@article{ref1,
title="Efficacy of an internet-based written imagery rescripting intervention for survivors of institutional childhood abuse - a randomized controlled trial",
journal="Child abuse and neglect",
year="2023",
author="Wagner, Birgit and Böhm, Maya and Grafiadeli, Raphaela",
volume="147",
number="",
pages="e106557-e106557",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Institutional childhood abuse can have a long-term impact on the survivors' mental health, however, treatment for this group is limited and not always accessible. An internet-based intervention was developed, with the aim to reduce psychological sequelae relating to institutional abuse. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of an online imagery rescripting intervention for survivors of institutional abuse, through assessing symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and CPTSD. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Seventy-two adult survivors of institutional childhood abuse in the former German Democratic Republic were randomized either to the intervention (n = 38) or to the waitlist condition (n = 34). The intervention consisted of 10 modules, based on written imagery rescripting, and involved asynchronous therapist contact. <br><br>METHODS: Primary outcomes included symptoms of depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), PTSD (ITQ), and CPTSD (ITQ DSO). The intervention condition was assessed at baseline, post-intervention, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. <br><br>RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analyses revealed a significant symptom reduction from baseline to post-assessment with medium to large effects for all main outcomes (d = 0.45 to d = 0.76), in favor of the intervention condition. Significant interactions between condition (intervention vs. wailist) and time (baseline vs. post-assesment) were revealed for all main outcomes (p < .001 to p = .024). The effects were maintained at follow-up. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest online writing-based imagery rescripting as a promising treatment option for adults formerly institutionalized in residential care. Future research is needed to explore its effectiveness for other groups of patients suffering from abuse and neglect.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0145-2134",
doi="10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106557",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106557"
}