Perceptions and experiences of web-prolonged exposure for PTSD: A mixed methods study

January 12, 2024

Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 16(1), 143-148.

McLean, C. P., Miller, M. L, Dondanville, K. A., Rauch, S. A. M., Yarvis, J. S., Wright, E. C., Hall-Clark, B. N., Fina, B. A., Litz, B. T., Mintz, J., Young-McCaughan, S., Peterson, A. L., & Foa, E. B., for the STRONG STAR Consortium.

Objective: Web-based prolonged exposure therapy (Web-PE) has potential to increase the reach of effective posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. While there is initial support for the efficacy of Web-PE, no studies have examined the perceptions and experiences of participants receiving PE in this novel, Web based format.

Method: We used a mixed-methods convergent design to examine and integrate quantitative and qualitative data of participant perceptions and experiences of Web-PE. Treatment-seeking active duty military personnel or veterans (N = 29) who received Web-PE completed posttreatment surveys about perceptions of Web-PE and a brief qualitative interview. Thematic coding was used to identify qualitative themes, which were integrated with quantitative data in a joint display.

Results: Although many were initially skeptical of experiencing benefit, participants reported that Web-PE was helpful. They appreciated the flexibility of online therapy and reported that self-motivation was important for engagement. Web-PE therapists were well-regarded, although additional therapist support and technical improvements to the Web-PE program were suggested. Scores on the perceptions of Web-PE survey, PTSD survey, and other quantitative data corroborated the qualitative themes.

Conclusion: Perceptions and experience of Web-PE are favorable and help to highlight the strengths (e.g., flexibility) and challenges (e.g., requiring self-motivation) associated with Web-treatment for PTSD. The results of this study may inform further development of Web-PE or other Web-based treatment programs.

https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001124

https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001124

Cite this manuscript (APA reference)

McLean, C. P., Miller, M. L, Dondanville, K. A., Rauch, S. A. M., Yarvis, J. S., Wright, E. C., Hall-Clark, B. N., Fina, B. A., Litz, B. T., Mintz, J., Young-McCaughan, S., Peterson, A. L., & Foa, E. B., for the STRONG STAR Consortium. (2024). Perceptions and experiences of web-prolonged exposure for PTSD: A mixed methods study. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 16(1), 143-148. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001124
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