1 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
The overall goal of this work is to adapt, refine, and conduct an open trial of a parent-training intervention for Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms using feedback from Veterans, VA clinicians, and expert consultants as key stakeholders. PTSD symptoms are associated with parent-child functioning difficulties, which are also an important determinant of quality of life and functional recovery. This project will examine the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based group intervention to improve parenting behaviors, parenting satisfaction, and family functioning in Veteran parents with PTSD symptoms and who have children between the ages of 3 and 12. This intervention is derived from an existing evidence-based intervention to improve Veteran relationship functioning (Strength at Home; SAH), and it is informed by the Cognitive Behavioral Theory of Interpersonal Functioning and the Military Family Attachment frameworks for the association between PTSD and family functioning problems. The intervention also includes a pre-treatment Motivational Interviewing Assessment (MIA) to assist Veterans in strengthening and building motivation to change their parenting behaviors. The goals and change talk identified in the pre-treatment MIA are then referred to throughout the treatment. Groups are gender-specific, meaning that the investigators will pilot the treatment in separate groups of women and men Veterans.