ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This feasibility pilot study evaluated the usability of a mobile application (app), Remote Exercises for Learning Anger and Excitation Management (RELAX), as an adjunct to an anger management treatment delivered to Veterans. METHODS: Four Veterans completed pre- and post-treatment measures of anger, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, interpersonal functioning, and app use. RESULTS: Descriptive results of clinical outcomes are provided. Qualitative data included Veterans' and therapists' feedback regarding the acceptability of the technology, satisfaction with the RELAX app, homework facilitation, and suggestions for improvement. Large reductions in anger, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms, and improvements in social functioning were evidenced post-treatment. Veterans reported that the RELAX app was helpful and appreciated its functionality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support using an app as an adjunct to traditional anger management.
Subject(s)
Anger Management Therapy/methods , Mobile Applications/standards , Self-Management , Veterans/psychology , Adult , Aged , Depression/therapy , Feasibility Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Psychometrics/instrumentation , Psychometrics/methods , Social Skills , Software Design , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/therapy , Surveys and Questionnaires , User-Computer InterfaceABSTRACT
Veteran and active duty populations evidence higher rates of intimate partner aggression (IPA) than comparable civilian groups, perhaps due in part to their unique service-related experiences. IPA offender treatment programs that take military background into consideration are not widely available, and it is unclear to what extent there is a perceived need for them among clinicians who serve service members and Veterans. Strength at Home (SAH) is a promising 12-session cognitive-behavioral group intervention designed to address IPA perpetration in military populations. While clinical support for SAH is emerging, the extent to which service members and Veterans find it appropriate and helpful is not yet known. Goals of the current study were threefold: (a) assess the perceived need for a military-specific IPA program among Veterans Administration and community domestic violence (DV) program providers; (b) conduct a pilot study to examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of SAH in a sample drawn from a diverse, multicultural community; and (c) conduct focus groups to obtain participant feedback on the SAH protocol. Findings from the provider survey suggested a need for specialty programs to treat military personnel who perpetrate IPA of mildtomoderate severity. Results of the SAH pilot study (n = 6) indicated decreased psychological aggression and increased anger control from baseline to 6-month follow-up. Focus group feedback indicated participants found the program to be helpful and appropriate across a wide variety of ethno-cultural variables. As more service members and Veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan war era reintegrate into our communities, it will become increasingly important for providers in both private and public sectors of care to understand the unique needs of this treatment population, and to have access to effective IPA treatment programs.
