Integrating collaborative/therapeutic assessment of interpersonal functioning into group therapy for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Abstract

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) constitute a common problem among U.S. military veterans. Several empirically supported interventions exist, have been validated for use with veterans diagnosed with PTSD, and have been modified for group format to increase accessibility. However, current theoretical and empirical literature on PTSD and its treatment primarily focus on the diagnostic symptoms of PTSD rather than the interpersonal problems that may be central to the disorder. In this article, we provide preliminary evidence evaluating a new group therapy protocol that addresses interpersonal problems in a sample of veterans seeking treatment for PTSD symptoms (N ϭ 14). Results of a paired t test estimated within a Bayesian model comparison framework indicated that veterans who participated in this group therapy protocol had a medium-sized (d ϭ .43) and clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. Findings highlight the potential utility of implementing such groups for veterans with PTSD symptoms, as well as promising directions for future research.

The influence of trauma symptoms on interpersonal attributions in daily life

“…Overall, interpersonal perception and trauma variables explained 10%–29% of the variance in negative attribution outcomes. This indicates that consistent with prior work (Bernard et al., 2019; Yalch & Burkman, 2019; Yalch et al., 2021), interpersonal perception plays an important role in the social and emotional experience of individuals exposed to traumatic events. However, interpersonal perception and trauma‐related symptoms do not appear to be sufficient for predicting negative attributions.…”

Interpersonal sensitivities associated with sexual assault.

“…survivor a new sense of themself, as well as an idea of how they might change their patterns of interacting with others in their life (Finn, 2007). Indeed, recent research suggests interpersonal assessment implemented in the context of psychotherapy is associated with reductions in posttraumatic distress (Yalch et al, 2021), although this has not yet been demonstrated with respect to sexual assault specifically. Clinical assessment of interpersonal sensitivity (and other aspects of interpersonal style) may be important not only for purposes of enabling someone to better understand themselves vis-à-vis the sexual assault they experienced but may also inform clinical intervention for problems they experience stemming from the sexual assault.…”

“…This may be useful as a prelude to therapy (as is suggested in contemporary interpersonal approaches to therapy; e.g., Anchin & Pincus, 2010; Benjamin, 2003; Hopwood et al, 2016; Kiesler, 1996), but may also be a therapeutic intervention in and of itself, giving the sexual assault survivor a new sense of themself, as well as an idea of how they might change their patterns of interacting with others in their life (Finn, 2007). Indeed, recent research suggests interpersonal assessment implemented in the context of psychotherapy is associated with reductions in posttraumatic distress (Yalch et al, 2021), although this has not yet been demonstrated with respect to sexual assault specifically.…”

Increasing character strength knowledge, interest, and skill: preliminary evidence for a collaborative and multimethod assessment procedure

“…Typically, CMA combines standardized assessment and semi-structured interviewing procedures to help respondents find meaning and invest in their test feedback, though CMAs are not tied to any specific form of psychological assessment process ( Finn, 2007 ). Within CMA, assessment findings serve as the starting point for cooperative action with respondents, forming pathways toward self-exploration and self-verification ( Yalch et al, 2021 ). Assessors play an active role in the self-exploratory process; they use an individualized and non-judgmental approach, helping respondents translate assessment findings into the idiographic context of their lived experience ( De Saeger et al, 2014 ; Aschieri, 2016 ).…”