Internet interventions for traumatic stress: A review and theoretically based example

Abstract

Trauma recovery Web sites are proliferating with limited supportive evidence for effectiveness. In this article, the authors review the current very early studies on trauma recovery Web sites highlighting the different approaches, the empirical support provided, and the critical development issues facing this exciting frontier. An example site based on social cognitive theory is also reviewed.

The Science of Internet Interventions

“…Some of these reviews are now older, highlighting early, but important findings in the field [2]; some are systematic and fairly detailed [3]; and some are large scale, comprehensive reviews [1,4]. There are many reviews focused on specific areas, such as pediatrics [5]; physical activity [6]; obesity [7]; alcohol and tobacco use [8,9]; cardiac disease [10]; depression and anxiety [11]; and traumatic stress [12]. There are also a surprising number of published meta-analyses for such a young field [13][14][15].…”

Academic/State/Federal Collaborations and the Improvement of Practices in Disaster Mental Health Services and Evaluation

“…The high demand for services in many disasters coupled with limited availability of trained mental health counselors means that group-based and classroom interventions must be actively developed and that innovative delivery systems will need to be explored. Chief among these will be Internet-based self-management, counselor-facilitated, and survivor mutual aid services; work is ongoing to develop and test such interventions (Benight et al 2008).…”

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Assessment and Treatment

“…Smaller studies have examined its use with 9/11 survivors (Difede et al, 2007). Second, Internet-based interventions for PTSD using a variety of modalities (e.g., CBT, exposure-based, and/or relaxation) have shown considerable efficacy (e.g., Klein et al, 2009;Lange et al, 2003;Knaevelsrud & Maercker, 2007;Litz, Engel, Bryant, & Papa, 2007;Ruwaard, Lange, Schrieken, Dolan, & Emmelkamp, 2012; for a full review, see Benight, Ruzek, & Waldrep, 2008). Third, there have been increased efforts to enhance access to PTSD treatment through the use of real-time video/audio interactions for the assessment and treatment of PTSD (e.g., Gros, Yoder, Tuerk, Lozano, & Acierno, 2011;Porcari et al, 2009).…”