Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
Background Research has demonstrated that partners living alongside veterans with mental health difficulties are at high risk of developing mental health difficulties themselves and secondary trauma. A variety of interventions have been developed to support partners. Research to date has relied on quantitative methodologies to evaluate the efficacy of such interventions with less emphasis on learning about the experiences of individuals on the courses. Objective The aim of this qualitative paper was to understand the experiences of partners who engaged in a five-week structured support intervention, ‘The Together Programme’ (TTP) which had been piloted across UK cities. This programme involved tailored psycho educational materials adapted to the needs of veteran’s partners living alongside PTSD. Further the potential mechanisms of change for participants engaged with the programme were explored as well as the impact of treatment on their relationships. Methods Eight female partners were recruited from an original sample of 57 partners who were intimate relationships with treatment seeking veterans with mental health difficulties. These participants had completed TTP. Qualitative data was collected using a semi structured interview and explored using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results Three key themes emerged from the data, these were self-growth, changing role in relationships and connecting with others. The themes included several sub themes. Self-growth sub-themes were mastering the ‘inner judge’, ‘confidence in ability to cope’ and ‘taking care of my needs’. Changing role in relationship sub-themes were ‘acceptance and understanding’ and ‘improved communication in relationship’. Connecting with others was described by the sub-themes of ‘knowing I am not alone’, ‘peer support’ and ‘hope’. Conclusions This study suggeststhere were three key areas where thestructured evidence-based support programme had an impact on participants experiences. These were factors that helped participants to normalise their experiences and increase participants understanding and interpersonal skills that promote changes in relationship functioning with the veteran.
Highlights
Mental Health of Military PartnersIt has long been recognised the challenges military veterans face in terms of physical and mental health difficulties upon their return from conflict
This study suggests there were three key areas where the structured evidence-based support programme had an impact on participants experiences
This study explored the experiences of partners of treatment seeking veterans who attended a UK support intervention (TTP) aimed at improving their mental health and relationship quality
Summary
Mental Health of Military PartnersIt has long been recognised the challenges military veterans face in terms of physical and mental health difficulties upon their return from conflict. There is a growing body of literature which suggests veteran’s mental health difficulties to have an enduring impact on partners mental health, caregiving burden and secondary[13,15,16] This implies military stress is experienced both individually and systemically[3]. In greater appreciation for the needs of partners and supporting the veteran’s family as a whole, there has been a wide range of psychological support-based interventions developed which incorporate a variety of formats including; individual, group, psycho education couple-based and family-based support interventions They appear to have promise and have been found to improve partners mental health and relationship satisfaction, veterans’ rates of engagement in therapy and their treatment outcomes[10,27,14]. Research to date has relied on quantitative methodologies to evaluate the efficacy of such interventions with less emphasis on learning about the experiences of individuals on the courses
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
