Pilot trial of Strength at Home Parents, a trauma-informed parenting support treatment for veterans.

Abstract

PTSD is associated with compromised parenting which is not adequately addressed in available evidence-based PTSD treatments. Strength at Home - Parents (SAHP) is a trauma-informed parenting intervention which aims to improve parenting behaviors and overall parent-child functioning. Here we report pilot data obtained in a sample of veterans (N=21) with PTSD and parent-child functioning difficulties. Results support feasibility of study methods, and intervention acceptability, credibility and satisfaction. Movement on primary outcome measures suggested improved overall family functioning, a decrease in the use of dysfunctional parenting practices, an increase in positive parenting practices and a trend towards a reduction in parenting stress. Results should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size and attrition at follow-up. Limitations withstanding, findings support further study of the intervention, which would provide insights into whether an efficacy trial is indicated.