assessments of mood, functioning, mindfulness, and coping at pre- and post-program, as well as post-program qualitative feedback surveys. All participants reported that they felt comfortable during the program, and most (>90%) reported that it was helpful and would recommend it for others. Participants experienced significant improvement in stress, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy (Cohen's d > 0.60). No significant differences in the outcomes for the in-person versus the online program were found. This program, whether delivered online or in person, seems to improve stress, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms in military-connected families.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Healio
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Harvard Medical School, LGS
Harvard Medical School, JWD
Harvard Medical School, DHM
Harvard Medical School, BO
Harvard Medical School, TS
Harvard Medical School, GLF
Dauten Family Center for Bipolar
Treatment Innovation, Massachusetts General Hospital, LGS
Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, RC
Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, JWD
Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, DHM
Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, ERP
Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, GLF
Hope For The Warriors, TW
Hope For The Warriors, AM
Hope For The Warriors, BS
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, LGS
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, JF
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, EL
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, BX
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, MDM
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, CG
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, JWD
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, DHM
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, BO
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, TS
Red Sox Foundation and MGH Home Base Program, GLF
Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Adult ADHD, Massachusetts General Hospital, TS
Keywords:
stress management, resilience
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
REACH Newsletter: