Exploring PTSD Support Programs for Veterans: Fischer et al. (2015) Article Review

This paper will review “Perspectives of family and veterans on family programs to support the reintegration of returning veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder” by Fischer and colleagues in 2015. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widespread among returning military personnel, and research has linked military experience to its onset. Psychologists are responsible for treating military personnel, veterans, and their families who have been impacted by war. It is clear from this paper that the authors did not feel that the families’ opinions or interests were being met in the PTSD support groups and treatment sessions, even though family members were included (Fischer et al., 2015).

Purpose of the Article

This research’s primary goal was to focus on the unique concerns of family members participating in PTSD support groups (Fischer et al., 2015). Veterans have long felt the aftereffects of their service. Several support initiatives have been set into motion to aid the afflicted war veterans. Veterans’ families have also been included in the initiatives. This research was carried out so those responsible for designing programs to help soldiers and their families with PTSD may know the most critical factors. The writers point out that PTSD also negatively affects the loved ones of soldiers. By conducting this study, the authors hoped to learn the honest thoughts and feelings of veterans and their loved ones on the usefulness of the assistance programs. Based on this premise, the study hypothesized that PTSD support programs should provide special attention to the needs and viewpoints of the families of soldiers.

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Methodology

The investigation, particularly empirical scientific research, is essential to addressing societal issues and closing research gaps. The significance and value of a study hinge on the methodologies employed. Specific research techniques produce more reliable findings than others. Consequently, scientists must use appropriate strategies to confirm their hypotheses. Open-ended and structured inquiries, as well as in-depth interviews, are all valid research methods.

Through mail and phone contact, the researchers enlisted 80 veterans and 65 family members of veterans. Only 47 military recruits and 36 family members participated in the study. Veterans from the Central Arkansas Veterans Health System and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City made up the respondents (Fischer et al., 2015). The applicants had to be between 18 and 65 to be considered. Furthermore, all the veterans who participated in the study had been deployed in Afghanistan or Iraq. Participants were limited to those who were either veterans themselves or close relatives of veterans who had sought treatment for PTSD within the previous year.

Research participants were mainly interviewed and given questionnaires to fill out to collect data. Initially, the participants were questioned as a group. The 25 servicemen and the 27 family members were randomly assigned to one of six focus groups (Fischer et al., 2015). The focus groups did not include both men and women. Male veterans were outnumbered by their female loved ones. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 22 veterans and nine family members. This happened because participants in the focus groups provided contradictory answers.

The study aimed to identify what prevented soldiers with PTSD from readjusting to civilian life. It aspired to help illuminate the barriers that prevent family members from engaging with veterans’ association assistance services. Each participant was given a series of identical types of questions in the interviews and surveys. By administering these surveys, we would learn how the program’s participants felt about the services provided. The addition of a target checklist that the participants could relate to undoubtedly helped. To preserve the integrity of the interviews and to make them easily accessible in the future, they were taped and afterwards transcribed word for word (Fischer et al., 2015). Finally, a Chi-square test was run to see how family members and veterans’ opinions differed.

Research Findings and Conclusion

The study’s first finding was that the veterans and their families wanted to learn about one another’s experiences (Fischer et al., 2015). Participants generally thought that support services were essential in the management of PTSD. According to the survey’s respondents, pre- and post-deployment support services are both necessary and desirable. According to the results, loved ones of soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder need the same education and assistance as veterans. Participants in the study highlighted the need for an educational and skill-based PTSD support program available to veterans and their families before, during, and after deployment, encouraging participants to see the other side of the issue (Fischer et al., 2015). The veterans wanted their families to be more involved in the assistance services. Both family members and veterans wanted honest communication and connection as they readjusted to life after deployment.

The study’s authors concluded that family support programs should begin before deployment and continue after the service member returns home (Fischer et al., 2015). Senior veterans who have completed therapy for PTSD should also be a part of the Veterans’ association support program. The programs might be far more successful if they used peer-to-peer therapy. Our veterans’ strong wish is that their families also benefit from the treatment for PTSD. It would improve communication and make transitioning back to everyday life after deployment much more manageable.

Personal Opinion and Implications

I agree wholeheartedly with the results of the investigation. Loved ones of soldiers with PTSD should be taught tools to help them transition to life at home again after deployment. Returning to civilian life after military service may be challenging. Getting a handle on anything is hard if you haven’t lived it yourself. This hinders the ability of veterans and their loved ones to understand one another’s perspectives. This research provided significant insight into the needs of veterans and their families regarding PTSD care and treatment. This research would be beneficial in developing effective programs to aid loved ones experiencing difficulties connected to post-traumatic stress disorder. The results of this study might be used by advocacy organizations to launch family initiatives, such as Veterans Associations. Nevertheless, the research does not suggest viable strategies that should be considered.

References

Fischer, E. P., Sherman, M. D., McSweeney, J. C., Pyne, J. M., Owen, R. R., & Dixon, L. B. (2015). Perspectives of family and veterans on family programs to support reintegration of returning veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychological services, 12(3), 187.