Associations between symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and relationship distress are well-established in research examining veterans and their romantic partners. Partner accommodation of PTSD symptoms has been identified as an important construct that has ties to both veteran PTSD symptoms and relationship distress. However, our understanding of accommodation and PTSD has not been tested in couples who are seeking couples therapy. The present study sought to investigate the role of veterans’ PTSD symptoms, partners’ accommodation, and depression of both, in relationship satisfaction in 181 couples (male veterans and female partners) presenting for couples therapy at a VA Medical Center. Results suggest that in this sample, accommodation by partners of veterans is significantly negatively associated with their own and veterans’ relationship satisfaction. Depression of both members of the couple was also negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, while veterans’ PTSD symptoms were not consistently linked to relationship satisfaction of either partner. These findings highlight the importance of assessing for accommodation in couples therapy. Integrating modification of accommodation behaviors into couples therapy may help improve couples therapy outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
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Showing library results for: February 2024
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Relationship satisfaction of veterans and partners seeking couples therapy: Associations with posttraumatic stress, accommodation, and depression
APA Citation:
Giff, S. T., Teves, J., Petty, K., Kansky, J., & Libet, J. (2023). Relationship satisfaction of veterans and partners seeking couples therapy: Associations with posttraumatic stress, accommodation, and depression. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000250
Focus:
Veterans
Couples
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Giff, Sarah T.; Teves, Jenna; Petty, Karen; Kansky, Jessica; Libet, Julian
2023
2 Hidden challenges experienced by families with military-related post-traumatic stress disorder
Hidden challenges experienced by families with military-related post-traumatic stress disorder
APA Citation:
Collins, T., & Tam, D. (2023). Hidden challenges experienced by families with military-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894231160621
Focus:
Trauma
Mental health
Branch of Service:
International Military
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Collins, Tara; Tam, Dora
2023
Family systems theory explains how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the family affects family members who must cope with disturbing behaviors from the military member. Although military-related PTSD has been studied in the United States for over a decade, Canadian research is in its infancy. This article focuses on the challenges military families face for both active military members and retired veterans. Corbin and Strauss’ (2015) grounded theory was used to guide this study. Following theoretical sampling, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 non-military parents and 4 adult children in Alberta. The findings have important implications for military families, as well as practice, policy, and research on the topic. Further research could expand the sample to include military members/veterans and families across Canada.
Barriers and facilitators to behavioral healthcare for women veterans: A mixed-methods analysis of the current landscape
APA Citation:
Fitzke, R. E., Bouskill, K. E., Sedano, A., Tran, D. D., Saba, S. K., Buch, K., … Pedersen, E. R. (2024). Barriers and facilitators to behavioral healthcare for women veterans: A mixed-methods analysis of the current landscape. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 51, 164-184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-023-09862-3
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Fitzke, Reagan E.; Bouskill, Kathryn E.; Sedano, Angeles; Tran, Denise D.; Saba, Shaddy K.; Buch, Keegan; Hummer, Justin F.; Davis, Jordan P.; Pedersen, Eric R.
2024
Women veterans have historically faced barriers to behavioral health treatment, particularly through the VA. In conjunction, there have been changes in behavioral healthcare delivery resulting from efforts to improve care for women veterans and the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., widespread telehealth implementation). The current study draws on a quantitative and qualitative study centering current perspectives of women veterans in their choices to seek or not seek behavioral healthcare in VA and non-VA settings through interviewing 18 women recruited from a larger survey study on veteran behavioral health (n = 83 women, n = 882 men) on their experiences with behavioral health care access and satisfaction, including barriers and facilitators to seeking care. Quantitative findings are descriptively reported from the larger study, which outlined screening for behavioral health problems, behavioral health utilization, treatment modality preferences, and barriers/facilitators to care. While women in the survey sample screened for various behavioral health disorders, rates of treatment seeking remained relatively low. Women reported positive and negative experiences with telehealth and endorsed many barriers to treatment seeking in interviews not captured by survey findings, including lack of women-specific care (e.g., care for military sexual trauma, women-only groups), reports of stranger harassment at the VA, and lack of female providers. Women veterans continue to face barriers to behavioral healthcare; however, ongoing efforts to improve care access and quality, including the implementation of telehealth, show promise in reducing these obstacles. Continued efforts are needed to ensure diverse treatment modalities continue to reach women veterans as this population grows.
The role of unit and interpersonal support in military sexual trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms
APA Citation:
Webermann, A. R., Relyea, M. R., Portnoy, G. A., Martino, S., Brandt, C. A., & Haskell, S. G. (2023). The role of unit and interpersonal support in military sexual trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(15-16), 8755-9608. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605231165764
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Trauma
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Webermann, Aliya R.; Relyea, Mark R.; Portnoy, Galina A.; Martino, Steve; Brandt, Cynthia A.; Haskell, Sally G.
2023
Military sexual trauma (MST) is strongly associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among many potential factors explaining this association are unit and interpersonal support, which have been explored in few studies with veterans who have experienced MST. This project examines unit and interpersonal support as moderators and/or mediators of PTSD symptoms among post-9/11 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans who experienced MST. MST, unit support, and interpersonal support variables were collected at Time 1 (T1; N?=?1,150, 51.4% women), and PTSD symptoms 1?year later at Time 2 (T2; N?=?825; 52.3% women). Given gender differences in endorsed MST, models with the full sample (men and women) and women only were examined, while controlling for covariates related to PTSD, and a path model was examined among women veterans. Mediation was supported in the full model and women-only models, with the combination of both mediators demonstrating the strongest mediation effects (full-model: ??=?.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.03, 0.10], p?
Gender microaggressions that target women in the U.S. military: Examining links with depression and the moderating role of rank and coping
APA Citation:
Kim, Y., Dimberg, S. K., Spanierman, L. B., & Clark, D. A. (2024). Gender microaggressions that target women in the U.S. military: Examining links with depression and the moderating role of rank and coping. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 48(1), 108–120. https://doi.org/10.1177/03616843231202706
Focus:
Mental health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Army
Navy
Air Force
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Yeeun Kim; Sierra K. Dimberg; Lisa B. Spanierman; D Anthony Clark
2024
In this study, we examined active-duty women's experiences with gender microaggressions in the U.S. military and their associations with depressive symptoms. We also tested if rank and coping strategies would moderate the link between gender microaggressions and depressive symptoms. Participants comprised 682 self-identified women from the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy. Results from an online survey indicated that active-duty women's experiences with gender microaggressions were positively and significantly associated with their scores on a measure of depressive symptoms. Military rank moderated this association but coping strategies did not. Specifically, among those in lower military ranks (i.e., enlisted service members) we found a stronger association between gender microaggressions and depressive symptoms, whereas higher rank (i.e., officers) served as a buffer. Our results suggest that clinicians should be aware of the potential effects of gender microaggressions on active-duty women's mental health, especially among enlisted women. Commanding officers and military policymakers should consider potential implications of gender microaggressions on unit cohesion, unit performance, and mission effectiveness.
Brief relationship support as a selective suicide prevention intervention: Piloting the Relationship Checkup in veteran couples with relationship and mental health concerns
APA Citation:
Crasta, D., Funderburk, J. S., Gray, T. D., Cordova, J. V., & Britton, P. C. (2023). Brief relationship support as a selective suicide prevention intervention: Piloting the Relationship Checkup in veteran couples with relationship and mental health concerns. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 53(5), 787-801. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12983
Focus:
Programming
Couples
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Crasta, Dev; Funderburk, Jennifer S.; Gray, Tatiana D.; Cordova, James V.; Britton, Peter C.
2023
Introduction Close relationship problems play a key role in many contemporary theories of suicide. However, the potential of relationship support in suicide prevention is understudied. This study explores the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and promise of utilizing the 3-session Relationship Checkup (RC) in veterans with mental health and romantic relationship concerns. Methods We conducted a single-arm pilot of telehealth RC in veterans with a positive mental health screen and their romantic partners. Couples completed baseline and post-treatment assessments of study outcomes. Results Feasibility analyses showed we were able to recruit an elevated-risk sample (30% history of attempts or interrupted attempts), take them through the service (90% treatment completion), and had minimal harm events (no suicidal behavior, no physical harm in arguments). Multimethod acceptability analyses suggested high satisfaction with the program, though some desired more intensive services. Couples reported improvements in relationship functioning, emotional intimacy, thwarted belongingness, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Perceived burdensomeness only improved for identified patients and drinking did not change for either partner. Conclusion The RC is a feasible, safe, and acceptable strategy for providing relationship support to couples at elevated risk. Although further randomized trials are needed, RC shows promise to reduce relationship-level and individual-level suicide risk factors.
Family separation from military service and children's externalizing symptoms: Exploring moderation by non-military spouse employment, family financial stress, marital quality, and the parenting alliance
APA Citation:
Richardson, S. M., Pflieger, J. C., Hisle-Gorman, E., Briggs, E. C., Fairbank, J. A., & Stander, V. A. (2024). Family separation from military service and children’s externalizing symptoms: Exploring moderation by non-military spouse employment, family financial stress, marital quality, and the parenting alliance. Social Development, 33(1), Article e12713. https://doi.org/10.1111/sode.12713
Focus:
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Richardson, Sabrina M.; Pflieger, Jacqueline C.; Hisle-Gorman, Elizabeth; Briggs, Ernestine C.; Fairbank, John A.; Stander, Valerie A.
2024
Abstract Military separation is a well-documented vulnerability point for service members, yet little is known regarding how children fare across this transition. The current study examined 909 military-connected children from the Millennium Cohort Family Study (Wave 1 Mage = 3.88 years, SD = .095) across a 3-year period to explore whether separation predicted child externalizing symptoms over and above Wave 1 externalizing levels, by comparing separated versus not separated military families over time. We also explored if non-military spouse employment, financial stress, marital quality, or parenting alliance moderated the relation of separation with child externalizing. Data were collected via a parent-reported online questionnaire and administrative military records. Results showed that separation was unrelated to externalizing. However, moderation analyses suggested that for those who separated, non-military spouses’ employment prior to separation was related to less externalizing, whereas the parenting alliance was related to less externalizing only for families who remained in the military. Recommendations include assistance with spouse employment prior to military separation and parenting support throughout military service.
Cross-sectional examination of physical abuse victimization differences between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual service members in the U.S. military, 2018
APA Citation:
Dean, F. M., Beymer, M. R., Schaughency, K. C. L., Kaplansky, G. F., Allman, M. W. R., & Anke, K. M. (2023). Cross-sectional examination of physical abuse victimization differences between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual service members in the U.S. military, 2018. LGBT Health, 10(S1), S70–S78. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2023.0122
Focus:
Other
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Dean, Frances M.; Beymer, Matthew R.; Schaughency, Katherine C. L.; Kaplansky, Gabrielle F.; Allman, Matthew W. R.; Anke, Kirsten M.
2023
Purpose: The primary objective was to analyze the association between sexual orientation and physical abuse victimization using a representative sample from the U.S. active-duty military population. The secondary objective was to determine if differences exist by sexual orientation in perceived barriers (e.g., stigma) to mental health care utilization among physical abuse victimization survivors. Methods: The 2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS) (n = 17,166 active-duty respondents) was used for analysis. Weighted logistic regressions and Poisson regressions were used for multivariable analyses, controlling for demographic and military variables. Results: Approximately 93.7% of respondents identified as heterosexual or straight, 2.3% identified as gay or lesbian, and 4% as bisexual. Bisexual active-duty service members had 1.5-fold greater odds of reporting any form of physical abuse victimization (adjusted odds ratio: 1.50 and 95% confidence interval: 1.07–2.10). However, there was no difference observed between gay/lesbian and heterosexual service members for physical abuse victimization. Among survivors of physical abuse victimization, bisexual ( p = 0.0038) and gay ( p < 0.0001) service members were more likely to report more than one mental health care barrier compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Conclusions: Bisexual service members were more likely to experience physical abuse victimization when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. In addition, gay and bisexual survivors of physical abuse were more likely to experience barriers to mental health care. Tailored interventions should explore strategies to prevent victimization and disparities in mental health care utilization by sexual orientation.
9 Needs assessment of surviving military families: Clinical symptoms and the parent-child relationship
Needs assessment of surviving military families: Clinical symptoms and the parent-child relationship
APA Citation:
Burgin, E. E., Prosek, E. A., Shin, K., Cunningham, V. L., & Ponder, W. N. (2024). Needs assessment of surviving military families: Clinical symptoms and the parent-child relationship. Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation, 15(1), 37-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/21501378.2023.2257236
Focus:
Mental health
Parents
Other
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Burgin, Elizabeth E.; Prosek, Elizabeth A.; Shin, Kahyen; Cunningham, Victoria L.; Ponder, Warren N.
2024
There is limited empirical data to account for the mental health and parent-child relationship outcomes among bereaved military families. The implementation of appropriate programs and mental health interventions depends on the study of relevant demographic and mental health constructs. We report the findings of a needs assessment conducted at a nonprofit organization serving bereaved military families, inclusive of 64 families, with adolescent children (M = 15.04 years, SD = 5.01), who experienced service member loss due to combat (37.5%), suicide (15.6%), homicide or terrorism (10.9%), unintentional self-harm (n = 4.7%), accident (4.7%), or another circumstance (1.6%). Our results align with previous researchers’ findings that surviving military families are at greater risk for problematic grief outcomes, whereby generalized anxiety (t = −3.83, p = .003, d = −0.957) and depressive symptoms (t = −4.28, p = .003, d = −1.07) demonstrate significant differences among complicated and non-complicated grievers. We also found elevated levels of parenting stress. These findings inform recommendations for assessment, program development, and future research for mental health service providers.
10 Parental efficacy after a military parenting program: A dyadic latent growth model
Parental efficacy after a military parenting program: A dyadic latent growth model
APA Citation:
Cai, Q., Basha, S., & Gewirtz, A. H. (2023). Parental efficacy after a military parenting program: A dyadic latent growth model. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 49(4), 958-978. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12671
Focus:
Parents
Children
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Cai, Qiyue; Basha, Sydni; Gewirtz, Abigail H.
2023
Parental efficacy is an important aspect of parenting and a key outcome in many parenting programs. However, most studies focus on mothers, and less is known about the relationship between coparents' parental efficacy over time following intervention, and how parental distress can impact parental efficacy. The current study (N = 271 heterosexual couples; 162 intervention and 109 control) used a dyadic latent growth model to explore the dependence structure of parental efficacy between couples 2 years after assignment to a military parenting program, After Deployment, Adaptive Parenting Tools or a control condition. Results revealed a significant intervention effect, with both mothers and fathers in the intervention group exhibiting quadratic changes over 2 years, while the control group remained relatively stable. Notably, mothers' baseline emotional distress and fathers' deployment length emerged as predictors in understanding parental efficacy improvement over time. This research underscores the importance of adopting a family systems perspective and considering emotional distress and environmental stressors in designing targeted interventions to support military families and enhance overall well-being.
A phenomenological exploration of the gender transition experience: findings to improve culturally competent nursing care and decrease health disparities
APA Citation:
Lewis, S., Carter, H., Jones, S., Mason, S. M., Spurlock, A., Lennen, N., & Pines, E. (2023). A phenomenological exploration of the gender transition experience: Findings to improve culturally competent nursing care and decrease health disparities. Contemporary Nurse, 59(4-5), 402-412. https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2023.2262063
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Lewis, Stephanie; Carter, Holly; Jones, Stacey; Mason, Shawna M.; Spurlock, Amy; Lennen, Noreen; Pines, Eula
2023
Most recently, it has been reported that 1.4 million adults in the United States identify as transgender. This number is double what was reported just five years earlier. What little research has been completed on this vulnerable population indicates that people who identify as transgender experience higher rates of depression, suicide, and social stigmatization than the cisgender population. Stigmatization of transgender people and lack of access to quality care is often the root for these disparities. Very few studies have examined the experience of transition. Objective: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experience of transitioning from one gender to another. Methods: Non-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted via an online platform with 11 male-to-female transgender adults who gave their informed consent to participate. Results: Through a process of group data analysis, four major themes emerged: (a) Everybody Saw the Mask; (b) A Turning Point; (c) Shedding My Skin; and (d) Navigating the Way. Conclusions: These findings can heighten healthcare personnel’s sensitivity to this vulnerable population, as well as guide students and providers to provide culturally appropriate care, which can lead to a decrease in health disparities.
A randomized controlled trial to improve fathering among fathers with substance use disorders: Fathering in recovery intervention
APA Citation:
Cioffi, C. C., Browning O’Hagan, A. M., Halvorson, S., & DeGarmo, D. S. (2023). A randomized controlled trial to improve fathering among fathers with substance use disorders: Fathering in Recovery intervention. Journal of Family Psychology, 37(8), 1303-1314. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001134
Focus:
Parents
Substance use
Programming
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Cioffi, Camille C.; Browning O'Hagan, Anastasia M.; Halvorson, Sven; DeGarmo, David S.
2023
In early recovery for substance use disorders (SUDs), fathers may experience a desire to become more active in their role as a parent but may need support in using effective parenting strategies. Parent management training programs may be effective for fathers in recovery from SUD as they have been shown to improve parenting knowledge, self-efficacy, parenting practices, and child behavior, as well as decrease parent substance use. Using the Parent Management Training-Oregon model, we adapted a video-based program for text delivery to fathers in their first year of recovery from SUD, the fathering in recovery (FIR) intervention. In this pilot study, we randomized 41 fathers to control or 6 weeks of video content and three brief coaching calls and assessed outcomes in the parenting, child, and substance domains at baseline, 6-week, and 4-month follow-ups. We found FIR was effective for improving parenting knowledge, fathering efficacy, and in reducing fathers’ ineffective parenting. The intervention showed promise for reducing child behavior problems. While larger studies are needed to replicate and build on these FIR findings, our data suggest that FIR holds promise for improving the lives of fathers and their families affected by SUD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
