Researchers Compare Reintegration Stress Therapies
VA Research News Briefs

Photo: ©iStock/shironosov
(04/02/2025)
VA researchers from the San Diego VA tested two types of therapy to determine which was more effective at treating reintegration stress in combat Veterans. Trauma Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy (TrIGR) consists of six sessions that focuses on trauma-related guilt. Supportive Care Therapy (SCT) is a nondirective therapy in which patients determine session content. The study randomly assigned 145 Iraq or Afghanistan war Veterans who reported trauma-related guilt to either TrIGR or SCT. Both treatments showed effectiveness, but the effectiveness of TrIGR continued to increase over six months. More than 40% of Veterans report symptoms of reintegration stress after returning from military service and deployments, such as difficulties with relationships; low productivity at work, school, or home; little to no community participation; or feeling like they don’t belong. The study also noted that reducing reintegration stress decreased PTSD symptoms and depression as well. (Military Psychology, Mar. 26, 2025)