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Sim JC, Im SY. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and posttraumatic growth of Korean college students: a mixed method study examining the moderating role of coping flexibility and sense of community. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1200570. [PMID: 37546479 PMCID: PMC10399585 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1200570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to complex psychological problems, it is important to examine the effect of coping flexibility and sense of community, because relying solely on specific coping strategies is ineffective, and the pandemic necessitates social cooperation. Methods This study was divided into two parts. The first study used a quantitative research method(i.e., structural equation modeling) to test if coping flexibility and sense of community moderated the impact of COVID-19-related concerns on mental health (i.e., depression and anxiety) and posttraumatic growth among Korean college students. The second study used a qualitative research method for an in-depth examination of how Korean college students coped with the COVID-19 pandemic and if they achieved any positive change or growth. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic represents a situation distinct from what people have previously encountered, Study II was designed to examine the experiences of individuals during this exceptional period. Results In the first study (Study I), coping flexibility was found to increase the impact of COVID-19-related concerns and difficulties on depression and anxiety. Conversely, a sense of community reduced the consequences of these overwhelming worries on depression and anxiety, while also expanding the impact of COVID-19-related disorders on posttraumatic growth. In the second study (Study II), the findings showed that the participants experienced various psychological consequences, including depression and anxiety, and distress in other aspects of their life, including disruptions in interpersonal relationships and college life. Nonetheless, the participants made efforts to cope with such difficulties and overcome the challenges together with the community. In fact, the pandemic improved their coping skills and expanded their value system and worldview. Conclusion The study findings suggest that given the unique situation presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, a sense of community protected the mental well-being of Korean college students and facilitated their growth. This study emphasizes the necessity of promoting SOC to effectively cope with disaster situations.
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Monk JK, Ruhlmann L, Goff BSN, Ogan M, Miller MB. Translating Discovery Science. Fostering relationships: Service provider perspectives on community building among veteran families. FAMILY RELATIONS 2023; 72:1351-1367. [PMID: 37583766 PMCID: PMC10424772 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective We sought to identify the social process through which communal support can be established among veteran couples and families. Background On the basis of the social organization theory of action and change, a sense of community is crucial for military veterans' well-being and may serve as a resource for intervention. Method We interviewed service providers (n = 8) and corroborated their perspectives by triangulating evaluations from veteran family participants (n = 143). Data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Results Providers suggested promoting a sense of community in prevention and intervention programming by (a) establishing a safe and empowering space, (b) bridging existing gaps within family and community systems, and (c) encouraging interpersonal healing by promoting connection and facilitating the sharing of common experiences. Providers also described challenges to facilitating the program, including logistics, time, and funding constraints. Conclusion According to our results, fostering community among veterans and their family members may be achieved by applying an integrative approach that goes beyond siloed individual, couple, and group therapy orchestrated by practitioners. Implications We recommend multicomponent interventions that create synergy between different levels and forms of social support. Providers recommended being intentional about the program structure to focus on community strengths and shared connection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Kale Monk
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Lauren Ruhlmann
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | | | - Matthew Ogan
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
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Brickell TA, French LM, Varbedian NV, Sewell JM, Schiefelbein FC, Wright MM, Lange RT. Relationship satisfaction among spouse caregivers of service members and veterans with comorbid mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:1525-1540. [PMID: 34859431 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined relationship satisfaction and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among spouse caregivers assisting service members and veterans (SMV) with comorbid uncomplicated mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Spouse caregivers (N = 205) completed the Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI), 12 HRQOL measures, and the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory 4th Edition (MPAI-4). T-scores were classified as "clinically elevated" using a cutoff of ≥60T. The sample was also classified into "Satisfied" (≥13.5, n = 113, 55.0%) or "Dissatisfied" (<13.5, n = 92, 44.0%) relationship categories. Using stepwise regression analysis, Anxiety, Family Disruption, Vigilance, Emotional Support, Feeling Trapped, and MPAI-4 Adjustment were identified as the strongest predictors of CSI total scores (p < 0.001), accounting for 41.6% of the variance. Squared semi-partial correlations revealed that 18.1% of the variance was shared across all six measures, with 7.8% to 1.5% of unique variance accounted for by each measure separately. When comparing the number of clinically elevated measures simultaneously, the Dissatisfied group consistently had a higher number of clinically elevated scores compared to the Satisfied group (e.g., 3-or-more clinically elevated scores: Dissatisfied = 40.2%, Satisfied = 8.8%, OR = 6.93, H = 0.76). Caring for a SMV with comorbid TBI and PTSD can have a profound impact on the spouse caregiver's HRQOL, relationship satisfaction, and family functioning. The findings from the current study continue to support the need for family involvement in the SMV's treatment plan, but more effort is needed to integrate behavioral health treatment that focuses on the family member's own issues into military TBI and PTSD systems of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Brickell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Louis M French
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole V Varbedian
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessie M Sewell
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Faith C Schiefelbein
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Megan M Wright
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Rael T Lange
- Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- General Dynamics Information Technology, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Schnitzer G, Holttum S, Huet V. "My heart on this bit of paper": A grounded theory of the mechanisms of change in art therapy for military veterans. J Affect Disord 2022; 297:327-337. [PMID: 34715166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proportion of veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research has shown reduced effectiveness of commonly offered psychotherapies in military personnel. Some research suggested the usefulness of art therapy for veterans with PTSD, but its mechanism of operation has been unclear. The current project aimed to establish participants' perceptions of any impact of group art therapy and some of the perceived mechanisms of change. METHOD In a grounded theory design, single semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine veterans who had received group art therapy, two art therapists, and a veteran's wife. Interviews were transcribed and analysed. FINDINGS Theorised categories included (a) art therapy group as "the family", (b) "the gentle conductor", (c) trust, (d) doing the work, (e) art therapy as "a communication tool", (f) "points of recognition", (g) "making things concrete", and (h) "not a cure". LIMITATIONS Shortcomings included a homogenous sample who all attended art therapy alongside other interventions, reliance on subjective and unmeasured symptom change, and researcher effects related to qualitative methodology. CONCLUSION The developed grounded theory is consistent with existing evidence and neuropsychological theory. Group art therapy may enable some veterans to prepare for verbal-only therapy, by offering a safe space in which to approach non-verbal traumatic and trauma-related contextual material in a controlled way. Artworks may provide a bridge to facilitate communication of experiences within subsequent verbal therapy and with loved-ones. It is suggested to replicate the project at different sites. Elements of the developed theory may be investigated further to establish its transferability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Schnitzer
- Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tunbridge Wells BN2 3EW, United Kingdom.
| | - Sue Holttum
- Salomons Institute for Applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, Tunbridge Wells BN2 3EW, United Kingdom; British Association of Art Therapists, London, United Kingdom
| | - Val Huet
- British Association of Art Therapists, London, United Kingdom
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McWey LM. Systemic interventions for traumatic event exposure: A 2010-2019 decade review. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2022; 48:204-230. [PMID: 34418120 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Trauma exposure is a pervasive issue worldwide. People exposed to traumatic events may develop PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health symptoms. Family and intimate partner relationship problems also are frequently associated with trauma exposure. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic research synthesis of the empirical evidence on systemic interventions for traumatic event exposure from 2010 to 2019. A search of peer-reviewed research resulted in 31 articles that met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Systemic interventions were grouped by modality (e.g., parent-child, couple, group). The collective evidence was strongest for systemic youth-caregiver interventions, group, and couple treatment categories for traumatic event exposure. Youth-centered interventions that included various combinations of family member participation can be considered probably efficacious. Overall, results indicated that systemic interventions for traumatic event exposure were successful in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms including PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and improving relational outcomes.
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Lucier-Greer M, Howard S, A Mancini J. Parental Relationship Quality and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: Investigating The Role of Parental Warmth and Hostility in United States Military Families. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2021; 47:566-580. [PMID: 32798259 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Military life is characterized by regular transitions; thus, parents are positioned to serve as stable protective factors for adolescents. We investigated a theory-informed model that assessed direct and indirect relationships between parental relationship quality, parental behaviors, and adolescent depressive symptomatology using cross-sectional data of military families in the United States (US). Participant families (N = 229), recruited via convenience sampling to take a computer-based survey, included an active duty father, his spouse, and an adolescent. Mother's couple relationship quality was indirectly linked to adolescent depressive symptoms through maternal warmth. Conversely, father's couple relationship quality was indirectly linked to adolescent depressive symptoms via paternal hostility. In other words, parental couple relationship quality was indirectly related to adolescent depressive symptoms, but this relationship differed by parent (i.e., warmth for mothers and hostility for fathers). Findings were similar for adolescent boys and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jay A Mancini
- Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Fredman SJ, Macdonald A, Monson CM, Dondanville KA, Blount TH, Hall-Clark BN, Fina BA, Mintz J, Litz BT, Young-McCaughan S, Hancock AK, Rhoades GK, Yarvis JS, Resick PA, Roache JD, Le Y, Wachen JS, Niles BL, McGeary CA, Keane TM, Peterson AL. Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Therapy for PTSD: A Nonrandomized Pilot Study With Military and Veteran Dyads. Behav Ther 2020; 51:700-714. [PMID: 32800299 PMCID: PMC10760800 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (CBCT for PTSD; Monson & Fredman, 2012) is efficacious in improving PTSD symptoms and relationship adjustment among couples with PTSD. However, there is a need for more efficient delivery formats to maximize engagement and retention and to achieve faster outcomes in multiple domains. This nonrandomized trial was designed to pilot an abbreviated, intensive, multi-couple group version of CBCT for PTSD (AIM-CBCT for PTSD) delivered over a single weekend for 24 couples that included an active-duty service member or veteran with PTSD who had deployed in support of combat operations following September 11, 2001. All couples completed treatment. Assessments conducted by clinical evaluators 1 and 3 months after the intervention revealed significant reductions in clinician-rated PTSD symptoms (ds = -0.77 and -0.98, respectively) and in patients' self-reported symptoms of PTSD (ds = -0.73 and -1.17, respectively), depression (ds = -0.60 and -0.75, respectively), anxiety (ds = -0.63 and -0.73, respectively), and anger (ds = -0.45 and -0.60, respectively), relative to baseline. By 3-month follow-up, partners reported significant reductions in patients' PTSD symptoms (d = -0.56), as well as significant improvements in their own depressive symptoms (d = -0.47), anxiety (d = -0.60), and relationship satisfaction (d = 0.53), relative to baseline. Delivering CBCT for PTSD through an abbreviated, intensive multi-couple group format may be an efficient strategy for improving patient, partner, and relational well-being in military and veteran couples with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brooke A Fina
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Jim Mintz
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Brett T Litz
- VA Boston Healthcare System; Boston University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | - John D Roache
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | | | - Jennifer S Wachen
- National Center for PTSD; VA Boston Healthcare System; Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Barbara L Niles
- National Center for PTSD; VA Boston Healthcare System; Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Cindy A McGeary
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| | - Terence M Keane
- National Center for PTSD; VA Boston Healthcare System; Boston University School of Medicine
| | - Alan L Peterson
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; South Texas Veterans Health Care System; The University of Texas at San Antonio
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Brickell TA, French LM, Lippa SM, Wright MM, Lange RT. Caring for a service member or Veteran following traumatic brain injury influences caregiver mental health. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 32:341-351. [PMID: 38536254 PMCID: PMC10013226 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2020.1754149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study examined factors related to poor mental health in caregivers assisting service members and Veterans (SMV) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 201 military caregivers (96.0% female; Age: M = 39.2 years, SD = 10.2) of SMVs following a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI. The SF-36v2 Health Survey, Caregiver Appraisal Scale, Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4, and Caregiver Questionnaire were completed. Caregivers were divided into two mental health groups: Poor Mental Health (n = 108) and Good Mental Health (n = 93). Factors related to poor caregiver mental health were worse general health and stress appraisal, less personal time, unmet needs, and greater financial and employment strain. Factors also related to poor caregiver mental health included assisting a SMV who had sustained a mild TBI, did not have significant hospital care, had post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and/or anxiety, was experiencing greater functional disability, and was experiencing physical expressions of irritability, anger, and aggression (all p's<.05; d =.29 to d =.64; OR = 1.911 to OR = 4.984). For many military caregivers, poor mental health may be related to the SMVs ongoing comorbid mental health symptoms and less so neurological impairment related to the brain injury. TBI treatment programs require a holistic approach that addresses the behavioral health concerns of both SMVs and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A. Brickell
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Louis M. French
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sara M. Lippa
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Megan M. Wright
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rael T. Lange
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Brickell TA, Cotner BA, French LM, Carlozzi NE, O’Connor DR, Nakase-Richardson R, Lange RT. Severity of military traumatic brain injury influences caregiver health-related quality of life. Rehabil Psychol 2020; 65:2020-04060-001. [PMID: 31971431 PMCID: PMC7375900 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) severity on the health-related quality of life of caregivers providing care to service members/veterans (SMV) following a TBI. Research Method/Design: Thirty caregivers (90.0% female; 70.0% spouse; age: M = 39.5 years, SD = 10.7) of SMVs who sustained a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI were recruited from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and via community outreach to participate in one of six focus groups. Caregivers were classified into 3 TBI severity/caregiver groups: (a) moderate/severe/penetrating TBI caregiver group (n = 11); (b) mild TBI caregiver group (n = 10); and (c) equivocal TBI caregiver group (n = 9). Thematic analysis using a constant comparative approach was conducted with qualitative analysis software to identify common themes across the 3 severity/caregiver groups. RESULTS Eleven themes emerged: no time for self/needs last (83.3%), poor physical health (80.0%), increased stress/anxiety (76.7%), social isolation/loneliness (66.7%), lack of access to services (50.0%), impact on family life (46.7%), sleep issues (46.7%), finances/employment (36.7%), depression (30.0%), exhaustion (30.0%), and anger (16.7%). Exploratory pairwise comparisons revealed a higher proportion of the moderate/severe/penetrating TBI group endorsed 7 of the 11 themes (no time for self/needs last, increased stress/anxiety, impact on family life, sleep issues, finances/employment, exhaustion, anger, and increased stress/anxiety) compared with the other 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS It is important that caregivers of SMVs receive long-term support in their caregiving and parenting roles. Further work is required to understand the challenges caregivers experience in accessing services they need and how to effectively meet their needs across the care continuum. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A. Brickell
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bridget A. Cotner
- Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Section, Research Service, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Louis M. French
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Noelle E. Carlozzi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Danielle R. O’Connor
- Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Section, Research Service, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- Mental Health Behavioral Sciences, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida USA
| | - Rael T. Lange
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Reyes AT, Kearney CA, Bombard JN, Boni RL, Senette CL, Acupan AR. Student Veterans' Coping with Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms: A Glaserian Grounded Theory Study. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2019; 40:655-664. [PMID: 31135258 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2019.1591545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the ways in which student military veterans cope with their posttraumatic stress symptoms. The participants were a total of 21 military veterans attending a U.S. university. The results of the grounded theory data analysis reveal the core category of modulating intrusions, a process indicating how student veterans cope with recurrent and unwanted posttraumatic stress experiences. Our findings also demonstrate that veterans cope by either avoiding or allowing themselves to experience the pain associated from their traumatic experiences. The proposed framework can be meaningfully used to facilitate the development of adaptive coping among veterans with posttraumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Thomas Reyes
- a School of Nursing , University of Nevada Las Vegas , Las Vegas , Nevada , USA
| | - Christopher A Kearney
- b Department of Psychology , University of Nevada Las Vegas , Las Vegas , Nevada , USA
| | - Judzia N Bombard
- a School of Nursing , University of Nevada Las Vegas , Las Vegas , Nevada , USA
| | - Rebecca L Boni
- c College of Nursing , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan , USA
| | - Carol Lynn Senette
- d School of Nursing , University of Alaska Anchorage , Anchorage , Alaska , USA
| | - Alvin Ryan Acupan
- a School of Nursing , University of Nevada Las Vegas , Las Vegas , Nevada , USA
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Kugler J, Andresen FJ, Bean RC, Blais RK. Couple‐based interventions for PTSD among military veterans: An empirical review. J Clin Psychol 2019; 75:1737-1755. [DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Kugler
- Department of PsychologyUtah State University Logan Utah
| | | | - Ron C. Bean
- Department of PsychologyUtah State University Logan Utah
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12
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Characteristics and Health Outcomes of Post-9/11 Caregivers of US Service Members and Veterans Following Traumatic Brain Injury. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2018. [PMID: 29517593 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To (a) characterize a sample of post-9/11 caregivers providing help to service members and veterans (SMV) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), (b) examine the level of support provided, and (c) determine caregiver health and well-being outcomes. SETTING Military treatment facility. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers (N = 278) of SMVs who sustained a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI (96.0% female; 86.0% spouse/partner; age: M = 38.7 years, SD = 10.4). Participants were divided into 3 groups on the basis of the level of support provided (low, medium, high). DESIGN Prospective observational. MAIN MEASURES Caregiver Appraisal Scale, SF-36v2 Health Survey, Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4, Caregiver Questionnaire. RESULTS The majority of caregivers were helping an SMV with mild TBI and comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder/depression, who was injured in a blast-related incident during combat. Caregivers helped predominantly with activities of daily living and/or instrumental activities of daily living and spent more than 40 hours per week providing care. High-support caregivers were more likely to be caring for an SMV with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder, report poor physical and mental health outcomes, and have a negative impact on employment and finances. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of protective factors is required to ensure that burden of care does not exceed the caregiver's health and financial capacity, or undermine the care, well-being, and recovery of the SMV.
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