Effectiveness of Reality Therapy on Empathy of the Spouses of Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Introduction: The Spouses of Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Disorderbecause of frequent contact with her husband during their life have been greatly affected by emotional-spiritual problems, which often have a vague concept of love and empathy Objective: According to the theory of Glasser's Reality Therapy to improve marital relations, this study conducted to survey the effects of reality therapy on the empathy of post-traumatic stress disorder in Spouses of war veterans. Materials and Method: Using randomized sampling, thisexperimental study was conducted on 34 war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorderin Nyayesh hospital in Tehran in 2015 that were assigned to 2 groups ofexperimental (n=17) and control (n= 17). Experimental group receivedeight 90-120 minute sessionsof reality therapy based on Glasser's Theory. Standardized empathy questionnaire (Davis) questionnaire wasemployed to collect data before and after the intervention. Then, data were analyzed by paired and independent t tests. Results: The mean and standard deviation (Mean±SD) of empathy in reality therapy groupbefore the interventionwas 61.01±15.01 and in the control groupwas 53.52±13.1; independent t-test showed no significant difference (P=0.13). Butthe mean and standard deviation (Mean±SD) of empathy in reality therapy group was 73.47±9.2 after the intervention, and in the control group was 59.29 ±1.7. That shows a significant difference (P=0.003). Thus,empathy in the intervention group was more than that in the control group. Discussion and Conclusion: According tothe effectiveness of this approach on increasing the empathy of veterans' spouses, it is suggested that officials and health professionals, especially nurseimprove the quality of life in the families of veterans 'spouses by understanding the needs of veterans' spouses and familiesand holding workshops and training classes andand group therapy sessions based on reality therapy.

Effect of the developed parallel process model on the resilience of spouses of post-traumatic stress disorder veterans: A quasi-experimental study

“…In this context, spouses of veterans benefit from understanding and acknowledging the realities inherent in life, facilitating a confrontational approach toward problems and fostering a comprehensive perspective. This proactive mind-set, as opposed to succumbing to despair, exaggeration of negative aspects, or avoidance, enables them to critically assess issues, adopt a more positive stance, and actively seek solutions [22].…”

“…The sample size for this study was determined following the methodology outlined in Hojjati et al, (2020), using G Power software. With an effect size of 1.1, a significance level set at 0.05, a test power of 80%, and a confidence interval of 95%, a total sample of 30 participants divided into two groups was established [22]. Random allocation of these participants into the intervention and control groups was achieved using a simple random method and a coin toss procedure.…”

Challenges of living with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder from the perspective of spouses: a qualitative content analysis study

“…These, in turn, result in significant indirect costs in terms of physical, mental, and social damages for both veterans and their family members, especially their spouses [ 14 , 15 ]. The spouses of these veteran’s act as like a refuge against these issues and are actually a way for the family to connect with the society [ 16 , 17 ].…”