Back to Search
Start Over
OEF/OIF/OND Veterans Seeking PTSD Treatment: Perceptions of Partner Involvement in Trauma-Focused Treatment
- Source :
- Military medicine. 184(3-4)
- Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Introduction Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to a variety of adverse mental and physical health outcomes including distressed relationships. Involving romantic partners in PTSD treatment appears to be a promising new avenue for PTSD treatment; however, additional research is necessary to clarify veteran preferences for inclusion of significant others in treatment and relationship characteristics that may influence such preferences. Accordingly, the present study was designed to evaluate Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) veterans' desire to include romantic partners in trauma-focused care (n = 74) and to explore psychological and relationship variables associated with preference for partner inclusion in PTSD treatment. Materials and methods This study surveyed male (N = 74) OEF/OIF/OND combat veterans seeking mental health services at a Veterans Health Administration PTSD treatment program. Relationships between PTSD symptoms, romantic relationship functioning, and interest in including their romantic partner in PTSD treatment were examined. Results Consistent with previous research, OEF/OIF/OND veterans seeking treatment at a specialty PTSD program report low relationship satisfaction. The majority of participants reported that PTSD symptoms interfere with relationship functioning; specifically, numbing symptoms were a significant predictor of PTSD-related relationship impairment. A minority (26%) of participants reported a desire to include their romantic partner in PTSD treatment. Greater behavioral avoidance and communication difficulties were associated with increased interest in including a romantic partner in PTSD treatment. Conclusion We confirmed that OEF/OIF/OND veterans seeking PTSD treatment experience PTSD-related problems in romantic relationships, low-relationship satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction was positively associated with perceived communication and problem-solving skills. A minority of veterans were interested in involving significant others in their PTSD treatment; however, in the present study, veterans were not given information about the various ways that a romantic partner might be involved in treatment, and they were not presented with specific conjoint therapies (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, Strategic Approach Therapy). For veterans with PTSD, relationship distress, and communication difficulties, conjoint psychotherapies may offer a way of increasing engagement in PTSD treatment by parsimoniously addressing multiple treatment targets at once (PTSD symptoms, relationship distress, communication problems) and providing veteran-centered care.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Male
media_common.quotation_subject
Specialty
behavioral disciplines and activities
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
03 medical and health sciences
0302 clinical medicine
Perception
mental disorders
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Spouses
Iraq War, 2003-2011
media_common
Veterans
Combat Disorders
Afghan Campaign 2001
05 social sciences
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Physical health
General Medicine
Middle Aged
Mental health
Additional research
050902 family studies
Ptsd treatment
Romantic partners
0509 other social sciences
Psychology
Inclusion (education)
030217 neurology & neurosurgery
Clinical psychology
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 1930613X
- Volume :
- 184
- Issue :
- 3-4
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Military medicine
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....3e6c9bdec7e4b889d5e59f7a3b80fc4b