Effects of a group experiential therapy program on the psychological health of military veterans: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

This study examined the clinical effects of a brief group experiential therapy treatment centered on psychodrama in a sample of military veterans. The sample (N = 72) comprised male (n = 54) and female (n = 18) United States military veterans (Mage = 44.19, SDage = 12.51) who completed the six-day treatment. Self-reported military-related posttraumatic stress (M-PTSD), anxiety, depression, and quality of life were assessed at baseline (T0), end of treatment (T1), three-month follow-up (T2), and six-month follow-up (T3). Prior combat exposure was also measured at T0, and acceptability and user satisfaction ratings were reported at T1. Within-subjects changes on all outcomes from T0 to T1, T2, and T3 were medium to large in effect size. After controlling for relevant demographic characteristics, prior combat exposure, and baseline multimorbidity, the results revealed significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life from T0 to T1, T2, and T3. A majority of the participants who met criteria for M-PTSD, anxiety, or depression caseness at T0 attained recovery status at T1, T2, and T3. Acceptability and satisfaction ratings were high. The findings offer preliminary evidence supporting the efficacy of the group experiential treatment in sustaining reduced psychological symptoms and improving the quality of life of military veterans.