Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Description

The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms? * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction? Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Talk to us

Study Overview

On this page

Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms? * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction? Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Condition
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

San Antonio

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78229

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Service member or veteran and a romantic partner willing to participate.
  • * Couple is married or cohabiting for at least 3 months. Couple can be either different or same sex.
  • * Service member/veteran diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the CAPS-5.
  • * Each partner is at least 18 years old.
  • * Both partners able to speak and read English.
  • * Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention
  • * Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner
  • * Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner in the past 12 weeks and/or warranting immediate intervention
  • * Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner
  • * Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment in either partner
  • * Couple is separated or have taken steps to dissolve their relationship
  • * Either partner is currently participating in evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy).
  • * Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression as indicated by a "yes" endorsement to the one-question Screen for Conflict Question by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Penn State University,

Steffany J Fredman, Ph.D., PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Penn State University

Study Record Dates

2026-02