Evaluation of Web-Based CBT for Rape Victims

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: PTSD
• Interventions: Behavioral: Online intervention; Behavioral: Psycho-educational website

• Registration Number: NCT02777294
• Lead Sponsor: East Carolina University

Brief Summary

Rape is unfortunately a common experience among women, affecting between 13 and 20%. In addition, up to 50% of all rape victims experience significant and persistent psychological distress. While cognitive-behavioral interventions have been found to be successful at alleviating distress among victims; the majority do not seek out these services, often because of feelings of stigma and self-blame. One potential method for circumventing these barriers is through online administered treatment. Thus, the current project is designed to conduct an initial evaluation of a 12 to 16-week, therapist-facilitated, multi-media, cognitive-behavioral, online intervention tailored specifically for rape victims. The effectiveness of this program at ameliorating distress among college women who have experienced rape and have current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was evaluated. Reductions in psychological distress was the primary outcome and was assessed at post-intervention and at three and six month follow-up periods. The effectiveness of the intervention was compared to a psycho-educational website.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2012-05
• Primary Completion: 2014-05
• Study Completion: 2014-08
• Status Verified: 2016-05
• Study First Submitted: 2016-05-16
• Study First Submitted QC: 2016-05-17
• Last Update Submitted: 2016-05-17
• Study First Posted: 2016-05-19
• Last Update Posted: 2016-05-19

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 87

Inclusion Criteria

• Current rape-related PTSD
• Regular access to a computer
• English language literacy
• Experience of completed rape at age 14 years or older

Exclusion Criteria

• No current PTSD
• Current psychotherapy
• Lack of stability on psychotropic medication (< 3 months)
• Lack of literacy in English
• Current substance dependence
• Current elevated suicidality
• Severe acute distress
• No experience of completed rape after age 14

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Online intervention	Online intervention	Therapist-facilitated, cognitive behavioral therapy
Psycho-educational website	Psycho-educational website	Self-help, psycho-educational website

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in PTSD symptoms (PTSD Symptom Scale Interview)	Change in PTSD symptoms from baseline to 3 months post intervention