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

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Interventions: Behavioral: Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD; Behavioral: Prevention and Relationship Education Program

• Registration Number: NCT06047691
• Lead Sponsor: Penn State University

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2023-09-14
• Study First Submitted QC: 2023-09-14
• Study Start: 2023-09-15
• Study First Posted: 2023-09-21
• Status Verified: 2025-05
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-05-09
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-14
• Primary Completion: 2026-02
• Study Completion: 2026-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 120

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

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD	Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD	AIM-CBCT for PTSD is an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD delivered in a conjoint format.
Prevention and Relationship Education Program	Prevention and Relationship Education Program	PREP is an evidence-based relationship education program delivered in a multi-couple group format.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5	baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up	Interviewer ratings of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Scores range from 0-80, with higher scores indicating more severe PTSD symptoms.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5	baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up	Participant's self-report of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Scores range from 0-80, with higher scores indicating more severe PTSD symptoms.
Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5	baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up	Self-reported anger symptoms. Scores range from 5 to 25, with higher scores indicating greater anger.
Couples Satisfaction Index-32	baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up	Self-reported relationship satisfaction. Scores range from 0 to 161, with higher scores indicating higher relationship satisfaction.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9	baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up	Self-reported depressive symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating greater depressive symptom severity.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Screener	baseline, 1-month follow-up, 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up	Self-reported general anxiety symptoms. Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; 🇺🇸 San Antonio, Texas, United States