The interpersonal theory of suicide posits people are more likely to consider suicide when they perceive themselves as alone and as a burden. However, there is limited research on whether these self-perceptions reflect caregiver experiences. As part of a larger study of collaborative safety planning, 43 Veteran/caregiver dyads (N = 86 individuals) completed measures of belongingness and burdensomeness, caregiver burden, family problem solving, and suicide-related coping. We conducted dyad-level actor interdependence models allowing two types of social coping (i.e., general problem solving and suicide-specific coping) to predict Veteran’s self-views and caregiver interpersonal perceptions. Results suggested that Veteran social coping predicted lower Veteran thwarted belonginess and burdensomeness and caregiver involvement in problem solving was similarly associated with their own lower caregiver emotional burden. But examination of cross-partner effects demonstrated that greater Veteran coping was associated with greater time burden for caregivers. Findings suggest that social coping is associated with positive perceptions at the individual level (i.e., Veterans and caregivers to themselves) but does not indicate positive effects at the partner level. Clinicians working with Veterans may wish to involve supports in care to encourage effective collaboration that meets both caregiver/recipient needs.
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Showing library results for: September 2022
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Better off with you: Exploring congruity between caregivers’ and veterans’ experience of efforts to cope with suicide
APA Citation:
Crasta, D., Spears, A. P., Sullivan, S. R., Britton, P. C., & Goodman, M. (2022). Better off with you: Exploring congruity between caregivers’ and Veterans’ experience of efforts to cope with suicide. Military Psychology, 34(3), 326-334. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2021.1959222
Focus:
Mental health
Couples
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
Crasta, Dev; Spears, Angela Page; Sullivan, Sarah R.; Britton, Peter C.; Goodman, Marianne
2022
Relationship-undermining statements by psychotherapists with clients who present with marital or couple problems
APA Citation:
Doherty, W. J., & Harris, S. M. (2022). Relationship-undermining statements by psychotherapists with clients who present with marital or couple problems. Family Process, 61(3), 1195-1207. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12774
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
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
Doherty, William J.; Harris, Steven M.
2022
This study examined the prevalence of relationship undermining statements by psychotherapists as reported by clients in individual therapy who presented with relationship problems, and whether these statements were associated with worse outcomes for client relationships. Participants (n = 101) reported on recollections of whether their therapist had suggested that their partner would never change, had a diagnosable personality/mental health disorder, had negative motives, that the relationship was doomed from the start or beyond repair now, or that divorce/breakup was their best option. Findings showed high prevalence of these undermining statements and associations with poorer relationship outcomes and shorter duration of therapy. We discuss potential explanations for this phenomenon and offer implications for the training of therapists who treat individual clients with relationship problems.
A bidirectional examination of mental health symptoms and perceptions of leader support: Which comes first?
APA Citation:
Bessey, A. F., Black, K. J., & Britt, T. W. (2023). A bidirectional examination of mental health symptoms and perceptions of leader support: Which comes first? Military Psychology, 35(2), 119-131. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2085957
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
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
Bessey, Alexxa F.; Black, Kristen Jennings; Britt, Thomas W.
2023
Leader support for psychological health (LSPH) has been identified as an important factor in the prediction of mental health symptoms among warfighters. Although research has examined the relationship between LSPH and mental health symptoms, the extent to which this relationship is bidirectional has been underexplored. Consequently, the present study examined the longitudinal relationships between perceived LSPH and mental health symptoms (depression and PTSD) among military personnel over a 5-month period. We found that perceived LSPH at Time 1 (T1) was associated with fewer mental health symptoms at Time 2 (T2); however, mental health symptoms at T1 were also associated with lower perceptions of LSPH at T2. The results differed slightly based on the type of symptoms experienced, but the relationships between perceived LSPH and symptoms did not vary based on whether soldiers had been exposed to combat. However, it is important to note that the overall sample had low combat experience. Despite this, these findings may suggest that the assumption that leader support can enhance soldier mental health may fail to consider that the symptoms themselves may also affect how leaders are perceived. Therefore, organizations such as the military should consider both directions to optimally understand the relationship between leaders and subordinate mental health.
4 Psychologist veteran status as a predictor of veterans’ willingness to engage in psychotherapy
Psychologist veteran status as a predictor of veterans’ willingness to engage in psychotherapy
APA Citation:
Yeterian, J. D., & Dutra, S. J. (2023). Psychologist veteran status as a predictor of veterans' willingness to engage in psychotherapy. Military Psychology, 35(1), 50-57. https://doi.org/10.1080/08995605.2022.2066937
Focus:
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
Yeterian, Julie D.; Dutra, Sunny J.
2023
Many veterans experience difficulties with mental health and functioning, yet many do not seek treatment and dropout rates are high. A small body of literature suggests that veterans prefer to work with providers or peer support specialists who are also veterans. Research with trauma-exposed veterans suggests that some veterans prefer to work with female providers. In an experimental study with 414 veterans, we examined whether veterans’ ratings of a psychologist (e.g., helpfulness, ability to understand the participant, likelihood of making an appointment) described in a vignette were impacted by the psychologist’s veteran status and gender. Results indicated that veterans who read about a veteran psychologist rated the psychologist as more able to help and understand them, reported being more willing to see and more comfortable seeing the psychologist, and reported greater belief that they should see the psychologist, relative to those who read about a non-veteran psychologist. Contrary to hypotheses, there was no main effect of psychologist gender nor any interaction between psychologist gender and psychologist veteran status on ratings. Findings suggest that having access to mental health providers who are also veterans may reduce barriers to treatment-seeking among veteran patients.
5 Contraceptive use and access among deployed US servicewomen: Findings from an online survey
Contraceptive use and access among deployed US servicewomen: Findings from an online survey
APA Citation:
Seymour, J. W., Fix, L., Grossman, D., & Grindlay, K. (2021). Contraceptive use and access among deployed US servicewomen: Findings from an online survey. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, 47(1), 61–66. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2019-200569
Focus:
Deployment
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Air Force
Coast Guard
Marine Corps
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
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
Seymour, Jane W.; Fix, Laura; Grossman, Daniel; Grindlay, Kate
2021
Background/introduction This study aimed to survey US servicewomen on their contraceptive access and use during deployment. Methods Between June 2016 and July 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among a convenience sample of current and former members of the US Military, National Guard and Reserves who had a deployment ending in 2010 or later. Participants were asked open-ended and closed-ended questions about their demographics and contraceptive use and access before and during their last deployment. Descriptive statistics were run on closed-ended questions and responses to open-ended questions were inductively coded. Results A total of 353 participants were included. Sixty-five per cent reported using contraception during all or part of their last deployment. Nearly half (49.3%) did not have or remember having a discussion with a military care provider about contraception prior to deployment. Both prior to and during deployment, the free or low cost of birth control and ability to get a full supply for deployment facilitated contraceptive use. Difficulty obtaining an appointment and the inability to get a full supply of birth control were barriers to contraception access both before and during deployment. Half (49.1%) of respondents who had to start or refill contraception during deployment said it was somewhat or very difficult to do so. Conclusions For at least some servicewomen, there are barriers to contraceptive access and use prior to and during overseas deployment. Programmes to increase contraceptive access should be expanded and monitoring systems should be implemented to ensure all servicemembers receive predeployment contraceptive counselling.
Influences of religiousness/spirituality on mental and physical health in OEF/OIF/OND military veterans varies by sex and race/ethnicity
APA Citation:
Park, C. L., Sacco, S. J., Kraus, S. W., Mazure, C. M., & Hoff, R. A. (2021). Influences of religiousness/spirituality on mental and physical health in OEF/OIF/OND military veterans varies by sex and race/ethnicity. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 138, 15-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.034
Focus:
Mental health
Physical health
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
Park, Crystal L.; Sacco, Shane J.; Kraus, Shane W.; Mazure, Carolyn M.; Hoff, Rani A.
2021
Background Religiousness/spirituality (R/S) has been associated with greater mental wellbeing in US military veterans, but this work has been conducted primarily with older veterans, cross-sectionally, using a constrained set of R/S and mental health constructs, and lacking consideration of the influence of sex and race/ethnicity. Further, few studies have focused on associations of R/S with veterans’ physical health. Method We investigated the relationship of R/S to mental and physical health in a sample of 410 Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation New Dawn veterans within five years of military separation and one year later. Results In the full sample, R/S coping, R/S organized practices and private prayer minimally related to mental or physical wellbeing, yet R/S struggle related inversely to concurrent and subsequent mental and physical health. For women only, higher baseline organized R/S was associated with lower subsequent stress, anxiety, and insomnia. For men only, baseline R/S coping predicted subsequent poorer physical quality of life and baseline R/S struggle predicted subsequent increased pain. For minority race but not white veterans, higher baseline private prayer predicted increased current pain level at 12 months; for Latinx ethnicity only, higher baseline R/S coping predicted increased quality of life a year later and higher baseline R/S struggle predicted higher subsequent levels of anxiety. Conclusions R/S, broadly conceptualized, may relate to wellbeing in military veterans in different ways depending on sex and race/ethnicity, with implications for the role of R/S and R/S struggle in personalizing mental and physical health services.
7 Changes in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among American veterans
Changes in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among American veterans
APA Citation:
Davis, J. P., Prindle, J., Castro, C. C., Saba, S., Fitzke, R. E., & Pedersen, E. R. (2021). Changes in alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among American veterans. Addictive Behaviors, 122, Article 107052. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.107052
Focus:
Substance use
Veterans
Mental health
Trauma
Child maltreatment
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
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
Davis, Jordan P.; Prindle, John; Castro, Carl C.; Saba, Shaddy; Fitzke, Reagan E.; Pedersen, Eric R.
2021
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had considerable behavioral health implications globally. One subgroup that may be of particular concern is U.S. veterans, who are susceptible to mental health and substance use concerns. The current study aimed to investigate changes in alcohol use and binge drinking before and during the first year of the pandemic among U.S. veterans, and how pre-pandemic mental health disorders, namely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and COVID-19-related factors like loneliness, negative reactions to COVID-19, and economic hardship influenced alcohol use trends. Methods 1230 veterans were recruited in February 2020 as part of a larger survey study on veteran health behaviors. Veterans were asked to complete follow-up assessments throughout the pandemic at 6, 9, and 12- months. Results Overall, veterans reported a significant decrease in alcohol use (IRR = 0.98) and binge drinking (IRR = 0.11) However, women, racial/ethnic minority veterans, and those with pre-existing PTSD exhibited smaller decreases in alcohol use and binge drinking and overall higher rates of use compared to men, White veterans, and those without PTSD. Both economic hardship and negative reactions to COVID-19 were associated with greater alcohol and binge drinking whereas loneliness showed a negative association with alcohol use and binge drinking. Conclusions Veterans reported decreases in alcohol use and binge drinking throughout the pandemic, with heterogeneity in these outcomes noted for higher risk groups. Special research and clinical attention should be given to the behavioral health care needs of veterans in the post-pandemic period.
Examining the role of social support in treatment for co-occurring substance use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder
APA Citation:
Jarnecke, A. M., Saraiya, T. C., Brown, D. G., Richardson, J., Killeen, T., & Back, S. E. (2022). Examining the role of social support in treatment for co-occurring substance use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 15, Article 100427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100427
Focus:
Substance use
Mental health
Veterans
Trauma
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
Jarnecke, Amber M.; Saraiya, Tanya C.; Brown, Delisa G.; Richardson, James; Killeen, Therese; Back, Sudie E.
2022
Objective Social support may be a critical mechanism in the treatment of co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, no studies have examined how social support changes as a function of treatment or predicts treatment outcome in a Veteran population with co-occurring SUD and PTSD. Method The current study is a secondary analysis that examined social support over the course of treatment for co-occurring SUD and PTSD (N = 81). Analyses were conducted to examine if a) social support predicts change in substance use and PTSD symptoms, respectively, over the course of treatment and during follow-up, and b) substance use and PTSD symptoms, respectively, predicts change in social support over treatment and during follow-up. Results The findings revealed that between-person social support moderated decreases in substance use (B = −0.17, SE = 0.07, p = 0.017) and PTSD symptom severity (B = −0.12, SE = 0.05, p = 0.009) during treatment but not during follow-up. Within-person substance use and PTSD symptom severity predicted social support but substance use and PTSD symptoms did not moderate changes in social support during treatment or follow-up. Conclusions The findings highlight the critical role of social support during treatment in enhancing outcomes for individuals with co-occurring SUD and PTSD.
Involving a significant other in treatment of patients with PTSD symptoms: A systematic review of treatment interventions
APA 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
Focus:
Mental health
Couples
Trauma
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
Meuleman, Eline; Sloover, Mèlanie; van Ee, Elisa
2023
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.
Drug use over time among never-deployed US Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers: The longitudinal effects of non-deployment emotions and sex
APA Citation:
Hoopsick, R. A., Homish, D. L., Lawson, S. C., & Homish, G. G. (2022). Drug use over time among never-deployed US Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers: The longitudinal effects of non-deployment emotions and sex. Stress & Health, 38(5), 1045-1057. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3156
Focus:
Substance use
Deployment
Couples
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Reserve
Guard
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
Hoopsick, Rachel A.; Homish, D. Lynn; Lawson, Schuyler C.; Homish, Gregory G.
2022
Some US military service members who have never been deployed experience negative emotions related to never having been deployed, and some work shows these non-deployment emotions (NDE) are cross-sectionally associated with hazardous drinking for male, but not female, US Army Reserve/National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers. However, it is not known if these effects extend to drug use or persist longitudinally, which is the focus of the current study. We conducted a longitudinal residual change analysis of a subset of data (N = 182 never-deployed soldiers) from Operation: SAFETY, an ongoing survey-based study of USAR/NG soldiers recruited from units across New York State. Outcome measures included current tobacco use, non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD), current cannabis use, and other current illicit drug use (excluding cannabis) at four time points over a 3-year period. Results from bootstrapped residual change generalized estimating equation (GEE) models show that more negative NDE were longitudinally associated with a greater likelihood of current NMUPD among male, but not female, soldiers (p < 0.05). NDE were not longitudinally associated with current tobacco use, cannabis use, or other illicit drug use among male or female soldiers (ps > 0.05). NDE may contribute to ongoing NMUPD among male USAR/NG soldiers who have never been deployed. Never-deployed soldiers, especially those with negative emotions related to never having been deployed, should not be overlooked in military screening and intervention efforts.
Feasibility, acceptability, and short-term impact of a brief sexually transmitted infection intervention targeting U.S. military personnel and family members
APA Citation:
Kunz, A., Moodley, A., Colby, D. J., Soltis, M., Robb-McGrath, W., Fairchok, A.,… Scott, P. (2022). Feasibility, acceptability, and short-term impact of a brief sexually transmitted infection intervention targeting U.S. military personnel and family members. BMC Public Health, 22(1), Article 640. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13096-x
Focus:
Physical health
Programming
Couples
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Kunz, Anjali; Moodley, Amber; Colby, Donn J.; Soltis, Michele; Robb-McGrath, Wesley; Fairchok, Alexandra; Faestel, Paul; Jungels, Amanda; Bender, Alexis A.; Kamau, Edwin; Wingood, Gina; DiClemente, Ralph; Scott, Paul
2022
Background Over the past 10 years, incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has increased to record numbers in the United States, with the most significant increases observed among adolescents and young adults. The US military, where the majority of active duty personnel are 18–30 years old, has seen similar increases. However, the US military does not yet have a standardized, service-wide program for STI education and prevention. Methods The KISS intervention (Knocking out Infections through Safer-sex and Screening) was adapted from an evidence-based intervention endorsed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and consisted of a one-time, small group session. Content included STI/HIV knowledge and prevention, condom use skills, and interpersonal communication techniques. The intervention was pilot tested for feasibility and acceptability among a population of service members and medical beneficiaries at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. Results A total of 79 participants aged 18–30 years were consented to participate in the pilot study and met entry criteria, 66/79 (82.5%) attended the intervention session, and 46/66 (69.7%) returned at 3 months for the final follow-up assessment. The intervention sessions included 31 male (47.0%) and 35 female (53.0%) participants. Almost all participants felt comfortable discussing sexual issues in the group sessions, reported that they intended to practice safer sex after the intervention, and would also recommend the intervention to friends. Knowledge about STI/HIV prevention significantly increased after the intervention, and intervention effects were maintained at 3 months. About one-fifth of participants tested positive for N. gonorrhea or C. trachomatis infection at enrollment, while none had recurrent STIs at the final visit. Use of both male and female condoms increased after the intervention. Conclusions The KISS intervention was feasible to implement in the military setting and was acceptable to the active duty service members and other medical beneficiaries who participated in the pilot project. Further studies are needed to determine if the KISS intervention, or others, effectively decrease STI incidence in active duty personnel and would be appropriate for more widespread implementation.
Aggression in military members with mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with intimate partner health-related quality of life
APA Citation:
Brickell, T. A., French, L. M., Wright, M. M., & Lange, R. T. (2022). Aggression in military members with mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder is associated with intimate partner health-related quality of life. Women's Health Issues, 32(5), 526-533. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2022.04.003
Focus:
Couples
Trauma
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
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)
Share the article
Research & Summary
Brickell, Tracey A.; French, Louis M.; Wright, Megan M.; Lange, Rael T.
2022
Objective We aimed to examine the relationship between service member/veteran (SMV) aggression and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in their intimate partners. Methods This prospective cohort study included 201 female intimate partner caregivers of post-9/11 male SMVs with a diagnosis of uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder from a military treatment facility. Caregivers completed 17 HRQOL measures and rated the level the SMV experiences problems with verbal or physical expressions of irritability, anger, or aggression on the Mayo–Portland Adaptability Inventory, 4th edition. Caregivers were classified into three SMV Aggression groups: i) none or very mild (n = 53); ii) mild (n = 47); and iii) moderate or severe (n = 101). HRQOL scores were classified as clinically elevated using a cutoff of 60T or higher. Results Using χ2 analysis, the moderate or severe group had a significantly higher proportion of clinically elevated scores on 15 HRQOL measures compared with the none or very mild group, and six measures compared with the mild group. The mild group had higher scores on two measures compared with the none or very mild group. Using analysis of covariance (and controlling for caregiver strain), the moderate or severe group had significantly higher scores on 11 HRQOL measures compared with the none or very mild group, and two measures compared with the mild group. The mild group had higher scores on five measures compared with the none or very mild group. Conclusions Many caregivers who report moderate to severe SMV aggression after a traumatic brain injury, report poor HRQOL beyond the strain of care provision. Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder programs should screen for and treat SMV aggression, and attend to the health needs of their caregivers.
