The Development of a Transdiagnostic Intervention to Improve Social Functioning and Intimate Relationships Among Veterans
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Veterans seeking to improve their romantic relationships when high conflict and unhealthy dynamics (e.g., aggression) are present remain underserved within the VHA with few treatment options. Veterans with PTSD and alcohol misuse face compounding and overlapping barriers to intimate relationship functioning warranting tailored interventions. These Veterans may be best served through individual, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions which can both 1) improve the ability to manage challenging, internal experiences (e.g., physiological reactivity, cravings, beliefs about worth and trust) and 2) encourage participation in valued actions to improve relationship functioning. Following development and refinement, this clinical trial will pilot an evidence-based, integrated ACT intervention (ACT for Social Health, Achievement, and Relationship Effectiveness \[ACT-SHARE\]) to improve relationship health and safety for Veterans with PTSD alcohol misuse.
Description
Romantic partnerships greatly impact mental and physical wellness. However, these vital relationships are frequently put at risk by behaviors which put the health and safety of relationships at risk such as high interpersonal conflict or aggression (intimate partner violence \[IPV\]). Veterans endorse high rates of relationship conflict which frequently include the use of physical or psychological aggression toward a partner. As a prevalent and detrimental problem, interventions are gravely needed that consider primary drivers of relationship conflict and aggression: internal emotional process…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Endorses at least one act of IPV in the past 3 months * Endorses treatment goals related to improving romantic relationship functioning * Meets DSM 5 Criteria for PTSD and screening cutoffs for alcohol misuse (mild to severe AUD criteria met and/or above AUDIT cutoff). * Consents to audio recording. * Able to provide informed consent. * Consents to partner outreach if in a relationship. * Over 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of active psychosis or mania * Suicidality requiring inpatient hospitalization * Severity of active substance use requiring detoxif…
Interventions
- BehavioralAcceptance and Commitment Therapy for Social Health, Achievement, and Relationship Effectiveness (ACT-SHARE)
This single-arm intervention will pilot a new, manualized intervention adapted from existing interventions using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address alcohol use, PTSD, social functioning, and IPV use. ACT for Social Health, Achievement, and Relationship Effectiveness (ACT-SHARE) aims to assist Veterans in developing skills central to psychological flexibility (e.g., acceptance, mindfulness, commitment to values-based action) to improve their relationship functioning and decrease IPV use in the presence of PTSD symptoms (e.g., anger, irritability, detachment from others) and alcohol use issues (e.g., cravings, triggers, disconnection from valued roles).
Location
- VA Bedford HealthCare System, Bedford, MABedford, Massachusetts