Treatment for anger and aggression in military personnel after betrayal
Assessment and Treatment of Chronic Anger and Aggression Following Military-Related Interpersonal and Institutional Betrayal: A Pilot Investigation
This study tests a new treatment program to help active duty service members and veterans manage anger and aggression caused by feelings of betrayal in the military.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | CART |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Cavazos, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06609330 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment program designed to address chronic anger and aggression stemming from military-related betrayal among active duty service members and veterans. Participants will engage in a series of 14 treatment modules delivered bi-weekly, with assessments conducted before, during, and after the treatment to measure changes in anger and aggression levels. The study will also explore participant satisfaction and the feasibility of implementing the treatment in a military outpatient setting, with options for telebehavioral health if necessary.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are active duty military service members and veterans aged 18 or older who have experienced military-related betrayal and exhibit problematic anger and aggression.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently participated in anger management or trauma-focused interventions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce anger and aggression in military personnel, improving their mental health and interpersonal relationships.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on this specific approach, similar interventions targeting anger management in military populations have shown promise in previous studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult active duty military service members and veterans aged 18 or older. * Endorses a history of military-related betrayal (on the Modified Moral Injury Questionnaire) * Endorses problematic anger in the past month (as evidenced by a score of 12 or above on the Dimensions of Anger Reactions; DAR-5) * Engaged in at least 1 self-reported act of aggression in the past 1 month (on the Overt Aggression Scale-Modified; OAS-M) Exclusion Criteria: * Participated in an anger management or trauma-focused intervention within the past 3 months as assessed by self-report. * Acute suicidality requiring immediate intervention, such as hospitalization as assessed by the Depressive Symptoms Index-Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) combined with follow up clinical interview for elevated scores. * Is currently homicidal with plans and intent to hurt a specific person and requiring immediate intervention as measured by self-report and follow-up with clinician if screened positive. * Moderate to severe brain injury as measured by inability to comprehend the informed consent document or baseline assessments. * Has severe alcohol consumption patterns as evidenced by a score of 19 or above on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). * Experiencing active psychosis or mania as measured by the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief Version and the Mood Disorders Questionnaire.
Where this trial is running
Fort Cavazos, Texas
- Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC) at Fort Cavazos — Fort Cavazos, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vanessa Jacoby, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Vanessa Jacoby, PhD
- Email: jacobyv@uthscsa.edu
- Phone: (254) 289-3468
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.