A pilot randomized controlled trial compared compassion meditation (CM) to a relaxation-based program (Veteran.calm) for veterans with PTSD. Both interventions involved ten weekly 90-minute group sessions. Twenty-eight veterans who attended at least one session completed pre- and posttreatment measures. PTSD symptoms reduced more substantially in the CM group than in the comparison group, with a between-group effect size of -0.85. Credibility, attendance, and satisfaction were similar across conditions, demonstrating the feasibility of CM and the appropriateness of the comparison condition. These initial findings support further research on CM for veterans with PTSD.
A preliminary feasibility study of Compassion Meditation (CM) for distressed older US military veterans found that most participants initiated the program, but only about half completed it, with dropouts often citing difficulties engaging via telehealth. Of 25 enrolled veterans aged 55 and older with anxiety or depressive symptoms, 88% attended at least one session, and 52% completed the intervention (six or more sessions). Completers attended an average of 9.46 sessions. The transition from in-person to telehealth due to COVID-19 may have contributed to attrition. Older veterans appear open to meditation-based practices when they are easy to access.