Women veterans’ attitudes toward family involvement in PTSD treatment: A mixed-methods examination
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Reuman, L., & Thompson-Hollands, J. (2023). Women veterans’ attitudes toward family involvement in PTSD treatment: A mixed-methods examination. Psychological Services, 20(4), 770-779. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000707
Abstract Created by REACH:
This mixed-method study explored women Veterans’ perceptions about including a family member in their treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 143 Veterans completed surveys and 10 were interviewed about their perspectives on family involvement in treatment. Overall, most Veterans reported they were either completely willing or completely unwilling to include family members in their current mental health treatment, indicating strong opinions about family involvement. Interview themes included the Veterans’ preferences, motivations, and concerns about family member involvement in their treatment.
Focus:
Veterans
Mental health
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Mixed Methods
Quantitative Study
Qualitative Study
Cross sectional study
Authors:
Reuman, Lillian, Thompson-Hollands, Johanna
Abstract:
Family member (FM) involvement in treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has the potential to enhance veterans’ sense of support and connection and reduce treatment dropout. Little is known, however, about women veterans’ preferences, concerns, and goals regarding FM involvement in PTSD treatment. The study employed a mixed-methods approach consisting of surveys (n = 143) and interviews (n = 10) with women veterans seeking treatment for PTSD in a Veterans Affairs medical center. Married and partnered women veterans, and women veterans who identified as gay/lesbian, were more likely to be open to FM involvement. Results revealed a range of preferences and goals regarding FM involvement. Women veterans expressed a preference for joint sessions at the midpoint or near the end of treatment. Veterans’ goals for FM involvement included enhancing the relationship with their FM and providing the FM with a basic understanding of PTSD. Conclusions, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
American Psychological Association
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Psychology Department, Stonehill College, LR
National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, JTH
Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, JTH
Keywords:
PTSD, women veterans, family involvement
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
This project was supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs (Clinical Sciences Research and Development Service Award No. IK2 CX001589 to Johanna Thompson-Hollands). Lillian Reuman was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (Grant 5T32MH019836 to Terence Keane)
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