Trauma-informed parenting intervention for veterans: A preliminary uncontrolled trial of Strength at Home–Parents.

Abstract

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent in military and veteran populations and are associated with parenting difficulties. Unfortunately, there is a lack of accessible, trauma-informed, and evidence-based parenting support interventions within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Strength at Home–Parents (SAHP) is a trauma-informed psychotherapy group that aims to improve parenting behaviors and overall parent–child and family functioning among U.S. military veterans with PTSD symptoms. SAHP was developed to maximize ease of use by VA providers and accessibility for parents. Here we report data from an uncontrolled trial of SAHP delivered using synchronous video technology in a sample of veterans using VA care (N = 53) who met the criteria for PTSD and parent–child functioning difficulties. Enrollment and retention rates met study goals and suggest feasibility and acceptability of study methods. Significant pre- to postintervention improvements were observed in measures of dysfunctional discipline, parenting stress, general family functioning, child psychosocial functioning, and parental PTSD and depression symptoms. Coupled with high satisfaction ratings, findings support further study of the intervention, including in an efficacy trial.