A pilot of couple HOPES within the U.S. Veterans Affairs Healthcare System: PTSD and relationship outcomes in veteran couples

Psychol Serv. 2024 Aug;21(3):509-517. doi: 10.1037/ser0000773. Epub 2023 Jun 19.

Abstract

Conjoint interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) offer an opportunity to target symptoms' broader social impact, including couples' relationship satisfaction. Technology-assisted interventions may help overcome access to care barriers for couples. Couple Helping Overcome PTSD and Enhance Satisfaction (HOPES) is a coached internet-based couples' intervention for PTSD adapted from cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy, an evidence-based dyadic therapy for PTSD. This pilot study examined the implementation feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Couple HOPES in a sample of 15 United States veterans with PTSD and their romantic partners within a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center setting. There were significant improvements in veterans' PTSD symptoms (self- and partner-reported) and both veterans' and partners' relationship satisfaction, though the effect sizes were small (all g's < .40). Importantly, the 73% retention rate and participant feedback at postassessment suggest this online adaptation may help couples overcome barriers to accessing care. More broadly, this pilot study helps answer questions regarding where digital health interventions fit into the continuum of PTSD care within the VA system. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Couples Therapy* / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet-Based Intervention
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Spouses / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / therapy
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs*
  • Veterans* / psychology