Boosting trauma resilience: The power of electronic mental health support - a randomized trial

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, such as death, serious injury, or threats to oneself or others. Affecting 5–10 % of the population, PTSD is often underreported due to the reluctance of individuals to disclose personal traumatic experiences. This study explore the effectiveness of a digital (electronic mental health and psychosocial support) and psychologist-led intervention in mitigating PTSD symptoms.

A randomized control trial was conducted, comparing the effects of human and digital intervention (conditions 1 and 2), and no intervention (control group) on PTSD symptoms induced by a traumatic film excerpt. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions. Emotional responses were measured using various scales, and flashbacks were recorded over a week following the intervention.

Results demonstrated that both human and digital interventions significantly reduced negative emotions and flashbacks compared to the control group. The psychologist-led intervention was the most effective, followed by the digital intervention. This study highlights the potential of digital intervention to provide accessible, anonymous, and effective support for trauma victims, suggesting a promising avenue for future mental health interventions.