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Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

NCT06047691 · Penn State University
In plain English

Click the button to translate this study into plain language — what it is, who qualifies, and what participation looks like.

Official title
Randomized Controlled Trial of Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples
About this study
The goal of this clinical trial is to test an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) in an active military and veteran population. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve PTSD symptoms? * Does AIM-CBCT for PTSD improve associated symptoms (e.g., depression), romantic partner distress, and couple relationship satisfaction? Participants will participate in a two-day retreat in which they are taught and practice skills to decrease PTSD symptoms and enhance their relationships. Researchers will compare AIM-CBCT for PTSD to the Prevention and Relationship Education Program (PREP) to determine whether it is superior to an evidence-based relationship education curriculum that is also delivered in a two-day multi-couple group format.
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Service member or veteran and a romantic partner willing to participate. * Couple is married or cohabiting for at least 3 months. Couple can be either different or same sex. * Service member/veteran diagnosis of PTSD as determined by the CAPS-5. * Each partner is at least 18 years old. * Both partners able to speak and read English. Exclusion Criteria: * Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention * Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner * Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner in the past 12 weeks and/or warranting immediate intervention * Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner * Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment in either partner * Couple is separated or have taken steps to dissolve their relationship * Either partner is currently participating in evidence-based treatment for PTSD (e.g., Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy). * Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression as indicated by a "yes" endorsement to the one-question Screen for Conflict Question by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.
Study design
Enrollment target: 120 participants
Allocation: randomized
Masking: single
Age groups: adult, older_adult
Timeline
Starts: 2023-09-15
Estimated completion: 2026-02
Last updated: 2025-05-14
Interventions
Behavioral: Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSDBehavioral: Prevention and Relationship Education Program
Primary outcomes
  • Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up)
Sponsor
Penn State University · other
With: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, University of Denver, Toronto Metropolitan University
Contacts & investigators
ContactSteffany J Fredman, Ph.D. · contact · sjf23@psu.edu · 781-879-9758
ContactAlan L Peterson, Ph.D. · contact · petersona3@uthscsa.edu · (210) 562-6700
InvestigatorSteffany J Fredman, Ph.D. · principal_investigator, Penn State University
All locations (1)
University of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioRecruiting
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples · TrialPath