A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Moral Elevation Intervention for Veterans With PTSD
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for PTSD, there are many challenges to successful trauma recovery for Veterans including difficulties starting and completing these treatments and gaps in fully addressing additional important treatment targets including lower social functioning and quality of life. Alternative, stand-alone treatment options that address a range of outcomes and can be easily accessed are needed to expand the reach of PTSD treatment to Veterans. One way to address this need is with a positive psychology intervention called MOVED, which has shown promise in a prior pilot study. MOVED is a web-based, self-guided intervention (8 sessions, 4 weeks) that uses moral elevation-feeling inspired by others' virtuous actions. This clinical trial will test if MOVED leads to decreased PTSD symptoms and increased social functioning and quality of life compared to a generic supportive treatment that does not focus on moral elevation. Results will help determine if MOVED is a useful alternative approach to target trauma recovery among Veterans with PTSD.
Description
Poor treatment engagement and retention with evidence-based practices (EBPs) are significant problems for Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, Veterans with PTSD also face significant issues with impaired social functioning and diminished quality of life; however, research suggests EBPs may not full address these other important treatment targets despite their ability to reduce PTSD symptoms. These limitations showcase how difficult it is to successfully treat PTSD and highlight the need for novel, stand-alone approaches as alternatives to current treatments that c…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in a VISN 17 health care system * English-speaking and able to provide written informed consent * Willingness to complete study procedures and be randomized * Internet access and an electronic device to complete the web-based sessions * Current diagnosis of PTSD based on the CAPS-5 * History of PTSD diagnosis for at least 1 year Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe traumatic brain injury indicated by medical record review and the Ohio State Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID) * Current psychosis or mania as indicated by medical record…
Interventions
- BehavioralMOVED
MOVED includes 8 self-guided, web-based sessions administered over 4 weeks. Web-based sessions include 3 core components: (1) elicit moral elevation, (2) engage in reflection about moral elevation response, and (3) set a behavioral goal that is inspired by the moral elevation exercise.
- OtherSupportive Care Control
A present-centered, nondirective intervention that aims to control for the nonspecific therapeutic effects of supportive care. In this case, the effects of engaging in regular web-based sessions that convey information about PTSD symptoms. Sessions will include psychoeducation materials about PTSD symptoms, functioning, and resources for dealing with related stressors. Key components of MOVED will be strictly excluded.
Location
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TXTemple, Texas