Single-Day Couples Intervention for Veterans and Their Romantic Partners: A Pilot Feasibility Trial

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Couple's Therapy
• Telehealth Interventions

Background:

• Separation and divorce negatively impact mental and physical health.
• Veterans experience separation/divorce at higher rates than non-Veterans.
• Access to couple's treatment is limited for rural Veterans due to various barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a virtual single-day group workshop for rural Veterans and partners.
• Improve relationship quality and expand access to care.
• Evaluate the impact on individual and relationship functioning.

Main Methods:

• A single-day, 6-hour virtual group workshop was delivered to Veteran-partner couples.
• Participants completed pre- and 3-month post-workshop measures of functioning.
• Qualitative interviews were conducted post-workshop.

Main Results:

• High workshop completion (98%) and retention rates (Veterans 90%, partners 79%).
• Participants found the workshop helpful, engaging, and applied learned skills.
• Veterans showed reduced trauma symptoms and improved mental health; partners improved overall functioning. Relationship satisfaction did not change.

Conclusions:

• The virtual workshop is feasible and well-received by Veterans and partners.
• Preliminary results indicate potential effectiveness in enhancing individual well-being.
• Single-day telehealth workshops offer a scalable solution for relationship support for rural Veterans.