A randomized trial of brief couple therapy for PTSD and relationship satisfaction

  • 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
  • Cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy (CBCT) is commonly employed to treat various presenting problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship dissatisfaction, and functional impairment (e.g., difficulty with intimate relationships, work tasks), when working with both partners in a couple. Using a randomized controlled trial, this study examined whether a brief version of CBCT (bCBCT) produced greater reductions in PTSD symptoms across in-person and virtual modalities than family PTSD education sessions. 137 dyads (i.e., Veterans and partners) self-reported on their relationship satisfaction and Veterans’ functional impairment at 5 time points (i.e., before, during, immediately following, 3 months after treatment, and 6 months after treatment). Overall, Veterans experienced greater decreases in PTSD symptoms in both modalities of bCBCT than in family PTSD education sessions, and the symptom reduction was generally maintained across the follow-up periods.

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Research summaries convey terminology used by the scientists who authored the original research article; some terminology may not align with the federal government's mandated language for certain constructs.

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