Patient experiences and reported effectiveness of a multimodal short‐term pilot therapy group for veteran men with military sexual trauma

Abstract: Despite recognition of its prevalence and impact, little is known about treatment for veteran men with a history of military sexual trauma (MST). While research suggests that such veterans may suffer from gender‐based distress that poses unique treatment challenges, MST‐focused treatment draws upon contemporary PTSD best practices that may overlook gender. The current initial pilot study evaluated a multimodal, time‐limited men's MST group therapy that integrated exposure‐ and mindfulness‐based, psychoeducational, and psychodynamic group interventions. This study examined pre‐ and posttreatment data from patients who completed group treatment (n = 24). Three‐fourths of patients were 60 years or older, over 80% Black, Indigenous, People of Color. Assessment data were collected using the PTSD Checklist (PCL‐5), an adaptation of the Recovery Assessment Scale, and open‐ended written responses. Paired‐samples t tests and effect sizes (Hedge's g) were calculated. Indictive thematic analysis was used for qualitative analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data showed improvements in shame, self‐forgiveness, and belonginess. There were significant reductions from pre‐ to posttreatment in total PCL‐5 score (g = −0.69) and all 4 symptom clusters (g = −0.51–−0.71), and significant improvements in 8 out of 10 recovery items (g = 0.44–2.46). More research is needed to assess whether veteran men with a history of MST benefit from treatment that provides multimodal, multitheoretical interventions that address gender‐based symptoms in addition to PTSD. The results of this study support future research in a randomized controlled study.