Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA) for Veterans with PTSD
This study is testing a new behavioral therapy called Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA) for Veterans who have served since 9/11 and are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and aggression. MERA teaches you how emotions work and how to manage them, especially considering combat and civilian life differences. It's being compared to Present Centered Psychotherapy (PCT), which helps with current difficulties but doesn't specifically train emotion regulation skills. The goal is to see if MERA can reduce aggressive acts and prepare Veterans for PTSD treatment. We're looking for up to 204 Veterans, aged 18 to 64, who meet specific criteria for PTSD and have recently engaged in aggressive acts.
- Study design
- This interventional study plans to enroll 204 participants. It compares two behavioral therapies: Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA) and Present Centered Psychotherapy (PCT).
- What's involved
- The primary endpoint is measured at the end of an 11-week period, from Session 1 to post-treatment assessment. MERA involves 3 sessions.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- The primary outcome is measured at the end of the 11-week treatment period.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Manage Emotions to Reduce Aggression (MERA)
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
2 sites across 2 statesStudy leadership
- Shannon R. Miles, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL
Who to contact
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What this trial measures
- Change in Overt Aggression Scale (OAS)Treatment group differences in change from Session 1 to posttreatment assessment (duration of 11 weeks).
Overt Aggression Scale is a 17-item self-report measure that assesses frequency of verbal and physical aggression against self, other, and objects and while driving over the past week. Veterans' self-reported aggressive acts will be summed to create an OAA total score. Minimum score = 0; there is no maximum score as Veterans can report as many episodes of aggression as they engage in.