https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Creech2022

Creech, S. K., Pearson, R., Saenz, J. J., Braciszewski, J. M., Riggs, S. A., & Taft, C. T. (2022). Pilot trial of Strength at Home Parents: A trauma-informed parenting support treatment for veterans.Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 11(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000232

The primary goal of this nonrandomized pilot study was examining the credibility (e.g., participants’ expectations for success) and acceptability (e.g., participants perceiving that their needs were met) of Strength at Home–Parents (SAHP), a trauma-informed parenting intervention for Veteran parents with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A secondary goal was examining the intervention’s effects on family functioning, parenting behaviors (e.g., hostility, positive discipline, involvement, corporal punishment), and mental health (i.e., PTSD, depressive symptoms). 20 Veterans participated in the 8-week group intervention. Overall, the Veterans considered the intervention credible and acceptable, and reported improved family functioning and parenting behaviors following their participation.

https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000232

Parents
Mental health
Veterans

Multiple branches

Veteran

Veteran

Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)

Quantitative Study
Qualitative Study
Mixed Methods

Creech, Suzannah K., Pearson, Rahel, Saenz, Jeremy J., Braciszewski, Jordan M., Riggs, Shelley A., Taft, Casey T.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with compromised parenting which is not adequately addressed in available evidence-based PTSD treatments. Strength at Home—Parents (SAHP) is a trauma-informed parenting intervention which aims to improve parenting behaviors and overall parent–child functioning. Here, we report pilot data obtained in a sample of veterans (N = 21) with PTSD and parent–child functioning difficulties. Results support the feasibility of study methods, and intervention acceptability, credibility, and satisfaction. Movement on primary outcome measures suggested improved overall family functioning, a decrease in the use of dysfunctional parenting practices, an increase in positive parenting practices, and a trend toward a reduction in parenting stress. Results should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size and attrition at follow-up. Limitations withstanding, findings support further study of the intervention, which would provide insights into whether an efficacy trial is indicated.

American Psychological Association

Article
REACH Publication

VHA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans,Central Texas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, SKC
VHA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans,Central Texas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, RP
VHA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans,Central Texas Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, JJS
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, SKC
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, RP
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, JJS
Henry Ford Health System, JMB
Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, SAR
Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, SAR
National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, CTT
Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, CTT