The Effects of Interpersonal Support on Treatment Outcomes Using Cognitive Processing Therapy

For the STRONG STAR Consortium

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Although there has been research connecting PTSD and social support, there has been little research on effects of treatment, especially in military samples. The current study examined the relationship between these variables over the course of PTSD treatment and assessed differences based on treatment modality (i.e. group versus individual). Methods: Participants were 322 active duty service members in a randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of group and individual Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) treatment modalities and were assessed for PTSD symptoms and social support both prior to and upon completion treatment. Cross-lagged regression models were used to examine stability and lagged effects between PTSD severity and dimensions of social support from pre- to post-treatment. Results: Lower levels of pre-treatment PTSD severity were associated with higher levels of post-treatment social support across all three subscales (all b ’s at least -.15, p <.02). The only significant difference based on treatment modality was a stronger relationship between pre- and post-treatment PTSD severity for those who received group CPT compared to participants who received individual CPT, consistent with previous findings. Conclusions: Recommendations for improving social support during PTSD treatment through modalities, such as family-centered models or social skills training, are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)679-688
Number of pages10
JournalCognitive Therapy and Research
Volume45
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2021

Keywords

  • Military
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Social support
  • Treatment modality
  • Treatment outcomes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

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