A qualitative exploration of Internet-based treatment for comorbid depression and alcohol misuse
Open accessAbstract
Many Internet-based treatments for depression and for alcohol misuse have a positive impact, yet little is known about how these treatments work. Most research on web-based interventions involves efficacy trials which, while important, offer little explanation about how people perceive and use online programs. This study aimed to undertake a qualitative exploration of participants' experience, perceived impact and use of an integrated web-based program for comorbid depression and alcohol misuse. Specifically, it explored users' perspectives on the intensity of their treatment and the level of support they received. Interviewees were drawn from participants in a randomised controlled trial of the OnTrack web-based treatment for depression and alcohol misuse, which compared Brief Self-Guided, Comprehensive Self-Guided and Comprehensive Therapist-Assisted versions of the program. Twenty-nine people (9–11 from each condition) completed semi-structured telephone interviews asking about their impressions and experiences with the program. Interview transcriptions were subject to a 6-step thematic analysis, employing a conceptual matrix to identify thematic differences across groups. Positive experiences and outcomes were more pronounced among participants receiving the comprehensive treatments than the brief one, but other responses were relatively consistent across conditions. A major theme was a wish for more individualisation and human contact, even in participants receiving emailed assistance. Some confused follow-up research assessments with therapist support. There was little correspondence between the perceived impact of the program and the amount reportedly completed, and some participants said they used strategies offline or completed exercises mentally. This study highlighted discrepancies between how web-based treatments are intended to be used and how people actually engage with them. A challenge for the next wave of these interventions is the provision of individualised responses and coaching that retains an emphasis on self-management and constrains cost.
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This is in line with previous literature in which human assistance or involvement is consistently welcomed and valued by users in computerised treatments.
“This is in line with previous literature in which human assistance or involvement is consistently welcomed and valued by users in computerised treatments [36, 37].”
From A qualitative study of the acceptability of cognitive bias modification for paranoia (CBM-pa) in patients with psychosis (2019) · cites this paper as [37]
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References 63 · Cited by 69
Research works printed but not linked: 1
- Finfgeld-Connett, D., & Madsen, R. , Web-based treatment of alcohol problems among rural women. Journal of Psychological Nursing, 2008. 46(9): p. 46-53.
- Authors
- Darvell, M. J., Kavanagh, D. J., & Connolly, J. M.
- Affiliations
- Queensland University of Technology (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Kavanagh, David J.
- ORCID
- Kavanagh, David J.
- Venue
- Internet Interventions
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2015-05
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 174-182
- ISSN
- 2214-7829 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2009818536
- Cited by
- 69
- References
- 63
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 50 · 2019: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 1.63
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Internet Interventions (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- QUT ePrints (Queensland University of Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
- Funders
- National Health and Medical Research Council (APP 553059)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Keywords
- depression, alcohol abuse, comorbidities, online intervention, online therapy, user experience, self-guided treatment, treatment intensity, perceived support, individualization, self-management, treatment engagement
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