There is no conflict of interest.
Highlights
- The study's objective was to examine the impact of supervisor support training (SST) on military veteran employee’s health outcomes.
- This study was a randomized controlled trial that assigned organizations to the SST treatment group or the control group. The data sources included surveys and daily diaries. The authors used statistical models to compare the outcomes of treatment and control group member 6 months after baseline.
- The study found that SST participation was significantly associated with increased positive emotions.
- This study receives a moderate evidence rating. This means we are somewhat confident that the estimated effects are attributable to Supervisor Support Training (SST), but other factors might also have contributed.
Intervention Examined
Features of the Intervention
The Supervisor Support Training (SST) was designed to help supervisors at civilian workplaces support military veteran employees. SST provided a one-hour computer-based training session for supervisors. This session covered ways supervisors can show they care, help employees manage their time, model how to handle personal challenges, and support work-life balance. SST included an activity for supervisors to set and monitor goals for practicing these supportive behaviors. SST also offered extra modules and chances for online discussions about the program, information on the physical and mental health effects of military service, and tips for recognizing mental health warning signs and reducing stigma.
Features of the Study
The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted at 35 organizations in Southwest Washington and Oregon. Sixteen organizations were randomly assigned to the treatment group and 19 organizations were randomly assigned to the control group. Supervisors in the treatment group were invited to participate in SST and supervisors in the control group were invited to participate in SST after the study ended. Study participants were employees who were military veterans and worked at least 20 hours a week for one of the organizations. Of the 144 eligible participants, 72 were assigned to the treatment group and 72 were assigned to the control group. The sample was mostly men (91%), identified as White (86%), with an average age of 38.4, and almost half had a college degree (47%).
Data were collected through surveys and daily diaries (each day for 32 calendar days) completed at baseline and 6 months after baseline. The study assessed the frequency of negative emotions (sad, angry, lonely, ashamed, and guilty) and positive emotions (happy, active, quiet, and relaxed). Participants rated how much they felt each emotion at that moment on a scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely). The authors used statistical models to compare emotion scores between the treatment and control groups 6 months after baseline.
Findings
Health and safety
- The study found that the treatment group had significantly higher scores than the control group on the positive emotions related to feeling relaxed and quiet.
- The study found no significant differences between the groups in terms of overall positive emotions, individual positive emotions of happy or active, overall negative emotions, or any individual negative emotions.
Considerations for Interpreting the Findings
Although the study design was a randomized controlled trial, it had high attrition. The sample included 144 participants at baseline and 92 participants at the 6 month follow-up. However, study authors accounted for differences between the groups before program participation. Therefore, the study receives a moderate causal evidence rating.
Causal Evidence Rating
Additional Sources
Research Guidelines
Review Protocol: Living Systematic Annual Search and Review Protocol
Review Guidelines: Causal Evidence Guidelines