Supporting Relationships to Reduce Suicide Risk: A Randomized Control Trial of the Brief Relationship Checkup
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
This study compares two approaches to working with Veterans that have a mix of mental health and relationship concerns in primary care. One approach is a 3-session couple-based program called the Brief Relationship Checkup (BRC). BRC has shown promise improving relationship health in Air Force primary care (including some mental health symptoms related to relationship functioning) but has never been tested for individuals with significant mental health concerns. The other approach is a high-quality delivery of three sessions of Co-Located Collaborative Care (CCC) with the Screened Veteran only. This program is the current standard of care for Veterans reporting mental health concerns in primary care (including mental health concerns related to their relationship) but has never been tested for individuals struggling with relationship concerns. The goal is to compare the benefits of the couples-based program vs. the individual-based program when it comes to reducing suicide risk factors at the relationship level and the individual level.
Description
BACKGROUND: Romantic relationship distress is a common area of concern for Veterans struggling with depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol misuse, and suicide ideation. In a study of Veterans who screened positive for the above concerns in primary care, 58% of partnered Veterans reported romantic relationship problems. Relationship problems are also a prominent risk factor for suicide, preceding 24% of Veteran suicide deaths and 50% for Veterans 18-35. Conversely, full participation in mutually supportive relationships confers protection against suicide. This suggests it may…