The role of cognitive processing therapy in improving psychosocial functioning, health, and quality of life in veterans with military sexual trauma-related posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Although research has identified evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for military sexual trauma (MST)-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), few studies have examined the effect of such treatments on psychosocial functioning, health or quality of life in individuals with MST-related PTSD. Male and female veterans (N = 45) with MST-related PTSD took part in a randomized clinical trial that included either 12 weeks of an evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment (cognitive processing therapy; [CPT]) or a standard control condition (present centered therapy) and 6 months of follow-up. To assess quality of life and psychosocial functioning, each participant was administered the Quality of Life Inventory and the Short Form (36) Health Survey. Using a hierarchical linear modeling approach, results demonstrated that participants treated with CPT reported significantly higher physical functioning over time than did participants treated with PCT. Implications are discussed with regard to the role of psychotherapy in improving a patient's psychosocial and health functioning.