Harnessing the healing power of relationships in trauma recovery: A systematic review of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Liebman, R. E., Whitfield, K. M., Sijercic, I., Ennis, N., & Monson, C. M. (2020). Harnessing the healing power of relationships in trauma recovery: A systematic review of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry, 7, 203-220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-020-00211-1
Abstract Created by REACH:
Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) is a brief therapy treatment program for patients struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; i.e., experiencing recurring negative symptoms after suffering a trauma) to reduce PTSD symptoms and enhance relationship functioning. CBCT is a 15-session, manualized therapy that has been identified as a tool that clinicians can use to help couples experiencing problems associated with PTSD. Using a systematic review of literature (14 articles), this study examined the evidence for and against CBCT for PTSD and identified the strengths and limitations of the literature about CBCT. In general, CBCT reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms experienced by couples struggling with PTSD for both the identified patient and partner.
Focus:
Couples
Trauma
Veterans
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Spouse of service member or veteran
Veteran
Civilian
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
Liebman, Rachel E., Whitfield, Kristen M., Sijercic, Iris, Ennis, Naomi, Monson, Candice M.
Abstract:
Purpose The goal of this systematic review was to examine the empirical literature on cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (CBCT). The aims were to (1) review the efficacy of CBCT for PTSD, relationship satisfaction, and related symptoms; (2) describe novel adaptations to the treatment; and (3) identify potential moderators and mediators of treatment outcomes. A systematic search of peer-reviewed publications was conducted across three databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, and SCOPUS). Relevant publications were rated by two authors using a validated checklist. Findings Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria. Quality ratings ranged from “fair” to “good”. The majority of studies were uncontrolled designs; no studies compared CBCT to an active control condition. Three studies adapted standard CBCT. Nearly all studies found improvements in patient- and partner-rated PTSD symptoms and patient depression, anxiety, and anger. Findings on relationship satisfaction and partner accommodation as outcomes were somewhat mixed. Baseline relationship satisfaction, partner accommodation, and social support moderated outcomes. Summary Overall, CBCT has demonstrated initial efficacy for PTSD and comorbid problems. Future studies should examine moderators and mediators to answer how and for whom this treatment works. Controlled trials on novel adaptations to CBCT are also needed.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Springer
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, REL
Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, KMW
Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, IS
Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, NE
Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, CMM
Keywords:
prosttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD, cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy, couple therapy, CBCT, trauma
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
Dr. Candice Monson has funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through Foundation Grant CIHR-IRSC:0525007697. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
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