A spiritually based group intervention for combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: feasibility study.
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.
Bormann
Jill E
JE
VA San Diego Healthcare System and San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92161, USA. jill.bormann@va.gov
Thorp
Steven
S
Wetherell
Julie L
JL
Golshan
Shahrokh
S
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*