Treatment of Chronic Anger and Aggression Following Military-Related Betrayal

BEHAVIORAL

Countering Chronic Anger and Aggression Related to Trauma and Transgressions (CART)

Countering Chronic Anger and Aggression Related to Trauma and Transgressions (CART), a novel intervention for reducing chronic anger and aggression and improving interpersonal relationships, in military personnel who have experienced military-related betrayal delivered in 14 treatment modules twice a week.

Successful recruitment

Time frame: Study start to last subject enrolled, approximately 1 year

Number of eligible referrals that are recruited, enrolled into the study and randomized to treatment

Client satisfaction survey (CSQ-8)

Time frame: 1 month after study end ( at approximately 11-18 weeks)

The survey will assess participant acceptability using the CSQ-8, an 8-item self-report measure designed to assess client satisfaction. Each question is answered on a 4-point scale with a possible range of scores between 8-32. A higher score indicates a higher level of overall satisfaction. Mean scores will be used to determine participant satisfaction.

Overt Aggression Scale-Modified (OAS-M)

Time frame: Baseline to 1 month post treatment (approximately 11-18 weeks)

A 17-item measure that assesses frequency of different aggression acts in outpatient settings, including verbal and physical aggression against self, other, and objects. The OAS-M is scored by summing the instances of aggression since the last assessment. The OAS-M had been administered as an interview as well as self-report and will be administered as a self-report in this study, consistent with past aggression research with veterans (Miles, Kent et al., 2020). The score is calculated using a sum total of all instances of aggression. Higher scores indicate a greater frequency of aggressive behaviors.

Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Short Version (IIP-32)

Time frame: Baseline to 1 month post treatment (approximately 11-18 weeks)

A 32-item self-report assessment designed to measure interpersonal functioning. Items are scored on a five-point scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely) in response to the stem: "How much have you been distressed by this problem?" There are 8 factors and a total score. The 8 factors are: hard to be assertive, hard to be sociable, hard to be supportive, too dependent, too caring, too aggressive, hard to be involved and too open. The possible total score ranges from a T-score are 0-100. T-scores that are higher than 60 are above average and T-scores 70 or higher suggest significant interpersonal difficulty.

State Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2)

Time frame: Baseline to 1 month post treatment (approximately 11-18 weeks)

A 57-item inventory which measures the frequency and intensity of anger as an emotional state. There are 6 scales, 5 subscales, and an Anger Expression Index (total anger expression). The State Anger scale (15 items) measures anger intensity as a momentary emotional state, while the Trait Anger scale (10 items) measures the disposition to experience angry feelings as a personality-like trait over lengthy time periods (i.e., the individual's disposition to become angry or angry temperament). The Anger Expression scale (16 items) and the Anger Control scale (16 items) measure four anger-related trait dimensions. Ratings of items are on a 4-point response scales that measure state anger (intensity) as well as trait anger (frequency). The possible total range is a T-score from 0 to 100. Individuals with anger scores higher than the 75-percentile experience and/ or express angry feelings to a degree that may interfere with optimal functioning.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.