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NCT Number: NCT06047691

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mental Disorders Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Alan Peterson, Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

210-562-6703

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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.

Treatment and study plan

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

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

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5

    Time frame: 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 outcomes

  1. PTSD Checklist for DSM-5

    Time frame: 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.

  2. Patient Health Questionnaire-9

    Time frame: 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.

  3. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Screener

    Time frame: 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.

  4. Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5

    Time frame: 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.

  5. Couples Satisfaction Index-32

    Time frame: 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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Alan L Peterson, Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

(210) 562-6700

Steffany J Fredman, Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

781-879-9758

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Penn State University

Other

Collaborators

  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
  • Toronto Metropolitan University
  • University of Denver

Registry information

Official study title

Randomized Controlled Trial of Intensive Multi-Couple Therapy for PTSD Versus Relationship Education in Military Couples

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 21, 2023
Registry last updated
May 14, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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