The purpose of the study is to investigate if internet delivered affect-focused psychodynamic therapy (IPDT) leads to lowered levels of trait neuroticism compared to a wait-list control condition. The target group is adults (18+) who experience mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. The IPDT treatment consists of 8 modules that the participants will work with for 9 weeks, with therapist support. Participants will be recruited in Sweden with nationwide recruitment.
This study is a randomized controlled trial with the aim to investigate if IPDT leads to lowered levels of trait neuroticism. Participants will either be randomized to the treatment which is based on Affect Phobia Therapy or to a wait-list control. Participants will have weekly contact with a therapist who will provide feedback and support. Primary outcome measure is trait neuroticism (measured on the 24-Item Neuroticism scale of the IPIP-NEO-120). Secondary outcome measures will include measures of anxiety, depression, quality of life, emotion regulation, and defense mechanism adaptiveness. Emotion regulation and short measure of anxiety and depressive symptoms will be collected weekly throughout the treatment period. Pre-treatment measurement, post-treatment measurement, weekly measure, and one-year follow up is planned to be collected through an online survey.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
108
The intervention is 9 week long with weekly modules that the participants work with while receiving weekly support from an assigned therapist.
Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning
Linköping, Östergörland, Sweden
Neuroticism scale of the Maples et al (2014) IPIP NEO PI 120 Item representation
Measure of trait neuroticism. Consists of 24 items. Each item is scored from 0-4 with a total range of 0-96. A higher score reflects a higher level of trait neuroticism.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks and follow-up at 12 months after treatment termination.
Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised - Shortform (EPQR-S)
12-item measure of trait neuroticism. Each item is score yes or no. Range 0-12 with a higher score indicating higher levels of neuroticism.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks and follow-up at 12 months after treatment termination.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Measure depressive symptoms. Consist of nine items, scored from 0-3. A higher score indicates more depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks and follow-up at 12 months after treatment termination.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7
Measures symptoms of anxiety. 7 items scored from 0-3, with a higher score indicating more anxiety symptoms.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks and follow-up at 12 months after treatment termination.
Brunnsviken Brief Quality of life scale
Measures quality of life. 12 items scored from 0-4. A higher score indicates higher quality of life.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks and follow-up at 12 months after treatment termination.
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16
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Measure of emotion regulation. Consists of 16 items scored from 1-5. A higher score indicates less adaptive emotion regulation.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks and follow-up at 12 months after treatment termination. Will be measured on a weekly basis during the 9 weeks of the intervention period.
Defense Mechanism Rating Scale - Self Report 30
Measures adaptiveness of defense mechanisms. Consists of 30 items scored from 0-4. A higher overall defense score (ODF) indicates more more adaptive defense mechanisms.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks and follow-up at 12 months after treatment termination.
Patient Health Questionnaire - 4
Brief measurer of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Consists of 4 items, scored from 0-3. A higher score indicates more symptoms.
Time frame: Change between baseline, end of treatment after nine weeks. Will be measured on a weekly basis during the intervention.