Improving relationships to help reduce suicide risk among veterans
Supporting Relationships to Reduce Suicide Risk: A Randomized Control Trial of the Brief Relationship Checkup
This study is testing a quick and friendly program to help veterans with depression, PTSD, and alcohol issues improve their romantic relationships, which can make them feel better and reduce the risk of suicide.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Affairs, United States Department of NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Canandaigua, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10977039 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing romantic relationship distress among veterans who are experiencing depression, PTSD, and alcohol misuse, which are linked to increased suicide risk. The study introduces the Brief Relationship Checkup (BRC), a short intervention consisting of three 30-minute sessions designed to help couples improve their relationships. By utilizing techniques from couple therapy and motivational interviewing, the BRC aims to foster supportive partnerships that can protect against suicide. The approach is intended to be accessible through primary care mental health services, making it easier for veterans to seek help.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing relationship distress alongside symptoms of depression, PTSD, or alcohol misuse.
Not a fit: Patients who are not currently in a romantic relationship or those without any relationship distress may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in suicide risk among veterans by improving their relationship quality.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that relationship interventions can effectively reduce suicide risk factors, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
Canandaigua, United States
- Veterans Affairs, United States Department of — Canandaigua, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crasta, Dev J — Veterans Affairs, United States Department of
- Study coordinator: Crasta, Dev J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.