Veteran and romantic partner goals for family involvement in PTSD treatment: A qualitative study of dyads
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Rando, A. A., & Thompson-Hollands, J. (2022). Veteran and romantic partner goals for family involvement in PTSD treatment: A qualitative study of dyads. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 11(3), 193–204. https://doi.org/10.1037/cfp0000229
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study investigated the perspectives of Veterans and their romantic partners prior to beginning partner-involved treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans (n = 20) and their partners (n = 20) were interviewed separately about how PTSD had affected their relationship; the Veteran’s treatment experience, if any; and how they felt about partner-involved treatment. 6 themes were identified. Overall, partners wanted to be involved in PTSD treatment to demonstrate support for their Veteran. Couples were willing to engage in partner-involved treatment and felt hopeful about the experience.
Focus:
Veterans
Couples
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Spouse of service member or veteran
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Qualitative Study
Authors:
Rando, Alora A., Thompson-Hollands, Johanna
Abstract:
As part of a larger study of a family-inclusive intervention for veterans beginning treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we conducted individual semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 veteran–romantic partner dyads. Topics included previous experiences with partner involvement in health care, goals for this episode of partner involvement, and any concerns about a partner-inclusive approach, as well as both participants’ understanding of the extent of the partner’s knowledge of PTSD and of the veteran’s traumatic experiences. Researchers analyzed interview data using a rapid analytic approach, identifying several common emerging themes across participants, as well as some notable but less common perspectives. Participants described a range of hopes and limited concerns regarding integration of the partner into the treatment program; areas of incongruity within dyads also emerged. Overall, veterans and their partners appear to be quite interested in family-inclusive interventions for PTSD and identified goals are largely psychoeducational and supportive in nature.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
American Psychological Association
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, AAR
National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, JTH
Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, AAR
Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, JTH
Keywords:
PTSD, treatment, family treatment
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
This project was supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Clinical Sciences Research and Development Service Award IK2 CX001589).
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