# Adaptation, Refinement, and Open Trial of Parent Training for Veterans with PTSD

> **NIH VA I01** · OLIN TEAGUE VETERANS CENTER · 2021 · —

## Abstract

The overall goal of this work is to adapt, refine, and conduct an open trial of a parent-training intervention
for Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using feedback from Veterans, VA clinicians, and
expert consultants as key stakeholders. PTSD symptoms are associated with parent-child functioning
difficulties, which are also an important determinant of quality of life and functional recovery. Unfortunately,
existing treatments for PTSD do not appear to improve family functioning. Several parent-training
interventions have been piloted within VHA, but none were developed specifically with Veterans as the
target group of consumers, and none address the unique challenges presented by PTSD symptoms. Some
interventions also presented feasibility challenges or they lacked studies attesting to their efficacy. To
overcome these limitations, this project will examine the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based
group intervention to improve parenting behaviors, parenting satisfaction, and family functioning in returning
Veteran parents who are diagnosed with PTSD and who have children between the ages of 3 and 12.
 This intervention, labeled PTSD-Focused Parent Training (PFPT), is derived from an existing evidence-
based intervention to improve Veteran relationship functioning (Strength at Home; SAH), and it is informed
by the Cognitive Behavioral Theory of Interpersonal Functioning and the Military Family Attachment
frameworks for the association between PTSD and family functioning problems. PFPT emphasizes the
acquisition of parenting skills associated with positive child outcomes and healthy parent-child functioning
(e.g., positive parenting, consistent discipline, parental monitoring). Integrated throughout the treatment is
an emphasis on anger management, emotion regulation, and improved parent-child attachment. PFPT also
includes a pre-treatment Motivational Interviewing Assessment (MIA) to assist Veterans with PTSD in
strengthening and building motivation to change their parenting behaviors. The goals and change talk
identified in the pre-treatment MIA are then referred to throughout the PFPT treatment. Groups are gender-
specific, meaning that we will pilot the treatment in separate groups of women and men Veterans.
 This project will be carried out through 2 specific aims that will be accomplished in 36 months. Aim 1 of
the study is to obtain and incorporate expert clinician and Veteran feedback on the intervention. The PFPT
manual will be reviewed and refined utilizing feedback from a panel of expert consultants and VA clinicians
with extensive experience in treatments to improve Veteran family functioning. The treatment will then be
piloted in two groups of Veterans (1 group of men, 1 group of women) for feedback on intervention content,
acceptability, credibility, and satisfaction after each session. The expert consultants will convene a second
time to review the Veteran feedback, the PFPT manual will be revised again...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10393483
- **Project number:** 5I01RX002421-04
- **Recipient organization:** OLIN TEAGUE VETERANS CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** SUZANNAH K CREECH
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-06-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10393483

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10393483, Adaptation, Refinement, and Open Trial of Parent Training for Veterans with PTSD (5I01RX002421-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10393483. Licensed CC0.

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