Adapting Behavioral Activation to Improve Mental Health Outcomes and Reduce Suicide Risk During the Military Transition
RTI International
Summary
The objective of this study is to develop and pilot a program designed to improve mental health outcomes and reduce suicide risk during the transition from military to civilian life. It is hypothesized that the Transition Health and Resilience through Valued Experiences (THRiVE) program, to be developed as part of this study, will meet participant recruitment, retention, and satisfaction benchmarks (primary outcomes) and show positive preliminary effects on mental health symptoms, risk factors for suicidal ideation, and psychosocial functioning outcomes (secondary outcomes). The specific aims of this study are to: 1. Develop a small-group, peer-led, cross-cutting prevention program for newly separated veterans (NSVs) called THRiVE and 2. Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of the THRiVE program on mental health symptoms, risk factors for suicidal ideation, and psychosocial functioning outcomes. Up to 40 NSVs participating in this Stage 1 pilot study will complete validated self-report measures at baseline, immediately after completing the THRiVE program (post-THRiVE), and 3 months after completing the THRiVE program (follow-up). The duration of a participant's time in the study is anticipated to be 5 months.
Description
Transition from military to civilian life presents both opportunities and challenges. Although existing programs provide newly separated veterans (NSVs) with valuable support for their vocational well-being during the military transition, these programs do not fully address the psychosocial aspects of reintegrating into civilian life. This is problematic because the military transition is a time during which NSVs are at higher risk for developing mental health disorders and suicidal ideation. Although evidence-based treatments for common mental health concerns exist, cross-cutting prevention p…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Be a United States military veteran * Have separated/retired from the military no more than 12 months prior to study enrollment * Be at least 18 years old * Have access to the internet; a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or other "smart" device with video camera, speakers, and microphone; and a private place from which to attend THRiVE sessions * Reside and complete all study activities within the United States Exclusion Criteria: * Endorse lifetime manic, hypomanic, or psychotic episodes * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM…
Interventions
- BehavioralTransition Health and Resilience through Valued Experiences (THRiVE) Program
Six (6) total weekly, 90-minute, small-group, peer-led sessions delivered virtually
Location
- RTI InternationalDurham, North Carolina