Couple-Based Crisis Response Planning for Veterans
University of Georgia
Summary
Suicide is a leading cause of death in Veterans. Suicide rates among Veterans have increased approximately 36% from 2001 to 2020. Veterans are at increased risk for suicide compared to non-Veterans, with the rate of suicide death being 57.3% higher for Veterans than non-Veterans. The present study will pilot test a virtual couple-based crisis response plan (CRP-C) for Veterans in order to reduce crisis symptoms and decrease suicide risk.
Description
This study is a pilot randomized controlled trial of a novel, virtually-delivered, single- session Couple-Based Crisis Response Plan (CRP-C) to reduce suicide crisis symptoms and decrease suicide risk in a community-based Veteran sample in Georgia. Crisis response planning (CRP; also referred to as "Safety Planning") is a brief, one-time intervention that teaches individuals to notice warning signs of an impending crisis (e.g., suicidal crisis) and provide them with skills to help reduce suicide risk. CRP has been shown to be effective at reducing suicidal behaviors. A strong line of research…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * (At least) One participant from the couple must have Veteran status * Currently resides in Georgia * English speaking * The Veteran must own a smartphone * Veteran must have experienced crisis symptoms in the past three months. At least 1 symptom of entrapment, and at least 1 symptom from 2 of the associated disturbance categories \[i.e. affective disturbance, loss of cognitive control, hyperarousal, or social withdrawal\] * Currently be in a committed relationship for at least one year * The Veteran must be able to present a copy of DD form 214 (Certificate of Release o…
Interventions
- BehavioralCrisis Response Planning
Crisis Response Planning (CRP) is a brief, one-time intervention that teaches individuals to notice warning signs of an impending crisis (e.g., suicidal crisis) and provide them with skills to help reduce suicide risk.
- BehavioralCouples-based Crisis Response Planning
This intervention expands on traditional CRP by integrating the intimate partner into the intervention. Among service members, intimate partners are the group most likely to be told about suicidal thoughts prior to a suicide attempt.
Location
- University of GeorgiaAthens, Georgia