Publication year
2017
Citation Title
Efficacy of a web-based intervention for concerned spouses of service members and veterans with alcohol misuse.
Journal Name
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
DOI
10.1111/jmft.12279
Summary
An examination of a web-based treatment approach for concerned partners of Service members and Veterans who misuse alcohol was conducted. Pre- and post-test data assessing mental health, communication, and conflict resolution skills were collected from two groups: those receiving the web-based training and a control group who did not complete the training. Results from the study suggest that web-based interventions may be a helpful option for concerned partners with help-seeking barriers or those lacking access to traditional care.
Key Findings
Concerned partners who completed the web-based intervention reported significant improvements in relationship quality and decreases in family conflict.
Both the web-based intervention group and the control group reported that they perceived decreases in their partners' alcohol misuse.
Compared to the control group, the web-based intervention group reported decreases in both anxiety and depressive symptoms at follow-up.
Implications for Program Leaders
Disseminate information regarding resources for concerned partners of a Service member or Veteran with alcohol misuse, including web-based interventions
Engage concerned partners of Service members or Veterans with alcohol misuse in classes that work to enhance self-care and increase positive communication patterns
Provide information for concerned partners regarding how to reinforce their partners' sobriety and discourage their alcohol misuse
Implications for Policy Makers
Promote the development of web-based interventions for concerned partners of Service members and Veterans who misuse alcohol
Continue to support programs that address the unique challenges of couples and families in the military with a family member who misuses alcohol
Encourage education for service providers regarding how the misuse of alcohol by a Service member or Veteran may affect their intimate partners
Methods
A web-based adaptation of the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) for military concerned partners, titled Partners Connect, was developed.
Participants were randomly assigned to complete the Partners Connect program or were placed on a wait-list control group.
Every participant completed a baseline and follow-up survey. Concerned partners completed four 30-45 minute sessions conducted a week apart.
Researchers analyzed the efficacy of a web-based platform to reduce the mental health symptoms of concerned partners and if the participants' involvement modified their partners' drinking habits.
Participants
Participants (n=312) who completed the study met the following criteria: at least 18 years old, living with their partner, and no plans of separating from their partner for at least 60 days.
Most concerned partners identified as female (95%) and had an average age of 32 years old with 71% of concerned partners identifying as White, 9% Multiracial, 6% Black, and 4% Latino.
Most concerned partners (88%) reported that their partner drank heavily (five or more drinks at one occasion) at least once in the past month.
Limitations
Since the sample primarily consisted of White women, the results may not be apply to individuals of different race/ethnic, age, or gender groups.
Since the control group received the web-based intervention after the active treatment group, there may be an overestimation of intervention effects.
The data on the partners' drinking misuse were collected from the perspective of the concerned partner, possibly resulting in self-report bias.
Avenues for Future Research
Conduct a study with a longer follow-up period to further examine effects over time.
Examine factors that contribute to how a concerned partner's involvement in alcohol misuse interventions, such as Partners Connect, may lead to reductions in their partner's drinking.
Recruit and involve male concerned partner perspectives or partners in same-sex relationships.
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Abstract
Concerned partners (CPs) of service members and veterans who misuse alcohol face help-seeking barriers and mental health problems. We used multiple regression to evaluate the efficacy of Partners Connect, a four-session web-based intervention (WBI) to address military CPs’ mental health and communication. We randomized 312 CPs to the WBI or a control group. Five months later, WBI CPs reported significant reductions in their anxiety and increases in their social support compared to control CPs. Intervention dose was also associated with improved WBI CP outcomes. Partners Connect appears to fill a need for families who face help-seeking barriers and provides an alternative to traditional care for those who may not otherwise seek help.
Abstract Document
PRTW Document
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