A Systematic Review on Attachment-based Interventions for Veterans and Their Partners

Abstract
This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of attachment-based interventions in improving relationship quality and emotion regulation among veterans and their partners. This population faces unique psychological stressors, including trauma-related disorders with up to an 80% prevalence rate of complex trauma, which can significantly increase relationship distress and emotion regulation difficulties (Grinsill, et al., 2024; Karatzias et al., 2019).

Specifically, the review considers how complex trauma, often accompanied by dissociation, complicates emotional regulation and relationship dynamics, making tailored interventions crucial for these couples (Blow et al., 2015; Murphy et al., 2021). Outcomes for complex trauma and specifically veteran populations indicate a significantly heightened mental, relational, and physical health risks including depression, divorce, IPV, comorbidities, and suicide (Grinsill, et al., 2024; Karatzias et al., 2019 ;Murphy et al., 2021). Increasing empirical literature recognizes the interplay between complex trauma, dissociation, and attachment can inform more effective therapeutic approaches, addressing the deep-seated challenges that veterans and their partners face in their relationships (Blow et al., 2015; Ganz et al., 2022; Wen et al., 2020).

A rigorous search of academic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, and EBSCO, was conducted to identify studies that implemented attachment-based therapeutic approaches with veterans involved in romantic relationships. The inclusion criteria were restricted to peer-reviewed studies that measured outcomes in relationship satisfaction and emotion regulation. Using established methodologies for systematic reviews, this study evaluated the methodological quality of the studies and analyzed their findings through systematic review. This analysis examined the current data on attachment-based interventions and how they can support veteran couples, highlights the current gaps in the literature, and suggests areas for further investigation. The synthesis of these findings underscores the importance of integrating trauma-informed care with attachment theory in therapeutic settings, aiming to foster resilience and emotional stability within veteran couples. The results indicate implications for clinical practice and future research aimed at enhancing therapeutic strategies for this vulnerable population.





Keywords: Systematic Review, Attachment-Based Interventions, Veterans, Relationship Quality, Emotional Regulation