RECRUITING Not applicable ClinicalTrials.gov

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

Sponsor: Penn State University • ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06047691

Registry updated: 2026-09-17

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Description

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.

Interventions

Abbreviated, Intensive, Multi-Couple Group Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (Behavioral)
Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples are provided with psychoeducation about PTSD and relationship functioning and are taught cognitive and behavioral skills to address the manifestation of PTSD in the couple relationship. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and once 1-2 weeks after the retreat.
Prevention and Relationship Education Program (Behavioral)
Approximately 12 hours of programming delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format.The content of PREP and workshop experiences focuses on helping couples communicate effectively, manage conflict without harming their relationship, preserve and act on commitment, improve relationship decision-making, increase understanding of differences between partners, and protect positive connections between partners. Approximately 12 hours of PREP content will be delivered over 2 consecutive days in a multi-couple group retreat format. Couples will also meet once individually with one of the group leaders 1-2 weeks before the retreat and will check in with a member of the study staff 1-2 weeks after the retreat.

Eligibility criteria

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 either different 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 Criteria: * Either partner reports current suicidal ideation severe enough to warrant immediate attention * Current homicide risk meriting crisis intervention for either partner * Current and severe alcohol misuse in either partner warranting immediate intervention * Symptoms of moderate to severe other substance use warranting immediate intervention * Recent (past month) manic episode or psychotic disorder symptoms in either partner * Other psychiatric disorders severe enough to warrant designation as the primary disorder * Evidence of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other cognitive impairment 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 Therapy for PTSD, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, or Structured Approach Therapy). * Evidence or admission of severe intimate aggression by either partner occurring within the past 6-months.

Conditions

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Locations

University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio — San Antonio, Texas, United States

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Official Source

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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