Recovery-oriented Group Therapy for Veteran Men With Military Sexual Trauma (CDA 23-054)
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
VA has identified military sexual trauma (MST) as one of its highest priorities. MST is associated with increased prevalence of PTSD and depression, substance use disorders, suicide, difficulties maintaining relationships and employment, and homelessness. Yet important gender differences have been identified among MST survivors and many man may experience stigma and shame related to masculinity and sexuality. While gender-based shame appears central to MST-related distress and treatment underutilization, gender has often been overlooked in establishing evidence-based approaches, and no VA MST-related treatment has been developed specifically for men. To address this critical service gap, this study will collect data on improving treatment strategies and patient engagement for men with histories of MST. It will seek to develop strategies for enhancing a 12-session, gender-tailored group therapy for men MST survivors previously developed and implemented by the principal investigator. It will interview Veteran participants and mental health clinicians, conduct a pilot randomized trial, and evaluate feasibility within the VA, with the long-term goal of national implementation
Description
Approximately 3.5% of Veteran men and 44% of Veteran women report a history of military sexual trauma (MST).Although women disproportionately experience MST, the absolute number of men who report MST (55,500 from 2004-2013) is relatively similar due to the larger proportion of men in the military. Further, MST likely remains vastly underreported among men, who experience multiple barriers to disclosure. Men survivors often wait decades to seek care for MST-related distress, contributing to pervasive life impairment. MST is associated with transdiagnostic complexity and is associated with incr…
Eligibility
- Age range
- Not specified
- Sex
- Male
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Eligible participants include any individual who identifies as a Veteran cisgender man with a history of MST, English-speaking, 18 years of age or older, and enrolled in the VAGLA. Participants must: * comprehend and sign the informed consent form * report a history of MST * agree to complete research instruments * Because we are looking for a range of impact among men MST survivors, participants will not be excluded based on psychiatric diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: * Per chart review conducted by the PI prior to screening and patient contact, Veterans will be…
Interventions
- BehavioralMen's MST Group
see above
- BehavioralPresent-Centered Group Therapy
see above
Location
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CAWest Los Angeles, California