Trauma-informed parenting intervention for veterans: A preliminary uncontrolled trial of Strength at Home–Parents
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Creech, S. K., Pearson, R., Saenz, J. J., Braciszewski, J. M., Riggs, S. A., & Taft, C. T. (2023). Trauma-informed parenting intervention for veterans: A preliminary uncontrolled trial of Strength at Home–Parents. Journal Of Family Psychology, 37(8), 1294-1302. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001131
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a virtual adaptation of Strength at Home—Parents (SAHP), an 8-session parenting intervention for Veterans with parent-child difficulties and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 53 Veterans selfreported parenting stress, parenting behaviors, PTSD and depressive symptoms, child psychosocial functioning (e.g., internalizing, externalizing), and family functioning before and after the intervention. Overall, SAHP was feasible and acceptable. Preliminary evidence also points towards indicators of effectiveness; after participating, Veterans reported improvements across all outcomes.
Focus:
Programming
Veterans
Mental health
Parents
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Cross-Sectional Study
Authors:
Creech, Suzannah K., Pearson, Rahel, Saenz, Jeremy J., Braciszewski, Jordan M., Riggs, Shelley A., Taft, Casey T.
Abstract:
Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent in military and veteran populations and are associated with parenting difficulties. Unfortunately, there is a lack of accessible, trauma-informed, and evidence-based parenting support interventions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Strength at Home–Parents (SAHP) is a trauma-informed psychotherapy group that aims to improve parenting behaviors and overall parent–child and family functioning among U.S. military veterans with PTSD symptoms. SAHP was developed to maximize ease of use by VA providers and accessibility for parents. Here we report data from an uncontrolled trial of SAHP delivered using synchronous video technology in a sample of veterans using VA care (N = 53) who met the criteria for PTSD and parent–child functioning difficulties. Enrollment and retention rates met study goals and suggest feasibility and acceptability of study methods. Significant pre- to postintervention improvements were observed in measures of dysfunctional discipline, parenting stress, general family functioning, child psychosocial functioning, and parental PTSD and depression symptoms. Coupled with high satisfaction ratings, findings support further study of the intervention, including in an efficacy trial. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
family, family intervention, group psychotherapy, military veterans, parent child relations, parenting, posttraumatic stress disorder, symptoms
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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