Acceptability of a Wellness Group Program for Veterans With Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mori, DeAnna L; Smidt, Katharine; Brown, Laurel; Pless Kaiser, Anica; Weinstein, Elizabeth S; Niles, Barbara L
• Is Part Of: Global advances in health and medicine. Volume 8(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: posttraumatic stress disorder -- whole health -- Wellness -- group therapy -- veterans; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Public health -- Research -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine; Medicine; Medicine -- Research; Public health; Public health -- Research; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1177/2164956119867048
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-957X

Abstract

Background: Although there are effective evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many individuals drop out or do not benefit from treatment. There is a need for new treatments, including approaches that are nontrauma focused. Objective: The purpose of this program evaluation was to investigate the acceptability of a Wellness Group designed to promote healthy behaviors and adaptive coping when offered to veterans with PTSD. Methods: Nine veterans in a PTSD outpatient clinic enrolled in a 12-week, 24-session Wellness Group. Acceptability of the intervention was evaluated with attendance data, questionnaires, and interviews. Results: Group attendance rates were high and no participants dropped out of treatment. Treatment satisfaction was high and all veterans reported gains in at least 3 of the 8 Wellness domains covered. Interview data supported the findings that veterans had positive reactions to the group. Conclusion: A Wellness approach may offer a low-cost alternative or supplementary treatment for veterans with PTSD that is highly acceptable and may improve health behaviors, quality of life, and coping skills.