Mission Reconnect: Promoting Resilience and Reintegration of Post-Deployment Veterans and Their Families

Summary

An urgent and growing need exists for interventions that support the long-term adjustment and mental health needs of OIF/OEF veterans and their relationship partners after the return from deployment. This project will complete production of a multimedia intervention program for autonomous use, delivered by Internet and mobile app technology, that teaches couples selected mind/body interventions and massage techniques to promote stress reduction, compassion, resiliency and relationship re-integration. A four-armed randomized trial will evaluate mental health outcomes as a free-standing program and as complementary to a current standard of care structured group program.

Conditions

• Stress
• Depression
• PTSD
• Sleep
• Compassion

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mission Reconnect

Multimedia package (audio, video, and print, web-based and downloadable to mobile devices) comprising an integrated program of (1) guided mind/body stress reduction and relaxation practices, (2) contemplative practices to engender and support appreciation, empathy and forgiveness for oneself and one's loved ones, and (3) video instruction in use of simple massage techniques with a partner for connection and stress reduction.

BEHAVIORAL

PREP

The Army's "PREP for Strong Bonds" program offers retreats for partnered soldiers to support reintegration and healthy relationships. PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program) for Strong Bonds is a standardized, evidence-based program conducted in a weekend residential retreat format with experiential exercises. The Army Chaplain Corps trains chaplains to facilitate the program. The manualized program uses methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and communication-oriented marital enhancement programs developed by Markman et al. at the Denver University Center for Marital and Family Studies. Topics include communication, conflict management, commitment, friendship, sensuality, problem-solving, and emotional supportiveness, among others.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Collinge and Associates, Inc.

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• William B Collinge, PhD, MPH · Collinge and Associates, Inc.

• Janet R Kahn, PhD, LMT · Peace Village Projects, Inc.

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2012-09-30

Primary Completion

2015-05-31

Completion

2015-05-31