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Harnessing the Healing Power of Relationships in Trauma Recovery: a Systematic Review of Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD

  • PTSD (SK Creech and LM Sippel, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this systematic review was to examine the empirical literature on cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (CBCT). The aims were to (1) review the efficacy of CBCT for PTSD, relationship satisfaction, and related symptoms; (2) describe novel adaptations to the treatment; and (3) identify potential moderators and mediators of treatment outcomes. A systematic search of peer-reviewed publications was conducted across three databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, and SCOPUS). Relevant publications were rated by two authors using a validated checklist.

Findings

Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria. Quality ratings ranged from “fair” to “good”. The majority of studies were uncontrolled designs; no studies compared CBCT to an active control condition. Three studies adapted standard CBCT. Nearly all studies found improvements in patient- and partner-rated PTSD symptoms and patient depression, anxiety, and anger. Findings on relationship satisfaction and partner accommodation as outcomes were somewhat mixed. Baseline relationship satisfaction, partner accommodation, and social support moderated outcomes.

Summary

Overall, CBCT has demonstrated initial efficacy for PTSD and comorbid problems. Future studies should examine moderators and mediators to answer how and for whom this treatment works. Controlled trials on novel adaptations to CBCT are also needed.

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Funding

Dr. Candice Monson has funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through Foundation Grant CIHR-IRSC:0525007697. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 105 Bond Street, room SBB115, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada

    Rachel E. Liebman PhD, Kristen M. Whitfield BA, Iris Sijercic MA, Naomi Ennis MA & Candice M. Monson PhD

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  2. Kristen M. Whitfield BA
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Correspondence to Rachel E. Liebman PhD.

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Liebman, R.E., Whitfield, K.M., Sijercic, I. et al. Harnessing the Healing Power of Relationships in Trauma Recovery: a Systematic Review of Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD. Curr Treat Options Psych 7, 203–220 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-020-00211-1

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