Using an Avatar-Based Simulation to Train Families to Motivate Veterans with Post-Deployment Stress to Seek Help at the VA

Objective: This study examines the effectiveness of "Family of Heroes,'' an online avatar-based post-deployment stress and resiliency training simulation, in increasing families' engagement in motivating their veterans who exhibit signs of post-deployment stress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, and suicide ideation, to seek help at the Veterans Administration (VA). Materials and Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 50) that completed the online training and pre- and post-intervention and 1-month follow-up surveys or a control group (n = 44) who only completed a pre-test and a 1-month follow-up survey. Results: The experimental group exhibited significantly greater changes in its preparedness and likelihood to recognize signs of post-deployment stress and in approaching their veteran to discuss their concern and motivate them to seek help at the VA. This group also reported significant change in actual behavior in terms of discussing their concern with their veteran (79 percent approached to discuss vs. 56 percent for the control group). Finally, seven (22 percent) of the veterans who were approached by the experimental group started to receive mental health treatment (five at the VA). All seven were previously diagnosed with PTSD and/or depression but never before started treatment at the VA. Conclusion: Results strongly suggest that "Family of Heroes'' is an effective tool to engage families in taking an active role in motivating their veterans who exhibit signs of post-deployment stress to seek help at the VA. Results also suggest that the training can increase the actual number of veterans experiencing post-deployment stress who begin to receive treatment at the VA.