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Kehle-Forbes SM, Baier AL, Ackland PE, Spoont M, Polusny MA, Schnurr PP, Galovski T, Meis L. "It made me feel more alive": A qualitative analysis of quality of life improvements following completion of trauma-focused therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of traumatic stress. 2024 Aug 2.
Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poor quality of life. Although randomized clinical trial data show improvements in quality of life following trauma-focused therapies (TFTs), including prolonged exposure therapy (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT), less is known about how these improvements are experienced from the trauma survivor's perspective. A national sample of 60 veterans who recently completed TFT as part of routine care at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities participated in semistructured qualitative interviews during which the impact of treatment on quality of life was explored. Following a mixed deductive/inductive approach, six interrelated themes describing changes in quality of life emerged: full participation in social activities, greater emotional intimacy in relationships, improvements in parenting, expanded engagement in hobbies and community, increased occupational commitment and confidence, and more joy in life. The data highlight the positive impact of treatment on quality of life and provide depth to quantitative findings demonstrating improvements in quality of life following TFT.
