As a practitioner dedicated to enhancing children's outcomes through data-driven decisions, understanding the latest research on internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) can significantly improve your practice. A recent study titled "Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postsecondary Students: Randomized Factorial Trial for Examining Motivational Interviewing and Booster Lessons" provides valuable insights into optimizing ICBT for better engagement and outcomes.
Key Findings from the Study
The study investigated the effects of incorporating motivational interviewing (MI) exercises before treatment and offering a self-guided booster lesson one month after treatment. The primary outcomes measured were changes in depression, anxiety, and perceived academic functioning among postsecondary students.
- MI Exercises: The study found that MI exercises before treatment resulted in temporary improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms. However, these benefits were not sustained at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Notably, MI did not significantly impact treatment completion rates.
- Booster Lessons: The booster lessons showed limited effectiveness due to low uptake. Only 30.9% of students accessed the booster. However, those who did reported larger decreases in depressive symptoms at the 3-month follow-up.
Implications for Practitioners
Based on these findings, practitioners can consider the following strategies to enhance the effectiveness of ICBT:
- Timing of MI Exercises: Rather than offering MI exercises solely before treatment, consider integrating them throughout the ICBT course. This approach can help maintain client motivation and engagement.
- Enhancing Booster Lesson Uptake: To increase the uptake of booster lessons, provide therapist support and extend the duration for accessing the booster. This can help clients reinforce the skills learned during the initial treatment phase.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to optimize the use of MI and booster lessons in ICBT. Future studies could explore different timings for MI exercises and evaluate the long-term impact of booster lessons with therapist support.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postsecondary Students: Randomized Factorial Trial for Examining Motivational Interviewing and Booster Lessons
