Pilot Findings from a Trauma-informed Parenting Group Intervention for Veterans with PTSD symptoms and parent-child functioning difficulties

• In Event: Parenting After Trauma: Addressing the Effects of PTSD on the Family

Abstract

Recent research has shown that parental PTSD symptoms have a deleterious impact on parenting behaviors and parent-child functioning, with downstream negative effects on both parent and child mental health. Although family focused care is a stated priority for the VA, there has been limited movement towards addressing parenting difficulties in this setting due to implementation challenges. Since a large percentage of veterans live with dependent children, and PTSD seems to disproportionately affect those with children, there likely is a significant unmet need for these services. Building upon the successful implementation of a trauma-informed group intervention to address relationship difficulties, the current study partners with veterans and an expert panel to adapt and pilot an intervention aimed at mitigating the negative effects of trauma symptoms on parenting. Pilot data (n=12) showed high treatment acceptability and satisfaction, and evidence of improvement on primary and secondary outcome measures: parenting behaviors (Parenting Scale), parenting satisfaction (Parenting Stress Index) and overall family functioning (Family Assessment Device). We expect to present preliminary open trial data outlining baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes for 6-8 veteran group cohorts.

Authors

• Suzannah Creech, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
  Presenting Author

• Rahel Pearson, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jeremy Saenz, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
  Non-Presenting Author

• John Kelley, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
  Non-Presenting Author

• Kathryn Roe, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jordan M Braciszewski, Henry Ford Healthcare System
  Non-Presenting Author

• Shelley Riggs, Sam Houston State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Casey T. Taft, VA Boston Healthcare System
  Non-Presenting Author