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Merkouris SS, Rodda SN, Aarsman SR, Hodgins DC, Dowling NA. Effective behaviour change techniques for family and close friends: A systematic review and meta-analysis across the addictions. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 100:102251. [PMID: 36716584 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to determine whether the use of specific behaviour change technique (BCT) groups are associated with greater effectiveness for psychosocial interventions delivered to family and close friends (FCFs) impacted by addiction. A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature published until August 2021 identified 32 studies in 38 articles. An established BCT taxonomy (93 BCTs clustered into 16 groups) was adapted (inclusion of seven additional BCT groups) and applied to 57 interventions. The meta-analyses indicated that some, but not all, FCF outcomes were improved by the exclusion of BCTs within several groups (Reward and Threat, Scheduled Consequences, Confrontation of the Addicted Person to Engage in Treatment, and Goals and Planning) and inclusion of BCTs within the Restoring a Balanced Lifestyle group. Addicted person outcomes were improved by the inclusion of some BCTs within several groups (Repetition and Substitution, Reward and Threat, Scheduled Consequences, and Restoring a Balanced Lifestyle). Relationship functioning outcomes were improved by the inclusion of BCTs within the Confrontation of the Addicted Person to Engage in Treatment group. Future research involving the development and evaluation of numerous interventions or comprehensive multi-component interventions that can address the various needs of FCFs, without counteracting them, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Merkouris
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia.
| | - S N Rodda
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - S R Aarsman
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - D C Hodgins
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - N A Dowling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia; Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Merkouris SS, Rodda SN, Dowling NA. Affected other interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis across addictions. Addiction 2022; 117:2393-2414. [PMID: 35129234 PMCID: PMC9543616 DOI: 10.1111/add.15825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Individuals impacted by someone else's alcohol, illicit drug, gambling and gaming problems (affected others) experience extensive harms. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions delivered to affected others across addictions. METHODS This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. An electronic database search (PsycInfo, Medline, Cinahl and EMBASE) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until August 2021 was conducted. RCTs with passive control groups, evaluating psychosocial tertiary interventions delivered to affected others of people with addictions (problematic alcohol use, substance use, gambling or gaming) that did not require the involvement of the addicted person, were included. RESULTS Twenty included studies, published in 22 articles, mainly evaluated interventions for alcohol use, followed by gambling and illicit drugs, with none investigating gaming interventions. The interventions mainly targeted partners/spouses and focused upon improving affected other outcomes, addicted person outcomes or both. Meta-analyses revealed beneficial intervention effects over control groups on some affected other (depressive symptomatology [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.67, -0.29], life satisfaction (SMD = -0.37, 95% CI = -0.71, -0.03) and coping style (SMD = -1.33, 95% CI = -1.87, -0.79), addicted person [treatment entry, risk ratio (RR) = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.75-0.98] and relationship functioning outcomes (marital discord, SMD = -0.40, 95% CI = -0.61, -0.18) at post-intervention. No beneficial intervention effects were identified at short-term follow-up (4-11 months post-treatment). The beneficial intervention effects identified at post-treatment remained when limiting to studies of alcohol use and therapist-delivered interventions. CONCLUSIONS Psychosocial interventions delivered to affected others of people with addictions (problematic alcohol use, substance use, gambling or gaming) may be effective in improving some, but not all, affected other (depression, life satisfaction, coping), addicted person (treatment) and relationship functioning (marital discord) outcomes for affected others across the addictions, but the conclusion remains tentative due to limited studies and methodological limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone N. Rodda
- School of PsychologyDeakin UniversityGeelongVICAustralia,School of Population HealthUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Nicki A. Dowling
- School of PsychologyDeakin UniversityGeelongVICAustralia,Melbourne Graduate School of EducationUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVICAustralia
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Osilla KC, Rodriguez LM, Neighbors C, Pedersen ER. Effects of a Web-Based Intervention in Reducing Drinking among Concerned Partners of Military Service Members and Veterans. COUPLE & FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 11:4-14. [PMID: 36448033 PMCID: PMC9701542 DOI: 10.1037/cfp0000201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Military personnel and their partners report greater alcohol use and related problems compared to their civilian counterparts. We designed a web-based intervention (WBI) called Partners Connect individualized for a military spouse or partner concerned about their service member/veteran's (SMV) drinking and conducted a secondary data analysis to examine the effect of the WBI on participant drinking and their perceptions of their SMV partner's drinking. Participants were concerned partners (CPs) recruited through social media and randomized to Partners Connect or waitlist control. They completed online surveys at baseline and three months post-intervention. CPs who reported any past-month drinking were included in the current analyses (n=161; 94.4% female, 77% White, 5% Hispanic, 32.0 (SD=6.5) years old). There was no significant effect of the intervention on CP drinking. However, the intervention effect was moderated by CP drinks per week, such that heavier drinking intervention CPs reported significant reductions in their number of drinking days at follow-up. Heavy drinking CPs who reduced their drinking also reported perceived reductions in SMV drinking. Military spouses and partners participated in Partners Connect out of concern for their SMV partner's drinking. In doing so, heavier drinking CPs reduced their own drinking frequency, which was also associated with perceptions of SMV drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eric R Pedersen
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
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McGovern R, Smart D, Alderson H, Araújo-Soares V, Brown J, Buykx P, Evans V, Fleming K, Hickman M, Macleod J, Meier P, Kaner E. Psychosocial Interventions to Improve Psychological, Social and Physical Wellbeing in Family Members Affected by an Adult Relative's Substance Use: A Systematic Search and Review of the Evidence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1793. [PMID: 33673199 PMCID: PMC7918716 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that over 100 million people worldwide are affected by the substance use of a close relative and often experience related adverse health and social outcomes. There is a growing body of literature evaluating psychosocial interventions intended to reduce these adverse outcomes. We searched the international literature, using rigorous systematic methods to search and review the evidence for effective interventions to improve the wellbeing of family members affected by the substance use of an adult relative. We synthesised the evidence narratively by intervention type, in line with the systematic search and review approach. Sixty-five papers (from 58 unique trials) meeting our inclusion criteria were identified. Behavioural interventions delivered conjointly with the substance user and the affected family members were found to be effective in improving the social wellbeing of family members (reducing intimate partner violence, enhancing relationship satisfaction and stability and family functioning). Affected adult family members may derive psychological benefit from an adjacent individually focused therapeutic intervention component. No interventions fully addressed the complex multidimensional adversities experienced by many families affected by substance use. Further research is needed to determine the effect of a multi-component psychosocial intervention, which seeks to support both the substance user and the affected family member.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth McGovern
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK; (D.S.); (H.A.); (E.K.)
| | - Debbie Smart
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK; (D.S.); (H.A.); (E.K.)
| | - Hayley Alderson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK; (D.S.); (H.A.); (E.K.)
| | - Vera Araújo-Soares
- Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Science, University of Twente, 7522 Enschede, The Netherlands;
| | - Jamie Brown
- Institute of Epidemiology & Health, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Penny Buykx
- School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia;
- School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | | | - Kate Fleming
- Public Health Policy and Systems, Liverpool Centre for Addiction Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK;
| | - Matt Hickman
- Population Health Sciences Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK; (M.H.); (J.M.)
| | - John Macleod
- Population Health Sciences Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK; (M.H.); (J.M.)
| | - Petra Meier
- Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK;
| | - Eileen Kaner
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK; (D.S.); (H.A.); (E.K.)
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Bennett KM, Clary KL, Smith DC, Lee CA. Usability and Acceptability of a Mobile App to Help Emerging Adults Address their Friends' Substance Use (Harbor): Quantitative Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e16632. [PMID: 33151158 PMCID: PMC7677020 DOI: 10.2196/16632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Technology-assisted intervention and prevention strategies present opportunities for substance use-related research with emerging adults (EAs) and their peers. Emerging adulthood is a developmentally distinct period in which individuals between the ages of 18 and 29 years undergo unique emotional, cultural, developmental, and biological changes as they transition into adulthood. Crowdsourcing, or gathering feedback from a large group within web-based communities, offers researchers a unique and cost-effective way to obtain large amounts of information in a short period. OBJECTIVE This paper presents market feedback obtained via Amazon's Mechanical Turk from EAs (N=458) on the acceptability and utility of brief intervention scripts for a smartphone app currently under development. The mobile app, Harbor, teaches friends of EAs with substance use problems effective and supportive strategies for helping their friend make changes in their substance use behavior. METHODS We examined feedback on the wording of the intervention scripts and estimated the market size of EAs who may use this app. Furthermore, we calculated correlations between script ratings and measures of personal risky drinking (ie, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) and the participants' use of confrontational, enabling, or supportive behaviors with an existing friend. RESULTS Approximately half of our sample (208/458, 45.4%) indicated that they had a close friend for whom they had concerns about their substance use, suggesting a potentially high demand for an app such as Harbor. Initial findings suggest that peers who engage in less enabling behaviors with friends who have a substance use problem exhibited lower risky drinking behaviors overall (r206=-0.501; P<.001). Concerning acceptability, 98.0% (449/458) of the sample rated the scripts' dialogue as either somewhat, moderately, or extremely realistic (mean 3.92, SD 0.48) on 5-point Likert scale items. Finally, 95.4% (437/454) of respondents indicated that the scripts would be at least slightly helpful for training peers to help their friends with substance use issues. Finally, individuals who were better able to identify enabling language in enabling scripts self-reported fewer enabling behaviors toward their friend's substance use (r206=-0.236; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS There exists a demonstrated level of desirability and acceptability among EAs for a mobile app such as Harbor. EAs who wish to engage in more supportive behaviors with their friends who engage in substance use and who are amenable to assisting their friends with sobriety likely would use and benefit from this app.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carol Ann Lee
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States
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Osilla KC, Becker K, Ecola L, Hurley B, Manuel JK, Ober A, Paddock SM, Watkins KE. Study design to evaluate a group-based therapy for support persons of adults on buprenorphine/naloxone. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2020; 15:25. [PMID: 32653029 PMCID: PMC7353769 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-020-00199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use disorders (OUDs) have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. While medication treatments for OUD save lives and are increasingly utilized, rates of treatment dropout are very high. In addition, most existing medication treatments for OUD may often neglect the impact of untreated OUD on relationships and ignore the potential role support persons (SPs) could have on encouraging long-term recovery, which can also impact patient treatment retention. Methods/design The current study adapts Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) for use with SPs (family member, spouse or friend) of patients using buprenorphine/naloxone (buprenorphine) in an outpatient community clinic setting. The study will evaluate whether the adapted intervention, also known as integrating support persons into recovery (INSPIRE), is effective in increasing patient retention on buprenorphine when compared to usual care. We will utilize a two-group randomized design where patients starting or restarting buprenorphine will be screened for support person status and recruited with their support person if eligible. Support persons will be randomly assigned to the INSPIRE intervention, which will consist of 10 rolling group sessions led by two facilitators. Patients and SPs will each be assessed at baseline, 3 months post-baseline, and 12 months post-baseline. Patient electronic medical record data will be collected at six and 12 months post-baseline. We will examine mechanisms of intervention effectiveness and also conduct pre/post-implementation surveys with clinic staff to assess issues that would affect sustainability. Discussion Incorporating the patient’s support system may be an important way to improve treatment retention in medication treatments for OUD. If SPs can serve to support patient retention, this study would significantly advance work to help support the delivery of effective treatments that prevent the devastating consequences associated with OUD. Trial registration This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04239235. Registered 27 January 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04239235.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chan Osilla
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA.
| | - Kirsten Becker
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
| | - Liisa Ecola
- RAND Corporation, 1100 South Hayes Street, VA, 22202, Arlington, USA
| | - Brian Hurley
- LA County Department of Health Services, UCLA Department of Family Medicine, 10780 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 105, Los Angeles, CA, 90025, USA
| | - Jennifer K Manuel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA
| | - Allison Ober
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
| | - Susan M Paddock
- NORC at the University of Chicago, 55 East Monroe St, 31st Floor, Chicago, IL, 60603, USA
| | - Katherine E Watkins
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, P.O. Box 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90407-2138, USA
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Derrick JL, Wittkower LD, Pierce JD. Committed relationships and substance use: recent findings and future directions. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 30:74-79. [PMID: 30986616 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent research on substance use in committed relationships covers three general areas. First, partners tend to be concordant for substance use, and concordance is at least partially the result of partner influence (or convergence). Second, substance use (particularly discrepant use) predicts relationship outcomes such as lower relationship quality and greater conflict, intimate partner aggression, and risky sex. Concordant use, however, can be protective. Finally, relationship variables, such as conflict, intimate partner aggression, and support for cessation, predict substance use. Recent advances in methodological innovation, such as the use of longitudinal designs and dyadic data, are noted. Although the field has moved in some new directions conceptually, the research in this area is still relatively atheoretical. Suggestions for future research directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaye L Derrick
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Blvd. Room 126, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States.
| | - L David Wittkower
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Blvd. Room 126, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States
| | - Jace D Pierce
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Blvd. Room 126, Houston, TX 77204-5022, United States
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Trail TE, Osilla KC, Rodriguez LM, Pedersen ER, Gore KL. Exploring the association between changes in partner behaviors, perceived service member drinking, and relationship quality: Secondary analysis of a web-based intervention for military partners. J Subst Abuse Treat 2019; 98:66-72. [PMID: 30665606 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Problematic drinking is a serious and persistent problem among U.S. military service members and veterans, who face barriers to seeking help and are less likely to seek help than the civilian population. One way to reach this population is through spouses or partners who are concerned about the service members' drinking (concerned partners [CPs]). CPs of military service members were recruited for a web-based intervention, Partners Connect, that aimed to improve patterns of communication about the service members' drinking. Participants were 234 CPs (95% female; 71% White; 89% married; average age 32 years) who completed a baseline survey, were randomized to a four-session web-based intervention or a waitlist control group, and completed a follow-up assessment 5 months later. Three measures reported by CPs assessed perceived partner drinking (drinks per week, highest number of drinks across a typical week, and frequency of drinking in the past month) and CP behaviors were assessed using the Significant-other Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2). Results demonstrated that the intervention did not have a main effect on CP behaviors relative to control. However, changes in CP punishment of partner drinking and behaviors supporting sobriety were significantly associated with decreased perceived partner drinking and improved relationship quality over time. Furthermore, compared to the control group, to the extent that CPs in the treatment group reduced their negative behaviors, perceived partner drinking declined and relationship quality improved. The results reinforce the importance of considering CP behaviors when designing interventions to reduce drinking.
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Rodriguez LM, Osilla KC, Trail T, Gore K, Pedersen E. Alcohol Use Among Concerned Partners of Heavy Drinking Service Members and Veterans. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2018; 44:277-291. [PMID: 28782116 PMCID: PMC5803486 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Heavy drinking in relationships is complex and we focus on an understudied sample of concerned partners (CPs) worried about their U.S. service member/veteran partner's drinking. We evaluated the link between CP drinking and their own mental health, and how CP drinking moderated the efficacy of a web-based intervention designed to address CPs' mental health and communication. CPs (N = 234) were randomly assigned to intervention or control and completed assessments at baseline and 5 months later. CP drinking was associated with greater CP depression, anxiety, and anger independent of partner drinking. Moreover, the intervention was more efficacious in reducing depression for heavy drinking CPs. CPs are often an overlooked population and resources to help support them are needed.
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Osilla KC, Trail TE, Pedersen ER, Gore KL, Tolpadi A, Rodriguez LM. Efficacy of a Web-based Intervention for Concerned Spouses of Service Members and Veterans with Alcohol Misuse. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2018; 44:292-306. [PMID: 28972265 PMCID: PMC5882610 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Concerned partners (CPs) of service members and veterans who misuse alcohol face help-seeking barriers and mental health problems. We used multiple regression to evaluate the efficacy of Partners Connect, a four-session web-based intervention (WBI) to address military CPs' mental health and communication. We randomized 312 CPs to the WBI or a control group. Five months later, WBI CPs reported significant reductions in their anxiety and increases in their social support compared to control CPs. Intervention dose was also associated with improved WBI CP outcomes. Partners Connect appears to fill a need for families who face help-seeking barriers and provides an alternative to traditional care for those who may not otherwise seek help.
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