Mortuary Affairs Soldiers: Early Intervention and Altering Barriers to Care for Traumatic Stress and PTSD
Abstract
This project implemented and assessed the feasibility of TEAM (Troop Education for Army Morale) a unique Psychological First Aid-based post deployment intervention designed to meet the needs of Mortuary Affairs (MA) Soldiers through individual training, buddy care and spouse support. Ten cohorts (N = 126 MA Soldiers) were randomized into intervention and comparison groups. Intervention groups received interactive group sessions at 2, 3, 4 and 7 months post deployment, handouts, a website, phone line and email service. Intervention and comparison groups completed assessments at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 10 months. At baseline, 25.0% had probable PTSD and 23.6% had probable depression. Higher rates of PTSD were associated with living with a spouse or having children. Higher rates of depression were associated with being female, married, having children, and higher education. Mixed modeling analysis found a time by treatment effect of the intervention on PTSD symptoms, a marginal effect of time on depression symptoms, and no differences in quality of life. Overall, the intervention was well accepted, reported to be helpful in specific areas, but had little effect on disorder.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA613443
Entities
People
- Carol S. Fullerton
- Quinn M Biggs
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine