A Pilot Study to Examine Acceptability and Feasibility of Growth, Resilience, Insight, and Togetherness (GRIT), a Retreat-Based Program for Violence-Exposed Women Veterans
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Given their elevated risk for suicide and barriers to engaging in VHA healthcare, violence-exposed women Veterans represent a specialized population for which expansions to current VHA programming are needed. This pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the Growth, Resilience, Insight, and Togetherness (GRIT), a therapeutic retreat program developed with and for Veteran women, to improve social functioning as a potential upstream suicide prevention strategy in comparison to a self-guided program. If found acceptable and feasible, data gathered will inform subsequent program development and identify avenues for further research on use of retreats grounded in Whole Health principles for additional subpopulations of women Veterans and/or other high-risk populations that may benefit.
Description
Women Veterans are exposed to interpersonal violence at high rates throughout their lifespans which may escalate risk for psychosocial impairment and suicidal behavior. Facets of social functioning such as connectedness and social support can mitigate suicide risk. Given their risk for suicide and barriers to engaging in Veterans Administration (VHA) healthcare, violence-exposed women Veterans represent a specialized population for which expansion of VHA programming to include opportunities for socialization and community building as a key component of holistic health are needed. Coinciding wi…