Target population: Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Intervention to be evaluated: A self-paced and integrated modular on-line intervention for veterans based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Summary of research design: A self-paced two-group randomized intervention study design will be used with assignment in a 1:1 ratio to Modular Online ACT Intervention or Assessment Only Control. There will be four large online assessments, and a series of brief module-based assessments throughout. The large online assessments will occur pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up periods for participants who fall within the 2-year performance interval (i.e., those enrolled early in the study). Assessments will include well-established and validated measures of distress domains, central process measures linked with psychological health, resiliency, and adjustment, and outcomes addressing quality of life domains. Once the initial assessment is completed, subjects randomized to the online intervention will be directed to the modular online program. Subjects in the assessment only condition will be asked to complete subsequent assessments and will be given reminders via email to do so. The modular online program will be divided into 13 modules spanning approximately 10 weeks.
Inclusion criteria: Veteran between the ages of 18 and 59 with regular access to a computer and the internet who indicate current difficulties readjusting psychologically, emotionally, or behaviorally upon returning home from combat deployment.
Exclusion criteria: Non-military personnel, veterans who did not serve in OEF or OIF, or veterans who report normal adjustment after returning home from combat deployment will be excluded. Veterans who report current suicidal ideation or intent, including homicidal ideation or intent, or who show evidence of psychotic behavior or significant crisis, will not be allowed to participate, but instead, will be directed to several military, civilian, and VA resources for help.
Sample size: Modular Online ACT Intervention (n = 250) or Assessment Only Control (n = 250).
Recruitment strategy: Participants will be recruited nationally via the internet, and through coordination and dissemination of the study via VA Health Care Centers, Vet Centers, and dissemination efforts by project staff. Efforts will be made to reach out to underrepresented groups, particularly individuals from diverse ethnic and minority groups, including women. Additional efforts to draw from target groups of interest to University of South Florida and RESTORE LIVES Center will be made from local veteran groups, Florida National Guard, James A. Haley and Bay Pines VAs, and other targeted groups within the community.
Method(s) of data collection: Internet-based self-reporting at 4 time intervals: pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-up periods for participants who fall within the 2-year performance interval (i.e., those enrolled early in the study). “Validation” checks will be required to verify, to the extent possible, that the participant is indeed a veteran of OIF and/or OEF.
Participant Reimbursement: All participants will be paid for completing each of the four major assessments. The study will also include two $500 lottery prizes for participants who complete all 4 major assessments.