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Self‐Monitoring of Reexperiencing Symptoms: A Randomized Trial
Author(s) -
Brown Amanda Joelle,
Bollini Annie M.,
Craighead Linda W.,
Astin Millie C.,
Norrholm Seth Davin,
Bradley Bekh
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.21950
Subject(s) - psychoeducation , randomized controlled trial , intrusion , intervention (counseling) , psychology , self monitoring , veterans affairs , psychiatry , clinical psychology , medicine , social psychology , surgery , geochemistry , geology
The efficacy of a brief intervention to self‐monitor reexperiencing symptoms was evaluated in 137 U.S. combat veterans with PTSD who were enrolled in 5‐week psychoeducation groups at a large Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Groups were randomized to psychoeducation alone (Education Control, n = 50) or psychoeducation plus intrusion monitoring (Education + Monitoring, n = 87). Education + Monitoring participants were asked to make a daily record of the number and content of nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive trauma‐related thoughts, and physiological and emotional reactions to triggers. Avoidance symptoms were reduced in both conditions (η 2 = .093), with no additional benefit from intrusion monitoring (η 2 = .001). Compliance with intrusion monitoring was markedly low, which complicated the interpretation of the study findings. Even though intrusion monitoring has a strong theoretical foundation and may be an efficient and cost‐effective alternative to more structured treatments for PTSD, the effect of intrusion monitoring will not be clearly understood until higher compliance can be achieved. Future work in this area should address barriers to compliance and investigate strategies for enhancing motivation to engage in self‐monitoring.