A Novel, Single-Session Intervention for Sexual Assault-Related Psychopathology
Case Western Reserve University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test a brief, new psychotherapy (called Positive Processes and Transition to Health - Single Session, or PATH-SS) that aims to provide relief for people who are suffering after experiencing a sexual assault. This research will explore whether this new psychotherapy reduces sexual assault related distress, including posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does PATH-SS leads to improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms (pre- to post- and 1-month follow-up)? Do participants perceive PATH-SS to be acceptable, helpful, and do they complete/adhere to treatment? Participants will complete a pre-treatment/baseline assessment to confirm eligibility, and those who are eligible will receive the single-session intervention and will complete a post-treatment and a 1-month follow-up assessment of stressor-related symptoms.
Description
This study will be an open trial to determine if PATH-SS reduces stressor-related symptoms of PTSD and/or depression after sexual assault in a sample of 45 adults who have experienced a sexual assault. Potential participants will first undergo a pre-screening to assess for likelihood of eligibility. Participants who may be eligible will proceed to the pre-treatment/baseline assessment; those excluded will be given referrals. After informed consent is obtained, participants will complete the pre-treatment/baseline assessment to confirm eligibility. The assessing clinician will consult with the…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age range: from 18 to 65. 2. Has experienced unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault with a minimum of 12 weeks since the event and a maximum of 5 years since the event. 3. Residence in the state of Ohio. 4. Elevated symptoms on either the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5) or the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR), at least moderate: 18 on PDS-5 (Foa et al., 2016) and/or 11 on QIDS (moderate depression severity; Rush et al., 2003), with symptoms persisting for 1 month or longer. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, delu…
Interventions
- BehavioralPATH-SS
This single-session intervention includes the following components: * Providing the PATH-SS rationale. * A review of life events (PATH of life: negative and positive). * A verbal narrative of the sexual assault (revisiting and processing as is done in imaginal exposure) * Reminiscence and processing of a major positive life event, and real-life practice to enact what was taught. In positive reminiscence, clients vividly remember the positive event providing details and focus on positive emotions. The therapist will encourage savoring of the experience and encourage facial expression of the positive emotions, so that clients do not dampen, avoid, or minimize the experience. This is particularly relevant with depression. * Summary of content, integration and consolidation of learning, application of new learning and resilience in real life as next steps.
Location
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, Ohio