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1 Adverse childhood experiences and positive childhood experiences among United States military children

Adverse childhood experiences and positive childhood experiences among United States military children

APA Citation:

Crouch, E., Andersen, T. S., & Smith, H. P. (2023). Adverse childhood experiences and positive childhood experiences among United States military children. Military Medicine, usad416. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad416

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad416

Focus:

Children
Trauma

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty

Population:

Adolescence (13 - 17 yrs)

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Research & Summary

Authors: Crouch, Elizabeth; Andersen, Tia S.; Smith, Hayden P.

Year: 2023

Abstract

Many facets of military life are contributors to child health including frequent mobility, family separation, and increased risk to parental physical and mental health, as well as strong social networks and military support systems; yet, there has not been an examination of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) among military children.This study used the 2020–2021 National Survey of Children’s Health, limited to children aged 6 to 17 years of age, to examine the association between a child who has ever had a caregiver on active duty and their exposure to ACEs and PCEs (n = 54,256 children). Bivariate analyses used Pearson’s chi-squared tests and were weighted to be nationally representative. Multivariable regression models were used to examine the association between military status and selected ACEs.There were no statistically significant differences in PCEs between military and civilian children. Compared to children with a civilian caregiver, children who had a caregiver who had ever served on active duty had a higher odds of experiencing domestic violence (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 1.61; 95% CI 1.23–2.11), mental health issues or depression in the household (aOR 1.28; 95% CI 1.07–1.52), and substance use (aOR 1.28; 95% CI 1.06–1.55).This study complements and extends previous research that has taken a deficit approach and focused exclusively on the hardships faced by children in military families. The findings from this study may be instructive for child welfare advocates and policymakers as they intervene in communities with programming that promotes PCEs among children and adolescents.

2 Marital quality and loneliness among aging Vietnam-era combat veterans: The moderating role of PTSD symptom severity

Marital quality and loneliness among aging Vietnam-era combat veterans: The moderating role of PTSD symptom severity

APA Citation:

Marini, C. M., Yorgason, J. B., Pless Kaiser, A., & Erickson, L. D. (2023). Marital quality and loneliness among aging Vietnam-era combat veterans: The moderating role of PTSD symptom severity. Clinical Gerontologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2023.2274052

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2023.2274052

Focus:

Veterans
Mental health
Couples

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Veteran

Population:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)

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Research & Summary

Authors: Marini, Christina M.; Yorgason, Jeremy B.; Pless Kaiser, Anica; Erickson, Lance D.

Year: 2023

Abstract

Objectives We examined links between marital quality and loneliness among aging veterans and explored whether veterans’ PTSD symptom severity moderated these associations. Methods Data came from 269 Vietnam-Era combat veterans who had a spouse/partner (M age = 60.50). Utilizing two waves of data spanning six years, we estimated multiple regression models that included positive and negative marital quality, PTSD symptom severity, and loneliness in 2010 as predictors of loneliness in 2016. Results Facets of positive (but not negative) marital quality were associated with veterans’ loneliness. Companionship – spousal affection and understanding – was associated with lower subsequent loneliness among veterans with low/moderate – but not high – PTSD symptom severity. Conversely, sociability – the degree to which one’s marriage promotes socializing with others – was associated with lower subsequent loneliness regardless of PTSD symptom severity. Conclusions Companionship and sociability were each associated with veterans’ subsequent loneliness. Whereas benefits of companionship were attenuated at higher levels of PTSD symptom severity, benefits of sociability were not.

3 Exploring veteran cultural competency in Canadian health care services

Exploring veteran cultural competency in Canadian health care services

APA Citation:

Tam-Seto, L., Williams, A., & Cramm, H. (2023). Exploring veteran cultural competency in Canadian health care services. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 9(4), 100–110. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0073

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2022-0073

Focus:

Veterans
Other

Branch of Service:

International Military

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

Authors: Tam-Seto, Linna; Williams, Ashley; Cramm, Heidi

Year: 2023

Abstract

On leaving the military, Canadian Armed Forces Veterans begin receiving health care services in the civilian community. Health care providers may not understand the military culture from which Veterans come, and how military service can affect health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to identify what civilian health care providers need to know and do to provide culturally competent care to Canadian Veterans. Veterans and health care providers (family physicians and an occupational therapist) were interviewed, and specific knowledge, skills, and abilities were identified as important when establishing a quality health care relationship. This information can be used to develop resources for health care providers when beginning work with Veterans and their families, as well as for Veterans themselves as they transition to receiving care in civilian systems.

4 An examination of relationship satisfaction as a predictor of outcomes of brief couple therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

An examination of relationship satisfaction as a predictor of outcomes of brief couple therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

APA Citation:

Sippel, L. M., Knopp, K. C., Wachsman, T., Khalifian, C. E., Glynn, S. M., & Morland, L. A. (2023). An examination of relationship satisfaction as a predictor of outcomes of brief couple therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 36(6), 1115–1125. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22984

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22984

Focus:

Veterans
Couples
Programming
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

Authors: Sippel, Lauren M.; Knopp, Kayla C.; Wachsman, Tamara; Khalifian, Chandra E.; Glynn, Shirley M.; Morland, Leslie A.

Year: 2023

Abstract

The pretreatment quality of intimate relationships can promote or interfere with couple therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment response. We tested whether baseline relationship satisfaction predicted clinical and process outcomes in two dyadic treatments for PTSD. Using data from a randomized trial comparing brief cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy (bCBCT) for PTSD to PTSD family education (PFE) among 137 military veterans and their partners (N = 274, Mage = 42.3 years, 46.7% White, 81.0% male veteran partner), we examined whether baseline relationship satisfaction (Couples Satisfaction Index; CSI-32) predicted change in PTSD symptom severity (Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5; CAPS-5), psychosocial functioning (Brief Inventory of Psychosocial Functioning; B-IPF), and relationship satisfaction at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. We also explored associations with process outcomes (working alliance, treatment satisfaction, dropout). In both treatment conditions, neither partner's baseline CSI-32 score moderated change in veteran CAPS-5 or B-IPF score or any process variable. However, baseline CSI-32 scores moderated both partners’ CSI-32 score change during bCBCT and PFE; participants who scored in the distressed range at baseline (n = 123) experienced significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, β = .199, whereas there was no change among those in the nondistressed range at baseline (n = 151), β = .025. Results suggest bCBCT and PFE are effective in improving PTSD symptoms and psychosocial functioning regardless of whether a couple is experiencing clinically significant relationship distress; further, these treatments improve relationship satisfaction for the most distressed individuals.

5 The impact of the military lifestyle on adult military children relationships

The impact of the military lifestyle on adult military children relationships

APA Citation:

Freeman, B., Georgia Salivar, E., & Thayer, K. K. (2024). The impact of the military lifestyle on adult military children relationships. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 13(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000252

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000252

Focus:

Children

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

Authors: Freeman, Brianne; Georgia Salivar, Emily; Thayer, Kayla K.

Year: 2024

Abstract

Military families face numerous stressors that civilian families do not typically experience, including frequent relocations, multiple school transitions, parental deployment, and foreign country residence. These unique stressors often disrupt military children’s (MC) familial and social relationships, which may carry into their relationships in adulthood. The present study aimed to better understand the potential impact of military stressors on MC’s relationships in adulthood. Emotional expression, attachment style (AS), relationship quality, and relationship status of MC (n = 291) were compared to adult children of civilian parents (n = 293). The results revealed that adult MC displayed significantly higher rates of insecure AS and alexithymia compared to adults raised by civilian parents. Parental deployment during certain developmental groups (i.e., 6–8, 9–11, 15–18 years) was associated with increased alexithymia. Adult MC did not differ in couple satisfaction, relationship commitment, intimate partner violence, and overall intimacy. The present study provides evidence that adult MC may differ from adult children of civilian parents in alexithymia and attachment. Mental health professionals are encouraged to utilize prevention strategies when working with military families to prevent negative outcomes. Limitations, research implications, and clinical implications are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

6 Retention in individual trauma-focused treatment following family-based treatment among US veterans

Retention in individual trauma-focused treatment following family-based treatment among US veterans

APA Citation:

Dodge, J., Sullivan, K., Grau, P. P., Chen, C., Sripada, R., & Pfeiffer, P. N. (2023). Retention in individual trauma-focused treatment following family-based treatment among US Veterans. JAMA Network Open, 6(12), Article e2349098. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.49098

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.49098

Focus:

Mental health
Programming
Trauma
Couples

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

Authors: Dodge, Jessica; Sullivan, Kathrine; Grau, Peter P.; Chen, Charity; Sripada, Rebecca; Pfeiffer, Paul N.

Year: 2023

Abstract

Despite the availability of several empirically supported trauma-focused interventions, retention in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) psychotherapy is poor. Preliminary efficacy data shows that brief, family-based interventions may improve treatment retention in a veteran’s individual PTSD treatment, although whether this occurs in routine clinical practice is not established.To characterize receipt of family therapy among veterans diagnosed with PTSD and evaluate whether participation in family therapy is associated with an increased likelihood of completing individual trauma-focused treatment.This retrospective cohort study used the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Informatics and Computing Infrastructure to extract electronic health record data of participants. All participants were US veterans diagnosed with PTSD between October 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, who attended at least 1 individual trauma-focused treatment session. Statistical analysis was performed from May to August 2023.Receipt of any family psychotherapy and subtype of family-based psychotherapy.Minimally adequate individual trauma-focused treatment completion (ie, 8 or more sessions of trauma-focused treatment in a 6-month period).Among a total of 1 516 887 US veterans with VHA patient data included in the study, 58 653 (3.9%) received any family therapy; 334 645 (23.5%) were Black, 1 006 168 (70.5%) were White, and 86 176 (6.0%) were other race; 1 322 592 (87.2%) were male; 1 201 902 (79.9%) lived in urban areas; and the mean (SD) age at first individual psychotherapy appointment was 52.7 (15.9) years. Among the 58 653 veterans (3.9%) who received any family therapy, 36 913 (62.9%) received undefined family therapy only, 15 528 (26.5%) received trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT) only, 5210 (8.9%) received integrative behavioral couples therapy (IBCT) only, and 282 (0.5%) received behavioral family therapy (BFT) only. Compared with receiving no family therapy, the odds of completing individual PTSD treatment were 7% higher for veterans who also received CBCT (OR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01-1.13]) and 68% higher for veterans received undefined family therapy (OR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.63-1.74]). However, compared with receiving no family therapy care, veterans had 26% lower odds of completing individual PTSD treatment if they were also receiving IBCT (OR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.66-0.82]).In this cohort study of US veterans, family-based psychotherapies were found to differ substantially in their associations with individual PTSD psychotherapy retention. These findings highlight potential benefits of concurrently providing family-based therapy with individual PTSD treatment but also the need for careful clinical attention to the balance between family-based therapies and individual PTSD treatment.

7 Support for complicated grief in military primary care: Associations, challenges, and opportunities

Support for complicated grief in military primary care: Associations, challenges, and opportunities

APA Citation:

Gibson, L. P. (2023). Support for complicated grief in military primary care: Associations, challenges, and opportunities. Military Medicine, usad410. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad410

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad410

Focus:

Mental health
Programming

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty
Veteran

Population:

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Aged (65 yrs & older)

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Research & Summary

Authors: Gibson, Lauren P

Year: 2023

Abstract

This study examined whether service members and their families engage in communication with their primary care managers (PCMs) regarding their losses and to what extent PCMs provide counseling or referrals for grief-related concerns. Additionally, the study explored the potential associations between ethnicity, age, military status (dependent, service member, or veteran), gender, patients’ disclosure of loss to their PCM, receipt of referrals for grief-related services, and treatment seeking.A survey was administered to 161 patients enrolled in primary care at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, with 138 reporting a significant loss. Bereaved respondents completed the Inventory of Complicated Grief and the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 Revised scale (PG-13). Respondents were also asked questions related to their loss and their interactions with their PCM related to the loss.One hundred twenty-five bereaved respondents completed the measures, 13 had missing information related to PCM interactions. Twenty-nine percent (n = 36) of the 112 respondents reported a significant loss to their PCM. These respondents exhibited significantly higher symptom severity, as indicated by their total mean scores on the Inventory of Complicated Grief and the PG13. Seventeen percent (n = 6) of these respondents reported receiving counseling on topics related to grief or a referral for grief care from their PCM. A moderate relationship was identified between military status and communication with PCM, such that current service members were least likely to report, followed by veterans, then dependents. A moderate relationship was also found between ethnicity and treatment seeking.The study’s findings have implications for primary care and highlight opportunities for improved outcomes, including the development of appropriate assessment protocols, interventions, and educational initiatives to address grief-related concerns within the military healthcare system. Future research should further investigate the specific needs and preferences of military personnel and their families to enhance the delivery of targeted and effective healthcare services.

8 Supporting military-connected teens to thrive: A qualitative evaluation of a leadership program from the perspective of teens and adult advisors

Supporting military-connected teens to thrive: A qualitative evaluation of a leadership program from the perspective of teens and adult advisors

APA Citation:

Parry, B. J., Patino, M., Garst, B. A., Bowers, E. P., Quinn, W. H., & Heffington, L. E. (2023). Supporting military-connected teens to thrive: A qualitative evaluation of a leadership program from the perspective of teens and adult advisors. Applied Developmental Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2023.2265813

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2023.2265813

Focus:

Youth
Programming

Branch of Service:

Multiple branches

Military Affiliation:

Active Duty

Population:

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

Authors: Parry, Benjamin J.; Patino, Maira; Garst, Barry A.; Bowers, Edmond P.; Quinn, William H.; Heffington, Leslie E.

Year: 2023

Abstract

For teens growing up in military-connected families, challenges relating to relocation, parental deployment, and reintegration add layers of stress to an already complex time of life. Out-of-school time programs provide military-connected teens opportunities to utilize existing strengths, develop new skills, and build support networks, as exemplified in the Military Teen Ambassador (MTA) program – a positive youth development program developed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in collaboration with the US Armed Forces. This study investigates the developmental benefits experienced by the teens serving on the MTA Steering Committee – a youth-adult collaboration designed to plan and deliver the MTA program. Interviews with teen and adult participants were analyzed through the lenses of relational developmental systems theory and a structured evaluation framework. Findings contribute insights into developmental processes and outcomes for programs targeting military-connected youth and provide applied implications that extend to broader youth and adult populations.

9 Suicide risk communication and intervention preferences for veterans and service members

Suicide risk communication and intervention preferences for veterans and service members

APA Citation:

Beatty, A. E., Richardson, J. S., Batten, S. V., Weintraub, S., Hogan, K., & Hotle, K. (2023). Suicide risk communication and intervention preferences for veterans and service members. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, Article 1215925. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215925

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1215925

Focus:

Mental health

Branch of Service:

Army
Navy
Air Force
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
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 & Summary

Authors: Beatty, Abby E.; Richardson, John S.; Batten, Sonja V.; Weintraub, Steven; Hogan, Karen; Hotle, Keith

Year: 2023

Abstract

Despite the investment of public resources to fight staggering suicide rates among veterans, we know little about how veterans and service members in crisis communicate suicidal ideations, and what interventions they are willing to receive. We aim to identify communication and suicide intervention preferences of veterans and service members in times of crisis. Descriptive statistics were used to explore veterans communication of suicidal ideations. While 89.9% of participants indicated they were willing to speak to someone when having thoughts of suicide, less than 26% of participants indicated they were willing to bring up their thoughts with a crisis line or veterans organization. Rather, they indicate that family members (62.2%) and military friends (51.1%) would be their primary outreach. Logistic regression was used to determine whether or not preferred interventions varied by participant demographic characteristics. While the majority of participants indicated they were willing to allow intervention (88.6%), no one method was accepted by the majority of the population. The most accepted means of communication was to proactively contact a friend or family member about general life struggles (32.6%) or suicide-specific concerns (27.5%). Many participants were open to receiving resources (42.0%), suicide-specific mental health treatment (36.3%), and some sort of lethal means safety intervention (19.1%–26.4%). The age, marital status, and veterans status of participants significantly impacted what interventions they were willing to allow. We discuss the implications of these findings and the need for evidence-based, multimodal interventions in order to assist veterans in need.

10 Assessing the link between Bible reading and flourishing among military families: Preliminary findings

Assessing the link between Bible reading and flourishing among military families: Preliminary findings

APA Citation:

Bradshaw, M., Jang, S. J., & Johnson, B. R. (2023). Assessing the link between Bible reading and flourishing among military families: Preliminary findings. Armed Forces & Society. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X231211554

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327X231211554

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

Authors: Bradshaw, Matt; Jang, Sung Joon; Johnson, Byron R.

Year: 2023

Abstract

This study examines whether participating in a Bible reading program for military families (called “Hero Squad”) is positively related to overall human flourishing among children, family units, and parents/caregivers. Previous research shows salutary associations between multiple dimensions of religiosity (including reading sacred texts) and different aspects of flourishing (e.g., physical health, psychological well-being, character and virtue, social connections and support), so it was hypothesized that program participation would promote flourishing over time. Two waves of survey data were collected on a sample of 175 U.S. military families in 2021 and 2022, and differences between pretest and posttest surveys were analyzed. As hypothesized, improvements in indicators of flourishing were observed over time. These findings contribute to published work on religious participation by showing that Bible reading may promote overall mental, physical, and social well-being. Implications and limitations of these preliminary findings are discussed.

11 Daily exposure to combat-related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri- and postdeployment experiences

Daily exposure to combat-related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri- and postdeployment experiences

APA Citation:

Mojallal, M., Simons, R. M., Simons, J. S., & Swaminath, S. (2024). Daily exposure to combat-related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri- and postdeployment experiences. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 37(1), 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22991

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22991

Focus:

Veterans
Mental health
Trauma

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

Authors: Mojallal, Mahsa; Simons, Raluca M.; Simons, Jeffrey S.; Swaminath, Surabhi

Year: 2024

Abstract

One of the central symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heightened reactivity to trauma cues. The current study used experience sampling to investigate the associations between exposure to combat-related cues and PTSD symptoms in 93 U.S. veterans who served in support of recent military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We also examined the effects of peri- and postdeployment factors, including exposure to combat, unit support during deployment, and postdeployment social support on PTSD. Participants completed eight brief random surveys daily for 2 weeks using palmtop computers. The results indicated that more daytime exposure to trauma cues was associated with experiencing more PTSD symptoms at the within-person level, B = 3.18. At the between-person level, combat exposure, B = 4.20, was associated with more PTSD symptoms, whereas unit support, B = –0.89, was associated with experiencing fewer symptoms. At the cross-level interaction, unit support, B = –0.80, moderated the association between trauma cue exposure and PTSD symptom count. Contrary to our hypothesis, postdeployment social support, B = –0.59, was not associated with PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest a functional association between exposure to trauma cues and PTSD symptoms among recent-era U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of unit support during deployment.

12 Connection at your fingertips: A first look at the Agapé app’s contributions to healthy relationships

Connection at your fingertips: A first look at the Agapé app’s contributions to healthy relationships

APA Citation:

Rogge, R. D., Macri, J. A., & Okwudili, K. (2024). Connection at your fingertips: A first look at the Agapé app’s contributions to healthy relationships. Journal of Family Psychology, 38(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001166

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001166

Focus:

Programming
Couples

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

Authors: Rogge, Ronald D.; Macri, Jenna A.; Okwudili, Khadesha

Year: 2024

Abstract

Although a range of relationship enhancement interventions have shown benefits, programs involving trained facilitators are difficult to scale and self-directed programs tend to suffer from low rates of adherence (i.e., nonuse/disuse attrition). The present study evaluated Agapé, a relationship wellness smartphone app optimized for broad dissemination through 4 years of persuasive system design driven by user feedback. Agapé builds moments of connection by providing daily prompts to couples and then showing them one another’s answers when both partners have responded. To evaluate Agapé, a single-arm, pilot study followed 405 couples (n = 810 partners; 68% non-Latinx White; 50% female; Mage = 29; 50% cohabiting; 31% married; 33% dissatisfied/distressed) through their first month of using the app. Agapé had high engagement (99%, completing M = 27 daily prompts dyadically) and 88% of couples provided follow-up data. The results among completers supported the acceptability, feasibility, and utility of Agapé, suggesting that partners found the app easy (74%) and enjoyable (93%) to use, particularly if they perceived their partners to be responsive. Most partners saw improvement in their relationships (80%) and in their individual well-being (70%). Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed significant within-person improvement on relationship functioning (decreases in relationship negative qualities and increases in relationship satisfaction, relationship positive qualities, and dedication) and on individual functioning (increases in vitality and quality of life with decreases in psychological distress and depressive symptoms) among completers (Cohen’s ds ranging from |.14 to .42|). Dosage effects demonstrated that gains in relationship quality were stronger for couples completing more daily prompts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

Library (12)

Research in Action (2)

Date Range

Military REACH Publications

Focus Terms

Military Branch of Service

Sample Affiliation

Age Group

Military Affiliation

Publication Type

1 MILITARY FAMILY READINESS: AN OVERVIEW

2 SPOUSE EDUCATION AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: WHAT IS SECO?