An Internet-based self-change program for traumatic event related fear, distress, and maladaptive coping.
This study compared the efficacy of an Internet-based, 8-week self-help program for traumatic event-related consequences (SHTC) (n = 13) to a wait-list (WL) condition (n = 14). The SHTC consisted of cognitive-behavioral modules that progressed from the least anxiety-provoking component (i.e., information) to the most anxiety-provoking (i.e., exposure). Participants were those who had experienced a traumatic event and had been experiencing subclinical levels of symptoms associated with the event. Participants mastered the material in each module before proceeding to the next module. Pre- and post-treatment assessments revealed that SHTC participants decreased avoidance behavior, frequency of intrusive symptoms, state anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and increased coping skills and coping self-efficacy significantly more than WL participants. SHTC participants demonstrated more clinically significant improvement than WL individuals.
Hirai
Michiyo
M
Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, USA. hiraim@wsu.edu
Clum
George A
GA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted