A home-based telehealth randomized controlled trial of skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation versus present-centered therapy for women veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.

Marylene Cloitre, Danielle Morabito, Kathryn Macia, Sarah Speicher, Jessilyn Froelich, Katelyn Webster, Annabel Prins, Diana Villasenor, Asha Bauer, Christie Jackson, Laura Fabricant, Shannon Wiltsey-Stirman, Leslie Morland

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: This randomized trial tested the effectiveness of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) compared to present-centered therapy (PCT) delivered virtually to women veterans who had experienced military sexual trauma (MST) and screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Method: One hundred sixty-one eligible women veterans were randomized into the study. The primary outcome was clinician-assessed PTSD severity (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale–5), while secondary outcomes included social support and several other symptom measures at posttreatment through 2- and 4-month follow-up. Results: PTSD severity decreased in both conditions by posttreatment but significantly more (p = .028, d = 0.39) in STAIR (d = 1.12 [0.87, 1.37]) than PCT (d = .78 [0.54, 1.02]). STAIR was also superior in improving social support and emotion regulation and reducing depression and negative cognitions. Improvement in psychosocial functioning was moderate and did not differ between conditions. All changes were maintained through 2- and 4-month follow-ups. Dropout rates were low and did not differ (19.0% and 12.2%, respectively). Conclusion: STAIR provided superior outcomes compared to PCT regarding PTSD, social support, and multiple types of mental health problems among women veterans with MST. The application of STAIR to other populations with social support and related concerns warrants investigation. The substantial effect sizes for PTSD symptoms in both treatments suggest that they are practical alternatives for individuals who do not wish to participate in trauma-focused therapy and may increase engagement in mental health services. Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), a transdiagnostic intervention, provides effective relief from a range of social–emotional difficulties that have been identified by women who have experienced military sexual trauma. The availability of evidence-based mental health programs that address patient-identified concerns other than diagnostic-specific symptoms is an important and integral component to mental health services for trauma-exposed populations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)261-274
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of consulting and clinical psychology
Volume92
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2024

Keywords

  • military sexual trauma
  • posttraumatic stress disorder
  • present-centered therapy
  • Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation
  • social support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A home-based telehealth randomized controlled trial of skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation versus present-centered therapy for women veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this