This study reports on 54 homeless and 53 stably housed veterans who received battlefield acupuncture (BFA) between September 2018 and October 2022. Linear mixed-effects regressions were used to examine change in overall pain score and how pain impacted four areas: (1) activity, (2) sleep, (3) mood, and (4) stress over the course of 8 weeks from the baseline visit at one BFA clinic. Results indicated significant reductions in the impact of pain on activity, sleep, and stress among both homeless and housed veterans. Although overall pain levels were not significantly impacted, further research on the impact of BFA on homeless populations is warranted.
Search Results
Library (17)
Showing library results for: October 2022
1 - 17 of 17
Safety planning for intimate partner violence: Practical and contextual considerations for service providers
APA Citation:
Frye-Cox, N., Short, K., O’Neal, C. W., & Lucier-Greer, M. (2022). Safety planning for intimate partner violence: Practical and contextual considerations for service providers. Auburn, AL: Military REACH
Focus:
Couples
Programming
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research Report
Frye-Cox, Nick; Short, Kaylee; O'Neal, Catherine W.; Lucier-Greer, Mallory
2022
Changes in pain among housed and unhoused U.S. veterans after receiving battlefield acupuncture at one medical center
APA Citation:
Flike, K., St. Pierre, C., Howard, A., & Tsai, J. (2024). Changes in pain among housed and unhoused U.S. veterans after receiving battlefield acupuncture at one medical center. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 30(3), 306-309. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2023.0131
Focus:
Veterans
Physical 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
Flike, Kimberlee; St. Pierre, Cathy; Howard, Alexandra; Tsai, Jack
2024
Multisite Agricultural Veterans Affairs Farming and Recovery Mental Health Services (VA FARMS) pilot program: Protocol for a responsive mixed methods evaluation study
APA Citation:
Besterman-Dahan, K., Hathaway, C. W., Bradley, S., Orozco, T., Panaite, V., Lind, J., Berumen, J. (2023). Multisite Agricultural Veterans Affairs Farming and Recovery Mental Health Services (VA FARMS) pilot program: Protocol for a responsive mixed methods evaluation study. JMIR Research Protocols. 12, Article e40496. https://doi.org/10.2196/40496
Focus:
Programming
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Besterman-Dahan, Karen; Hathaway, Wendy A.; Chavez, Margeaux; Bradley, Sarah; Orozco, Tatiana; Panaite, Vanessa; Lind, Jason; Berumen, Jessica
2023
Background: Veterans Affairs Farming and Recovery Mental Health Services (VA FARMS) is an innovative pilot program to provide supportive resources for veterans with interests in agricultural vocations. Implemented at 10 pilot sites, VA FARMS will provide mental health services and resources for veterans while supporting training in gardening and agriculture. As each pilot site project has unique goals, outreach strategies, and implementation efforts based on the local environment and veteran population, evaluating the pilot program provides a unique challenge for evaluators. This paper describes the protocol to evaluate VA FARMS, which was specifically designed to enable site variation by providing both site-specific and cross-site understanding of site implementation processes and outcomes. Objective: The objectives of this paper are to (1) describe the protocol used for evaluating VA FARMS, as an innovative Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) agriculturally based, mental health, and employment pilot program serving veterans at 10 pilot sites across the Veterans Health Administration enterprise; and (2) provide guidance to other evaluators assessing innovative programs. Methods: This evaluation uses the context, inputs, process, product (CIPP) model, which evaluates a program’s content and implementation to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Data collection will use a concurrent mixed methods approach. Quantitative data collection will involve quarterly program surveys, as well as three individual veteran participant surveys administered upon the veteran’s entrance and exit of the pilot program and 3 months postexit. Quantitative data will include baseline descriptive statistics and follow-up statistics on veteran health care utilization, health care status, and agriculture employment status. Qualitative data collection will include participant observation at each pilot site, and interviews with participants, staff, and community stakeholders. Qualitative data will provide insights about pilot program implementation processes, veterans’ experiences, and short-term participation outcomes. Results: Evaluation efforts began in December 2018 and are ongoing. Between October 2018 and September 2020, 494 veterans had enrolled in VA FARMS and 1326 veterans were reached through program activities such as demonstrations, informational presentations, and town-hall discussions. A total of 1623 community members and 655 VA employees were similarly reached by VA FARMS programming during that time. Data were collected between October 2018 and September 2020 in the form of 336 veteran surveys, 30 veteran interviews, 27 staff interviews, and 11 community partner interviews. Data analysis is expected to be completed by October 2022. Conclusions: This evaluation protocol will provide guidance to other evaluators assessing innovative programs. In its application to the VA FARMS pilot, the evaluation aims to add to existing literature on nature-based therapies and the rehabilitation outcomes of agricultural training programs for veterans. Results will provide programmatic insights on the implementation of pilot programs, along with needed improvements and modifications for the future expansion of VA FARMS and other veteran-focused agricultural programs.
A literature review of mental health symptom outcomes in U.S. veterans and servicemembers following combat exposure and military sexual trauma
APA Citation:
Yancey, J. R., Carson, C. N., McGlade, E. C., & Yurgelun-Todd, D. A. (2024). A literature review of mental health symptom outcomes in U.S. veterans and servicemembers following combat exposure and military sexual trauma. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(2), 1431-1447. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380231178764
Focus:
Mental health
Trauma
Deployment
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
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
Yancey, James R.; Carson, Chelsea N.; McGlade, Erin C.; Yurgelun-Todd, Deborah A.
2024
Combat exposure (CE) and military sexual trauma (MST) are among the most common types of traumatic experiences faced by veterans and active duty servicemembers and, as such, have both garnered increased research focus over the past decades. However, there has not yet been a critical review of the literature to examine the distinct clinical presentations associated with different trauma types. This is particularly important, as understanding distinct clinical profiles could help researchers and clinicians refine treatment approaches based on trauma type. To address this question, we conducted a search of the available literature in PsycINFO and PubMed prior to October 2022. We identified 43 articles evaluating the distinct and overlapping clinical symptoms of CE and MST. Study findings were conceptually organized by psychiatric condition. In general, there was substantial variability in study methodology including sample size, composition, and operationalizations of CE and MST. Despite this variability, notable patterns emerged across studies. Specifically, MST and CE uniquely predicted posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, MST was more related to depressive symptoms and suicidality than CE, and CE appeared to be more related to alcohol use and other externalizing behaviors. Gender also played a significant role in the relationship between CE, MST, and clinical variables across studies. This review suggests that individuals with a history of MST and CE likely have distinct clinical presentations and more research into these presentations could better inform assessment and treatment. Important methodological gaps in the literature are also discussed.
Massed vs intensive outpatient prolonged exposure for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial
APA Citation:
Peterson, A. L., Blount, T. H., Foa, E. B., Brown, L. A., McLean, C. P., Mintz, J., Schobitz, R. P., DeBeer, B. R., Mignogna, J., Fina, B. A., Evans, W. R., Synett, S., Hall-Clark, B. N., Rentz, T. O., Schrader, C., Yarvis, J. S., Dondanville, K. A., Hansen, H., Jacoby, V. M., … Consortium to Alleviate PTSD. (2023). Massed vs intensive outpatient prolonged exposure for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 6(1), Article e2249422. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.49422
Focus:
Programming
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research
Peterson, Alan L.; Blount, Tabatha H.; Foa, Edna B.; Brown, Lily A.; McLean, Carmen P.; Mintz, Jim; Schobitz, Richard P.; DeBeer, Bryann R.; Mignogna, Joseph; Fina, Brooke A.; Evans, Wyatt R.; Synett, Samantha; Hall-Clark, Brittany N.; Rentz, Timothy O.; Schrader, Christian; Yarvis, Jeffrey S.; Dondanville, Katherine A.; Hansen, Hunter; Jacoby, Vanessa M.; Lara-Ruiz, Jose; Straud, Casey L.; Hale, Willie J.; Shah, Dhiya; Koch, Lauren M.; Gerwell, Kelsi M.; Young-McCaughan, Stacey; Litz, Brett T.; Meyer, Eric C.; Blankenship, Abby E.; Williamson, Douglas E.; Roache, John D.; Javors, Martin A.; Sharrieff, Allah-Fard M.; Niles, Barbara L.; Keane, Terence M.
2023
Improved, efficient, and acceptable treatments are needed for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).To determine the efficacy of 2 compressed prolonged exposure (PE) therapy outpatient treatments for combat-related PTSD.This randomized clinical trial was conducted among military personnel and veterans at 4 sites in Texas from 2017 to 2019. Assessors were blinded to conditions. Data were analyzed from November 2020 to October 2022.The interventions were massed-PE, which included 15 therapy sessions of 90 minutes each over 3 weeks, vs intensive outpatient program PE (IOP-PE), which included 15 full-day therapy sessions over 3 weeks with 8 treatment augmentations. The IOP-PE intervention was hypothesized to be superior to massed-PE.Coprimary outcomes included the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) (CAPS-5) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) administered at baseline and posttreatment follow-ups. Measures ranged from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater severity. Diagnostic remission and reliable change were secondary outcomes.Among 319 military personnel and veterans screened, 234 were randomized (mean [SD] age, 39.20 [7.72] years; 182 [78%] male participants), with 117 participants randomized to IOP-PE and 117 participants randomized to massed-PE. A total of 61 participants (26%) were African American, 58 participants (25%) were Hispanic, and 102 participants (44%) were White; 151 participants (65%) were married. Linear mixed-effects models found that CAPS-5 scores decreased in both treatment groups at the 1-month follow-up (IOP-PE: mean difference, −13.85 [95% CI, −16.47 to −11.23]; P < .001; massed-PE: mean difference, −14.13 [95% CI, −16.63 to −11.62]; P < .001). CAPS-5 change scores differed from 1- to 6-month follow-ups (mean difference, 4.44 [95% CI, 0.89 to 8.01]; P = .02). PTSD symptoms increased in massed-PE participants during follow-up (mean difference, 3.21 [95% CI, 0.65 to 5.77]; P = .01), whereas IOP-PE participants maintained treatment gains (mean difference, 1.23 [95% CI, −3.72 to 1.27]; P = .33). PCL-5 scores decreased in both groups from baseline to 1-month follow-up (IOP-PE: mean difference, −21.81 [95% CI, −25.57 to −18.04]; P < .001; massed-PE: mean difference, −19.96 [95% CI, −23.56 to −16.35]; P < .001) and were maintained at 6 months (IOP-PE: mean change, −0.21 [95% CI, −3.47 to 3.06]; P = .90; massed-PE: mean change, 3.02 [95% CI, −0.36 to 6.40]; P = .08). Both groups had notable PTSD diagnostic remission at posttreatment (IOP-PE: 48% [95% CI, 36% to 61%] of participants; massed-PE: 62% [95% CI, 51% to 73%] of participants), which was maintained at 6 months (IOP-PE: 53% [95% CI, 40% to 66%] of participants; massed-PE: 52% [95% CI, 38% to 66%] of participants). Most participants demonstrated reliable change on the CAPS-5 (61% [95% CI, 52% to 69%] of participants) and the PCL-5 (74% [95% CI, 66% to 81%] of participants) at the 1-month follow-up.These findings suggest that PE can be adapted into compressed treatment formats that effectively reduce PTSD symptoms.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03529435
The role of general self-efficacy in intimate partner violence and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among women veterans
APA Citation:
Webermann, A. R., Dardis, C. M., & Iverson, K. M. (2022). The role of general self-efficacy in intimate partner violence and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among women veterans. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(3), 868-878. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22794
Focus:
Veterans
Trauma
Mental health
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Webermann, Aliya R.; Dardis, Christina M.; Iverson, Katherine M.
2022
Whereas some prior studies have assessed associations between general self-efficacy, intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms cross-sectionally, there is limited research investigating the potential directions of these effects or the longitudinal effects over multiple assessment points. We investigated the role of general self-efficacy in experiences of IPV and PTSD symptoms across time among 411 women veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Online survey data were collected at baseline (Time 1; T1), 18 months after baseline (Time 2; T2), and 2 years after baseline (Time 3; T3). Structural equation models were used to test hypotheses that T2 general self-efficacy would mediate reciprocal associations between IPV experiences and PTSD symptoms while controlling for T2 IPV experiences, T1 PTSD symptoms, and demographic and military covariates (i.e., age, military sexual trauma, and combat exposure). Specifically, we hypothesized that T2 general self-efficacy would mediate the association between (a) T1 IPV experiences and T3 IPV experiences, (b) T1 IPV experiences and T3 PTSD symptoms, (c) T1 PTSD symptoms and T3 IPV experiences, and (d) T1 PTSD symptoms and T3 PTSD symptoms. Findings revealed that T1 PTSD symptoms predicted lower T2 general self-efficacy, and, in turn, lower T2 general self-efficacy was associated with higher T3 IPV experiences, 95% CI [0.06, 0.41]; no other hypotheses were supported. The findings speak to the importance of clinical interventions which promote general self-efficacy as well as assess and treat PTSD symptoms among women who experience IPV.
7 The REBOOT Combat Recovery program: Health and socioemotional benefits
The REBOOT Combat Recovery program: Health and socioemotional benefits
APA Citation:
Knobloch, L. K., Owens, J. L., Gobin, R. L., & Wolf, T. J. (2022). The REBOOT Combat Recovery program: Health and socioemotional benefits. Military Behavioral Health, 10(4), 408-420. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2022.2067917
Focus:
Mental health
Programming
Veterans
Deployment
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Army
Marine Corps
Air Force
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Guard
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Knobloch, Leanne K.; Owens, Jenny L.; Gobin, Robyn L.; Wolf, Timothy J.
2022
Spiritual care for combat trauma seeks to help military personnel heal by finding meaning and purpose in their warzone experiences. Although prior work suggests that spiritual care for combat trauma is potentially beneficial, questions remain about whether health and socioemotional benefits hinge on intrinsic religiosity. We evaluated these questions in conjunction with the REBOOT Combat Recovery program, which offers Christian-based spiritual care for combat trauma via a 12-week manualized course. We collected self-report data from 111 U.S. service members and veterans during Week 3 and Week 12 of the program. Findings showed gains in pain interference and intensity (|d| = .30 to .37), sleep health (|d| = .44 to .52), mental health (|d| = .68 to .75), and social health (|d| = .54). Socioemotional improvements in anger (|d| = .76), meaning and purpose in life (|d| = .58), social connectedness (|d| = .50), and forgiveness (|d| = .44) also were apparent. Gains were largely unmoderated by intrinsic religiosity, demographic characteristics, and military characteristics. A key direction for future research is to employ a pretest/post-test control group design to further evaluate whether REBOOT Recovery is broadly useful as a spiritual care program for combat trauma.
Depression symptoms as a potential mediator of the association between disordered eating symptoms and sexual function in women service members and veterans
APA Citation:
Livingston, W. S., Fargo, J. D., & Blais, R. K. (2022). Depression symptoms as a potential mediator of the association between disordered eating symptoms and sexual function in women service members and veterans. Military Psychology, 34(6), 687-696. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2052661
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Army
Air Force
Navy
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Active Duty
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Livingston, Whitney S.; Fargo, Jamison D.; Blais, Rebecca K.
2022
Sexual dysfunction is associated with disorders commonly diagnosed in service members/veterans (SM/Vs; e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress disorder) and increased risk for suicide in service women. Theory indicates depression may play an important role in predicting sexual dysfunction in the presence of certain mental health challenges, such as disordered eating symptoms. Given the risk for depression and incidence of eating disorders in women SM/Vs, the current study examined whether depressive symptoms mediated the association of disordered eating symptoms and sexual dysfunction in women SM/Vs. Participants (n = 494) were recruited via social media and completed measures of sexual function, disordered eating symptoms, depressive symptom severity, a demographic inventory, and measures of relationship satisfaction and trauma exposure (covariates). Based on self-report measures, probable sexual dysfunction, eating disorder, and depressive disorders were found among 58.70%, 38.5%, and 44.13% of participants, respectively. The relationship of higher disordered eating symptoms and lower sexual function was indirect, through higher depressive symptoms (indirect effect: −0.57, 95% confidence interval: −0.82, −0.34). Findings underscore the importance of screening for sexual function, particularly when disordered eating behavior or depression is present. Integrating treatment for sexual function into existing treatments for women SM/Vs with disordered eating and depression symptoms may be valuable.
9 A grounded theory approach to navigating infertility care during U.S. military service
A grounded theory approach to navigating infertility care during U.S. military service
APA Citation:
Buechel, J., Spalding, C. N., Brock, W. W., Dye, J. L., Todd, N., Wilson, C., Fry-Bowers, E. K. (2022). A grounded theory approach to navigating infertility care during U.S. military service. Military Medicine, usac174. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usac174
Focus:
Couples
Parents
Physical health
Other
Branch of Service:
Navy
Army
Coast Guard
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Reserve
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
Buechel, Jennifer; Spalding, Carmen N.; Brock, Whitney W.; Dye, Judy L.; Todd, Natalie; Wilson, Candy; Fry-Bowers, Eileen K.
2022
In this study, we aimed to understand how active duty service members and their partners navigate the infertility care process within the Military Health System (MHS) while managing a military career.We obtained Institutional Review Board approval to employ a qualitative design using grounded theory methods. We recruited participants using purposive sampling, followed by theoretical sampling. We derived data from demographic questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Consistent with grounded theory methods, we began analysis with line-by-line coding and moved to focused coding. We employed constant comparative analysis throughout the process to name, categorize, and conceptualize data and relationships.The participants included 28 patients, five partners, nine health care providers, and two military leaders. The infertility care process began with active duty service members and their partners recognizing the desire to have a child and discovering infertility, followed by deciding to seek infertility care. The experience was temporally bound within the context of the military environment. We identified the following themes, which described facilitators and barriers to accessing care: Duty station location, career stage, military versus the civilian cost of services, command climate, and policy. These facilitators and barriers varied widely across the Department of Defense (DoD), which resulted in fragmented and inconsistent care cycles, contributed to emotional and physical stress, and created tension between career progression and family formation.Understanding how military couples perceive and manage demands of infertility care may enhance access to care, decrease patient costs, improve outcomes, result in better support for military couples who experience infertility, and ultimately improve the health and military readiness of our armed forces. The results support the need for action by providers, policy makers, and military leaders to develop effective infertility treatment programs and policies in the DoD.
10 Mental healthcare utilization of transgender youth before and after affirming treatment
Mental healthcare utilization of transgender youth before and after affirming treatment
APA Citation:
Hisle-Gorman, E., Schvey, N. A., Adirim, T. A., Rayne, A. K., Susi, A., Roberts, T. A., & Klein, D. A. (2021). Mental healthcare utilization of transgender youth before and after affirming treatment. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(8), 1444-1454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.014
Focus:
Children
Youth
Mental health
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
School age (6 - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Hisle-Gorman, Elizabeth; Schvey, Natasha A.; Adirim, Terry A.; Rayne, Anna K.; Susi, Apryl; Roberts, Timothy A.; Klein, David A.
2021
Objective Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents experience increased mental health risk compared to cisgender peers. Limited research suggests improved outcomes following gender-affirmation. This study examined mental healthcare and psychotropic medication utilization among TGD youth compared to their siblings without gender-related diagnoses and explored utilization patterns following gender-affirming care. Method This retrospective cohort study used military healthcare data from 2010–2018 to identify mental healthcare diagnoses and visits, and psychotropic medication prescriptions among TGD youth who received care for gender dysphoria before age 18, and their siblings. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses compared mental health diagnosis, visits, and psychotropic prescriptions of TGD youth to their siblings, and compared healthcare utilization pre- and post-initiation of gender-affirming pharmaceuticals among TGD adolescents. Results 3,754 TGD adolescents and 6,603 cisgender siblings were included. TGD adolescents were more likely to have a mental health diagnosis (OR 5.45, 95% CI [4.77–6.24]), use more mental healthcare services (IRR 2.22; 95% CI [2.00–2.46]), and be prescribed more psychotropic medications (IRR = 2.57; 95% CI [2.36–2.80]) compared to siblings. The most pronounced increases in mental healthcare were for adjustment, anxiety, mood, personality, psychotic disorders, and suicidal ideation/attempted suicide. The most pronounced increased in psychotropic medication were in SNRIs, sleep medications, anti-psychotics and lithium. Among 963 TGD youth (Mage: 18.2) using gender-affirming pharmaceuticals, mental healthcare did not significantly change (IRR = 1.09, 95% CI [0.95–1.25]) and psychotropic medications increased (IRR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.46–1.91]) following gender-affirming pharmaceutical initiation; older age was associated with decreased care and prescriptions. Conclusion Results support clinical mental health screening recommendations for TGD youth. Further research is needed to elucidate the longer-term impact of medical affirmation on mental health, including family and social factors associated with the persistence and discontinuation of mental healthcare needs among TGD youth.
11 The effect of war injury and combat deployment on military wives’ mental health symptoms
The effect of war injury and combat deployment on military wives’ mental health symptoms
APA Citation:
Cozza, S. J., Ogle, C. M., Fisher, J. E., Zhou, J., Zuleta, R. F., Fullerton, C. S., & Ursano, R. J. (2022). The effect of war injury and combat deployment on military wives’ mental health symptoms. Depression and Anxiety, 39(10-11), 686-694. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.23274
Focus:
Deployment
Mental health
Couples
Physical health
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Army
Air Force
Marine Corps
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Cozza, Stephen J.; Ogle, Christin M.; Fisher, Joscelyn E.; Zhou, Jing; Zuleta, Rafael F.; Fullerton, Carol S.; Ursano, Robert J.
2022
Background Although much has been learned about the physical and psychological impacts of deployment and combat injury on military service members, less is known about the effects of these experiences on military spouses. Methods The present study examined self-reported mental health symptoms (using the Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]-18 and the posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] Checklist [PCL-C]) in wives of service members who were combat-injured (CI; n = 60); noninjured with cumulative deployment longer than 11 months (NI-High; n = 51); and noninjured with cumulativel deployment less than 11 months (NI-Low; n = 53). Results 36.7% and 11.7% of CI wives endorsed above threshold symptoms on the PCL-C and overall BSI-18, respectively. Multivariate linear regressions revealed that being a CI wife was associated with higher PCL-C, overall BSI-18, and BSI-18 anxiety subscale scores compared to NI-Low wives in models adjusted for individual and family characteristics, as well as prior trauma and childhood adversities. Compared with the NI-High group, the CI group was associated with higher overall BSI-18 scores. Conclusions While CI wives evidenced fewer mental symptoms than expected, these findings suggest a negative impact of service member's combat injury on wives’ mental health above that attributable to deployment, highlighting the need for trauma-informed interventions designed to support the needs of military wives affected by combat injury.
12 A pilot study of a moral injury group intervention co-facilitated by a chaplain and psychologist
A pilot study of a moral injury group intervention co-facilitated by a chaplain and psychologist
APA Citation:
Cenkner, D. P., Yeomans, P. D., Antal, C. J., & Scott, J. C. (2021). A pilot study of a moral injury group intervention co-facilitated by a chaplain and psychologist. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 34(2), 367-374. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22642
Focus:
Mental health
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Army
Marine Corps
Air Force
Navy
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)
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Research & Summary
Cenkner, David P.; Yeomans, Peter D.; Antal, Chris J.; Scott, J. Cobb
2020
Moral injury, an experience of betrayal or transgression of moral values, continues to receive attention because of its associations with psychiatric disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidality. There is growing recognition that moral injury may require novel interventions that involve religious or spiritual paradigms. This pilot study presents feasibility data and exploratory outcomes for 40 veteran participants across seven cohorts who participated in a novel 12-week moral injury group (MIG) over 35 months. The MIG was cofacilitated by a Veterans Affairs chaplain and psychologist and designed to reduce distress and improve functioning in individuals with histories of morally injurious experiences from military service. The intervention included a ceremony in which participants shared testimonies of their moral injury with the general public. Recruitment feasibility and retention were high, with participants completing an average of 9.45 (SD = 2.82) sessions of the 12-week group, and 32 participants (80.0%) attending nine or more sessions and the community healing ceremony. Exploratory analyses revealed medium effect sizes, ω2 = 0.05–0.08, for reductions in depressive symptoms, improvements in psychological functioning, and self-compassion after the intervention, with small effect sizes, ω2 = 0.03, in anticipated directions for personal growth and spiritual struggles. The results were not impacted by participant engagement in concurrent psychological treatments. Taken together, these findings support the feasibility of the MIG, the potential merit of an interdisciplinary approach to addressing moral injury, and justification for further research into the efficacy of this approach.
Social media and internet-based communication in military families during separation: An international scoping review
APA Citation:
Wood, A., Gray, L., Bowser-Angermann, J., Gibson, P., Fossey, M., & Godier-McBard, L. (2023). Social media and internet-based communication in military families during separation: An international scoping review. New Media & Society, 25(7), 1802-1823. https://doi.org/10.1177/14614448221117767
Focus:
Children
Couples
Deployment
Mental health
Youth
Branch of Service:
International Military
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Wood, Abigail; Gray, Leanne; Bowser-Angermann, Joanne; Gibson, Poppy; Fossey, Matt; Godier-McBard, Lauren
2023
The last decade has seen the growth of social media and Internet-based communication. Recent research highlighted the need for exploration of the use of social media by military families due to the significant period of separation that they experience. On this basis, an international scoping review was undertaken to explore how military families use Internet-based communication and social media to communicate with their serving members and what the impact of this is. The review showed a paucity of research focused specifically on the use of social media by Service families. Overall, papers returned showed that social media and Internet-based communication has distinct benefits for military families, fostering connectedness, increasing potential communication, enabling Serving parents to be more involved and better accommodate their family’s routine, and potentially improving the deployment experience. However, unique practical barriers were also identified, alongside the potential exacerbation challenges associated with traditional forms of communication.
Examination of the relationship between self and choice of coping strategies among U.S. active duty military wives
APA Citation:
Page, A. P., Ross, A. M., & Solomon, P. (2023). Examination of the relationship between self and choice of coping strategies among U.S. active duty military wives. Armed Forces and Society, 49(3), 687-712. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X221081222
Focus:
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Coast Guard
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
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
Page, Amy P.; Ross, Abigail M.; Solomon, Phyllis
2023
Previous research indicates that one’s identity relates to one’s use of specific coping strategies. Exploring the relationship between self and coping in military wives is crucial to understanding how they manage military lifestyle-related stressors. The researchers hypothesized that identity status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, mastery, and role conflict will be related to choice of emotion-focused coping or problem-focused coping strategies. Two hundred two participants completed an anonymous online survey containing standardized scales. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analyses revealed that emotion-focused coping had positive relationships with achieved identity status and role conflict. Problem-focused coping had positive relationships with moratorium status, self-concept clarity, self-monitoring, and mastery. Findings provide preliminary support that sense of self is important in understanding how military wives choose to cope with particular challenges.
Pre- and perinatal risk factors for child maltreatment in military families across the first two years of life
APA Citation:
Sullivan, K. S., Richardson, S., Ross, A., Cederbaum, J. A., Pflieger, J., Abramovitz, L., Bukowinski, A., & Stander, V. (2023). Pre- and perinatal risk factors for child maltreatment in military families across the first two years of life. Child Maltreatment, 28(2), 209-220. https://doi.org/10.1177/10775595221088198
Focus:
Parents
Children
Child maltreatment
Mental health
Physical health
Substance use
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Population:
Childhood (birth - 12 yrs)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
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Research & Summary
Sullivan, Kathrine S.; Richardson, Sabrina; Ross, Abigail; Cederbaum, Julie A.; Pflieger, Jacqueline; Abramovitz, Lisa; Bukowinski, Anna; Stander, Valerie
2023
Military families are exposed to a unique constellation of risk factors, which may impact maltreatment outcomes. The present study examined prospective relationships between demographic, health, birth-related, and military-specific risk factors identified prior to a child’s birth on their risk for maltreatment in the first two years of life. Data from the Millennium Cohort Study, Department of Defense (DoD) operational records and Family Advocacy Program data on met-criteria maltreatment, and Birth and Infant Health Research program data on suspected maltreatment were linked for 9076 service member parents. Discrete time survival analysis showed that preterm birth increased risk of maltreatment while parents’ older age, physical health, and service in the Navy or Air Force decreased risk. Building on DoD’s New Parent Support Program, findings suggest the need for universal and targeted prevention efforts, beginning during pregnancy, which limit or eliminate risk factors for maltreatment in military families.
Marriage checkup in integrated primary care: A randomized controlled trial with active-duty military couples
APA Citation:
Cigrang, J. A., Cordova, J. V., Gray, T. D., Fedynich, A. L., Maher, E., Diehl, A. N., & Hawrilenko, M. (2022). Marriage checkup in integrated primary care: A randomized controlled trial with active-duty military couples. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 90(5), 381–391. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000734
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
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
Cigrang, Jeffrey A.; Cordova, James V.; Gray, Tatiana D.; Fedynich, Ashley L.; Maher, Emily; Diehl, Abby N.; Hawrilenko, Matt
2022
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the efficacy of the marriage checkup, as adapted to integrated primary care settings and active-duty military couples, for improving relationship health and depressive symptoms. METHOD: Married couples (N = 244, Mage = 32.4, 67.6% Caucasian) in which at least one member was active-duty Air Force were recruited from bases across the U.S. via online advertisement, emails sent from medical clinics to enrolled beneficiaries, social media posts, and flyers, and randomly assigned to active treatment or waitlist control. Treatment and control couples were linked in pairs sequentially and pairs completed nine sets of questionnaires at baseline, 1-, and 6-month posttreatment. Outcome measures included the Couples Satisfaction Index, Intimate Safety Questionnaire, Responsive Attention Scale, Partner Compassion Scale, Communication Skills Test, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. RESULTS: A three-level multilevel model indicated, after adjustment for multiple comparisons, treatment couples experienced statistically significant small-to-moderate improvements compared to the control group (Cohen's d from 0.21 to 0.55) at 1 month that were sustained at 6 months for relationship satisfaction, responsive attention, compassion toward their partners, communication skills, intimate safety, and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A longitudinal randomized control trial of the MC supports the hypothesis that the MC significantly improves relationship satisfaction, intimacy, communication, partner compassion, responsive attention, and depressive symptoms. Implications for theory, treatment, and dissemination are discussed.
17 A randomized trial of brief couple therapy for PTSD and relationship satisfaction
A randomized trial of brief couple therapy for PTSD and relationship satisfaction
APA Citation:
Morland, L. A., Knopp, K. C., Khalifian, C. E., Macdonald, A., Grubbs, K. M., Mackintosh, M…Monson, C. M. (2022). A randomized trial of brief couple therapy for PTSD and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 90(5), 392-404. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000731
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Trauma
Veterans
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
Morland, Leslie A.; Knopp, Kayla C.; Khalifian, Chandra E.; Macdonald, Alexandra; Grubbs, Kathleen M.; Mackintosh, Margaret-Anne; Becker-Cretu, Julia J.; Sautter, Frederic J.; Buzzella, Brian A.; Wrape, Elizabeth R.; Glassman, Lisa H.; Webster, Katelyn; Sohn, Min Ji; Glynn, Shirley M.; Acierno, Ron; Monson, Candice M.
2022
OBJECTIVE: This three-arm randomized trial tested a brief version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (bCBCT) delivered in two modalities compared to couples' psychoeducation in a sample of U.S. veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their intimate partners. METHOD: Couples were randomized to receive (a) in-person, office-based bCBCT (OB-bCBCT), (b) bCBCT delivered via home-based telehealth (HB-bCBCT), or (c) an in-person psychoeducation comparison condition (PTSD family education [OB-PFE]). Primary outcomes were clinician-assessed PTSD severity (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale), self-reported psychosocial functioning (Brief Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning), and relationship satisfaction (Couples Satisfaction Index) at posttreatment and through 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: PTSD symptoms significantly decreased by posttreatment with all three treatments, but compared to PFE, PTSD symptoms declined significantly more for veterans in OB-bCBCT (between-group d = 0.59 [0.17, 1.01]) and HB-bCBCT (between-group d = 0.76 [0.33, 1.19]) treatments. There were no significant differences between OB-bCBCT and HB-bCBCT. Psychosocial functioning and relationship satisfaction showed significant small to moderate improvements, with no differences between treatments. All changes were maintained through 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A briefer, more scalable version of CBCT showed sustained effectiveness relative to an active control for improving PTSD symptoms when delivered in-person or via telehealth. Both bCBCT and couples' psychoeducation improved psychosocial and relational outcomes. These results could have a major impact on PTSD treatment delivery within large systems of care where access to brief, evidence-based PTSD treatments incorporating family members are needed.
