6 TPC Digest he global spotlight on violence against women, particularly sexual assault and harassment, has garnered substantial attention in recent years. The World Health Organization has found sexual violence to be a significant public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights. For example, military sexual trauma (MST) is prevalent among female service members and can hinder the development of meaningful relationships. Military culture presents challenges in seeking mental health treatment, especially for female veterans facing barriers to seeking care. MST survivors face heightened risks of psychological, social, physical, and employment-related difficulties. They commonly experience issues such as declining sexual functioning, social support challenges, maladaptive coping mechanisms, PTSD symptoms, and reduced relationship satisfaction. Positive psychology interventions and mindfulness practices have emerged as promising interventions for trauma survivors. The Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice (MBSP) program, which combines mindfulness and character strengths practices, has been shown to positively affect well-being and relationship satisfaction. Seligman’s theory of well-being and PERMA model incorporate the hedonic and eudaimonic perspectives of well-being and pose that these two components are necessary for optimal well-being. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the MBSP program on relationship satisfaction, mindfulness, and overall well-being among female survivors of MST. The research questions that guided the study were: 1) Is there a positive relationship between the use of the MBSP program and relationship satisfaction in females who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) as measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale? 2) Will the MBSP program improve dispositional (trait) mindfulness as measured by the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale in female survivors of MST? 3) What is the effect of the MBSP program on overall well-being in female survivors of MST as measured by the PERMA-Profiler? The study employed a quantitative quasi-experimental design with 24 female participants—the MBSP program, consisting of eight sessions, aimed to enhance participants’ strengths and well-being. Data collection took place from May 2022 to August 2022, and the results revealed positive changes in mindfulness and engagement in the program while showing a significant positive correlation between relationship satisfaction and mindfulness, and well-being and relationship satisfaction; as one increased, so did the other. Counselors and counselor educators may benefit from learning alternative and non-pathological wellness modalities such as positive psychology and mindfulness-based practices in counseling programs to address trauma survivor symptoms. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) should explore standards to include these alternative modalities. The lack of CACREP guidance on crisis, trauma, and disaster counseling has necessitated creative pedagogical approaches in presenting realistic clinical challenges to counselors-in-training in a supportive and safe learning environment. Teaching wellness modalities could help counselors and counselor educators develop innovative wellness tools and support for clients seeking non-pathology–based treatment for trauma, such as the MBSP program. Crystal M. Morris, PhD, NCC, CSC, LPC-S, is an assistant professor at St. Mary’s University. Priscilla Rose Prasath, PhD, MBA, LPC, GCSC, is an associate professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio. Correspondence may be addressed to Crystal M. Morris, St. Mary’s University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228, cmorris4@stmarytx.edu. Data collected and content shared in this article were part of a dissertation study, which was awarded the 2023 Dissertation Excellence Award in Quantitative Research by The Professional Counselor and the National Board for Certified Counselors. Crystal M. Morris, Priscilla Rose Prasath Silent No More: Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice on Relationship Satisfaction, Mindfulness, and Well-Being in Female Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma T 6 TPC Digest
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