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

Last updated: May 9, 2025
Sponsor: Penn State University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Post-traumatic Stress Disorders

Treatment

Prevention and Relationship Education Program

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

Clinical Study ID

NCT06047691
SITE00001245
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

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.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

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 eitherdifferent 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

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediateattention

  • Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner

  • Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner in the past 12 weeks and/orwarranting 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 cognitiveimpairment 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 Therapyfor PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-BehavioralConjoint 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 partneroccurring within the past 6-months.

Study Design

Total Participants: 120
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Prevention and Relationship Education Program
Phase:
Study Start date:
September 15, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
February 28, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

    San Antonio, Texas 78229
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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