title: A spiritually based group intervention for combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility, effect sizes, and satisfaction of mantram repetition -- the spiritual practice of repeating a sacred word/phrase throughout the day -- for managing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.
  
  
  METHODS
  A two group (intervention vs. control) by two time (pre- and postintervention) experimental design was used.
  
  
  METHODS
  Veterans were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 14) or delayed-treatment control (n = 15). Measures were PTSD symptoms, psychological distress, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-three male veterans were enrolled, and 29 (88%) completed the study. Large effect sizes were found for reducing PTSD symptom severity (d = -.72), psychological distress (d = -.73) and increasing quality of life (d = -.70).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A spiritual program was found to be feasible for veterans with PTSD. They reported moderate to high satisfaction. Effect sizes show promise for symptom improvement but more research is needed.
authors: VA San Diego Healthcare System and San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92161, USA. jill.bormann@va.gov
authors: Jill E
authors: JE
authors: Bormann
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Thorp
authors: Julie L
authors: JL
authors: Wetherell
authors: Shahrokh
authors: S
authors: Golshan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D029181:Spirituality; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*