Experiences of veterans and partners engaged in Treatment for Relationships & Safety Together (TR&ST): A multi-method examination of a couple-based suicide intervention

Experiences of veterans and partners engaged in Treatment for Relationships & Safety Together (TR&ST): A multi-method examination of a couple-based suicide intervention | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 25 April 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Experiences of veterans and partners engaged in Treatment for Relationships & Safety Together (TR&ST): A multi-method examination of a couple-based suicide intervention Authors : Chandra Khalifian , Katerine Rashkovsky 0000-0003-3686-6298 [email protected] , Feea Leifker , Lauren M. Grubbs , Sumire R. Lundell , Leslie Morland , Shirley Glynn , Samantha Hurst , and Colin Depp Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174558796.69196357/v1 280 views 144 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Objectives: Relationship distress is a significant predictor of suicide and Veterans are at increased risk for both suicide and relationship distress. Veteran couples experience increased exposure to traumatic events, deployment cycles, and more; however, there are limited treatment options targeting both relationship functioning and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Treatment for Relationships & Safety Together (TR&ST), an 11-session couple-based suicide prevention, aims to address this gap in care. Methods: This paper describes the qualitative experiences and quantitative data from 12 veterans and their intimate partners ( N = 24 participants) in a clinical pilot trial with veterans screening Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) > 2 in the past month (active suicidal ideation) or a suicide attempt in the past 3 months. Each couple completed baseline, mid, post, and 3-month follow-up assessments. Post-treatment assessment qualitative interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using the qualitative DelveTool software. Quantitative data were analyzed in SPSS. Results: In respect to outcomes, Veterans experienced reduction in suicidal thoughts consistent with a moderate effect size Cohen’s d (-.42). Couples reported small to moderate improvement in relationship satisfaction (.30 and .62). In qualitative interviews, couples reported using skills gained in treatment and shared the benefits and challenges of engaging in a couple-based suicide intervention together. Post-treatment qualitative data indicated: 1) more understanding/openness, 2) more support, and 3) improved communication patterns. Challenges to engaging in treatment and using skills outside of the session for both veterans and partners were fear of: 1) judgement, 2) causing more emotional pain, and 3) making suicidal thoughts worse. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that TR&ST is a promising treatment option for suicide prevention in Veterans. Supplementary Material File (2. multi-method masked manuscript.docx) Download 136.29 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 25 April 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keywords interpersonal relationships psychotherapy suicide veterans Authors Affiliations Chandra Khalifian University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry View all articles by this author Katerine Rashkovsky 0000-0003-3686-6298 [email protected] VA San Diego Healthcare System View all articles by this author Feea Leifker The University of Utah Department of Psychology View all articles by this author Lauren M. Grubbs Nova Southeastern University Dr Kiran C Patel College of Allopathic Medicine View all articles by this author Sumire R. Lundell VA San Diego Healthcare System View all articles by this author Leslie Morland University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry View all articles by this author Shirley Glynn VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System View all articles by this author Samantha Hurst University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry View all articles by this author Colin Depp University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 280 views 144 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Chandra Khalifian, Katerine Rashkovsky, Feea Leifker, et al. Experiences of veterans and partners engaged in Treatment for Relationships & Safety Together (TR&ST): A multi-method examination of a couple-based suicide intervention. Authorea . 25 April 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.174558796.69196357/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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