Research Question
Is prolonged exposure therapy more effective than acceptance commitment therapy in reducing PTSD symptoms of women in the military that experienced combat?
Variables
The variables identified in the study vary from dependent variables, independent variables and demographic variables. The dependent variables include: Role played by therapy in reducing PTSD, The effect of therapy on PTSD, Effect of PTSD on women in military, and the effect of the length of the therapy session on PTSD. The independent variable includes: Type of therapy, exposure on PTSD. The demographic variable includes: Effect of PTSD on women as compared to men.
Effects of Therapy on PTSD
In a bid to gain information from this variable, a case study will be used as a means of evaluation and measurement. A case study will examine a similar situation that happened in the past involving the same elements presented in the current situation (Kartha et al, 2008). The case study will require the researcher to hold interview sessions with the victims of a similar experience in the past, or who are currently undergoing the therapy sessions. A case study is reliable tool of measurement because it allows for the examination of a replica situation to address the research questions that have been presented. In terms of reliability, it is reliable because all the information is collected first-hand and can be used to conduct the analysis section of the study (Smith et al, 2009). However, the type of experiment may not be so viable. Its viability is dependent on the level of professionalism practiced while conducting the case study. The case selected to be studied also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the results obtained from the study are viable for future reference. If the study is done in a professional manner, the results obtained from the exercise can be used for future reference by other parties seeking to further the study in the field (Pittman et al, 2012).
Effect of the length of the therapy session on PTSD
An experiment can be conducted to determine the results obtained from a variable. This variable will assess whether the length of therapy sessions has a role to play in the reduction of PTSD. A random group of women suffering from PTSD will be selected to engage in the experiment. This experiment is reliable because it provided real-time information regarding the variable to be measured. In addition, the information provided by the experiment is credible and has backing (Sirgy, Lee & Yu, 2011). In addition, the experimental method is highly viable because the results obtained are accurate. This high level of accuracy makes it possible to use the results in further studies. Furthermore, the results were obtain from real replica situations and the information was collected first-hand. This increases the level of viability of the variable measurement (Reed, Fazel & Goldring, 2012). Further studies conducted in the field can refer to these results because they are current and viable. This increases the level of accuracy involved in the experiment and the studies as well.
References
Kartha, A., Brower, V., Saitz, R., Samet, J. H., Keane, T. M., & Liebschutz, J.. (2008). The Impact of Trauma Exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Healthcare Utilization among Primary Care Patients. Medical Care,46(4), 388–393. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Press.
Pittman, J. O. E., Goldsmith, A. A., Lemmer, J. A., Kilmer, M. T., & Baker, D. G.. (2012). Post-
traumatic stress disorder, depression, and health-related quality of life in OEF/OIF veterans. Quality of Life Research, 21(1), 99–103. Springer Press.
Reed, R. V., Fazel, M., & Goldring, L.. (2012). Easily Missed? Post-traumatic stress
disorder. BMJ: British Medical Journal, 345(7870), 44–45. BMJ Press.
Sirgy, M. J., Lee, D.-J., & Yu, G. B.. (2011). Consumer Sovereignty in Healthcare: Fact or
Fiction?. Journal of Business Ethics, 101(3), 459–474. Springer Press.
Smith, T. C., Wingard, D. L., Ryan, M. A. K., Kritz-Silverstein, D., Slymen, D. J., & Sallis, J. F..
(2009). PTSD Prevalence, Associated Exposures, and Functional Health Outcomes in a Large, Population-Based Military Cohort.Public Health Reports (1974-), 124(1), 90–102. Association of Schools of Public Health Press.
