Publication year
2012
Citation Title
Promoting reintegration of national guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: A pilot study
Journal Name
Military Medicine
Journal Volume
177
Issue Number
12
Page Numbers
1477-1485
DOI
10.7205/MILMED-D-12-00121
Summary
This study analyzed report pilot data from phase one of a project to develop and evaluate a selfdirected program of integrative therapies for National Guard personnel and significant relationship partners (N = 43 dyads) to support reintegration and resilience after return from Iraq or Afghanistan. Results suggest that a trusted relationship may offer a viable approach to implementing self-directed interventions for promoting well-being during post-deployment reintegration.
Key Findings
Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain, physical tension, irritability, anxiety and worry, and depression after massage therapy.
Results suggested declining levels of tension and irritability in both Veterans and partners.
Significant improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and self-compassion were seen in both Veterans and partners; and in stress for partners.
Implications for Program Leaders
Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain, physical tension, irritability, anxiety and worry, and depression after massage therapy
Results suggested declining levels of tension and irritability in both Veterans and partners
Significant improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and self-compassion were seen in both Veterans and partners; and in stress for partners
Implications for Policy Makers
Continue to support additional research on integrative therapy methods and their relation to resilience during the reintegration process
Encourage the development and continuation of programs that can promote resilience in Service members, their partners, and children
Promote reintegration programs that include attention to assisting Service members’ families in adjusting to the Service member’s return
Methods
Participants were recruited at reintegration events and via e-newsletters.
The monthly survey package was administered to both Veterans and partners at baselines one and two (30 days apart), four weeks after beginning intervention, and again at eight weeks (end of intervention).
Intervention was guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (audio) and instruction in simple massage techniques (video) to promote stress reduction and interpersonal connectedness.
Participants were instructed to practice their choice of techniques at least three to four times per week for eight weeks and to try them all at least once during the course of the eight week intervention period.
Participants
Participants (N = 43 dyads) consisted of National Guard personnel and their significant partner.
Of the sample, 37 of 43 dyads were White, and all participants had at least high school education or further. No other demographic data were provided.
Participant compensation was $20 for each weekly report and $25 for each monthly survey.
Limitations
The study does not include a comparison group, which influences program effect.
Hurricane Irene struck New England midway through the intervention phase, requiring temporary deployment of some participants which delayed any reporting from Service members for multiple weeks.
The sample was only taken from the National Guard, which limits generalizability to other military branches.
Avenues for Future Research
Expand on phase one of this study, and explore other variables such as optimal duration of intervention period and longevity of effects for phase two
Explore usability of the intervention by including more ethnically diverse populations, and effects for Veterans from various branches of the military
Include web-based delivery to computers and mobile devices and compare outcomes to an in-person program currently being used in the military to promote reintegration
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Component
Abstract
This article reports pilot data from phase I of a project to develop and evaluate a self-directed program of integrative therapies for National Guard personnel and significant relationship partners to support r_int_gration and resilience after return from Iraq or Afghanistan. Data are reported on 43 dyads. Intervention was an integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) to promote stress reduction and interpersonal connectedness. A repeated measures design with standardized instruments was used to establish stability of baseline levels of relevant mental health domains (day 1, day 30), followed by the intervention and assessments 4 and 8 weeks later. Significant improvements in standardized measures for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and self-compassion were seen in both veterans and partners; and in stress for partners. Weekly online reporting tracked utilization of guided exercises and massage. Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain, physical tension, irritability, anxiety/worry, and depression after massage, and longitudinal analysis suggested declining baseline levels of tension and irritability. Qualitative data from focus groups and implications for continued development and a phase II trial are discussed.
Abstract Document
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