Mission Reconnect: Promoting Resilience and Reintegration of Post-Deployment Veterans and Their Families

There is an urgent and growing need for mental health interventions supporting both short-
and long-term reintegration of veterans of OIF and OEF into their communities and
significant relationships. Innovative approaches are needed to support the well-being of
veterans who may not access or be reached by formal services.

OBJECTIVES. This Phase II project will complete development and evaluation of a
self-directed, home-based intervention to be used by OIF/OEF veterans and their loved ones
to aid in the readjustment process. "Mission Reconnect" is an integrated program of (1)
guided mind/body stress reduction and relaxation practices, (2) contemplative practices to
engender and support appreciation, empathy and forgiveness for oneself and one's loved ones,
and (3) video instruction in use of simple massage techniques with a partner for connection
and stress reduction. Feasibility was established in Phase I with high user satisfaction and
significant impact on measures of stress, depression, PTSD, and self-compassion, as well as
qualitative data. In Phase II We will complete and evaluate the full program in a four-arm
randomized controlled trial.

SPECIFIC AIMS. 1. Revise program content based on Phase I quantitative and qualitative data.
2. Film a diverse group of ten 10 veteran/partner dyads receiving and using revised
material; use video footage for the final program. 3. Produce high quality audio and video
components of the revised program. 4. Produce a multi-modal system for delivery of
instructional components that leverages innovations in web-based and mobile device
technologies to maximize access, utilization, and data collection. 5. Conduct an RCT with
160 dyads of OIF/OEF veterans and their chosen partners. 6. Evaluate impact of intervention
on measures of stress, depression, PTSD symptoms, sleep quality, self-compassion, social
support and relationship satisfaction. 7. Evaluate program utilization and satisfaction,
massage effects, self-efficacy and satisfaction in users of the revised program.

IMPACT ON THE FIELD. Mission Reconnect offers a convenient, low cost resource helping users
develop wellness skills to reduce current and future distress, enhance empathy and improve
quality of life. The intervention can complement formal mental health services, or be used
alone. This is a potential aid to the two million OIF/OEF veterans, their partners and
families, as well as the 20 million living veterans of other eras, whose wounds of war can
last for decades if unaddressed.

INNOVATION. The project leverages the dyadic relationship as a context for reciprocal and
mutual use of complementary therapies for health promotion in both the veteran and partner.
Project technology utilizes state of the art mobile app design, seamless integration across
multiple devices, automated background data collection, and device-specific reminder alerts.

COMMERCIAL APPLICATION. The product will be marketed to family support programs of all
branches of the military, VA system, and the private sector, including non-profit veterans'
associations.

PRODUCT. Mission Reconnect is an integrated multimedia program deliverable over the Internet
and mobile devices, and hard copy (DVD, CD, manual).

Inclusion Criteria:

- Veteran of deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) or Operation Enduring Freedom
(OEF)

- Partner or spouse of the veteran (veteran and partner/spouse must participate
together in the project)

Exclusion Criteria:

- Couples are ineligible who have previously attended a PREP for Strong Bonds program