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

NCT ID: NCT06047691

Last Updated: 2025-05-14

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

120 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-09-15

Study Completion Date

2026-02-28

Brief Summary

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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

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Conditions

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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Randomized controlled trial with parallel group design
Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors
Independent evaluators will be blinded as to participant treatment condition during follow-up assessments.

Study Groups

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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.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples are provided with psychoeducation about PTSD and relationship functioning and are taught cognitive and behavioral skills to address the manifestation of PTSD in the couple relationship. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and once 1-2 weeks after the retreat.

Prevention and Relationship Education Program

PREP is an evidence-based relationship education program delivered in a multi-couple group format.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Prevention and Relationship Education Program

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format.The content of PREP and workshop experiences focuses on helping couples communicate effectively, manage conflict without harming their relationship, preserve and act on commitment, improve relationship decision-making, increase understanding of differences between partners, and protect positive connections between partners. Approximately 12 hours of PREP content will be delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and will check in with a member of the study staff 1-2 weeks after the retreat.

Interventions

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Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD

Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples are provided with psychoeducation about PTSD and relationship functioning and are taught cognitive and behavioral skills to address the manifestation of PTSD in the couple relationship. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and once 1-2 weeks after the retreat.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Prevention and Relationship Education Program

Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format.The content of PREP and workshop experiences focuses on helping couples communicate effectively, manage conflict without harming their relationship, preserve and act on commitment, improve relationship decision-making, increase understanding of differences between partners, and protect positive connections between partners. Approximately 12 hours of PREP content will be delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and will check in with a member of the study staff 1-2 weeks after the retreat.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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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.
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

University of Denver

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Toronto Metropolitan University

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Penn State University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Steffany J Fredman, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Steffany J Fredman, Ph.D.

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Penn State University

Locations

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University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Steffany J Fredman, Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

781-879-9758

Alan L Peterson, Ph.D.

Role: CONTACT

(210) 562-6700

Facility Contacts

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Alan Peterson, Ph.D.

Role: primary

210-562-6703

Other Identifiers

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SITE00001245

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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