Military to Civilian: RCT of an Intervention to Promote Post-deployment Reintegration

Abstract

This study seeks to determine whether Internet-Based Expressive Writing (IB-EW), a brief, low-cost, easily disseminated, and resource-efficient intervention, can reduce psychological symptoms and improve functioning among veterans returning from hazardous deployments. Although Expressive Writing's evidence-base is strong in civilian populations, its efficacy in combat veterans has not been tested. Nevertheless, Expressive Writing, as a highly private, readily accessible, and non-stigmatizing intervention, holds exceptional promise in overcoming barriers to mentally distressed veterans? help-seeking. We expect to further increase the accessibility of the intervention by delivering it over the internet (Internet- Based Expressive Writing). Long term objectives of this line of research are to develop and implement efficient, accessible, and effective interventions that facilitate combat deployment-to-civilian life transitions, thereby reducing risk of long-term, military related psychopathology and disability. Toward that end, the study will also attempt to identify individual difference characteristics related to the efficacy of the treatment, to indicate who is most likely to benefit from the treatment in order to inform treatment implementation strategies.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA518019

Entities

People

  • Nina A Sayer

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Application Software
  • Biomedical Research
  • Computer Programming
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Centers
  • Databases
  • Department Of Defense
  • Deployment
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Electronic Mail
  • Handbooks
  • Information Security
  • Internet
  • Lessons Learned
  • Mental Disorders
  • Transitions
  • Web Applications

Readers

  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.
  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.