Citation

Kassam-Adams N, Marsac ML, Kohser KL, Kenardy J, March S, Winston FK. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2015; 41(1): 138-148.

Affiliation

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsv057

PMID

26089554

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:  To assess feasibility and estimate effect size of a self-directed online intervention designed to prevent persistent posttraumatic stress after acute trauma.  METHODS:  Children aged 8-12 years with a recent acute medical event were randomized to the intervention (N = 36) or a 12-week wait list (N = 36). Posttraumatic stress, health-related quality of life, appraisals, and coping were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 weeks.  RESULTS:  Most children used the intervention; half completed it. Medium between-group effect sizes were observed for change in posttraumatic stress severity from baseline to 6 weeks (d = -.68) or 12 weeks (d = -.55). Exploratory analyses suggest greatest impact for at-risk children, and a small effect for intervention initiated after 12 weeks. Analysis of covariance did not indicate statistically significant group differences in 12-week outcomes.  CONCLUSIONS:  This pilot randomized controlled trial provides preliminary evidence that a self-directed online preventive intervention is feasible to deliver, and could have an effect in preventing persistent posttraumatic stress.

Language: en