Cited by 55Digital Mental Health InterventionsAnxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive ProcessesTelemedicine and Telehealth Implementation

A Service-Based Evaluation of a Therapist-Supported Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Depression

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Sharry, John, Davidson, Ruth, McLoughlin, Orla, Doherty, Gavin·2013·Journal of Medical Internet Research

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be as effective as face-to-face delivery for depression, but attrition and engagement rates remain a challenge. OBJECTIVE: This service-based study aimed to evaluate an online, therapist-supported, CBT-based program for depression. The program was specifically designed to address engagement issues, most notably by integrating online therapist support and communication within the platform. METHODS: Participants were 80 adults who were registered university students. Participants used the modular online program over 8 weeks, supported by a therapist. Engagement information was gathered automatically by the online system, and analyzed for all participants. Severity of participants' self-reported symptoms of depression were assessed preintervention and postintervention using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Postintervention measures were completed by 53 participants. RESULTS: A high level of engagement was observed compared to a previous study within the same service, along with extensive use of a range of program features. A statistically significant (P<.001) decrease in self-reported depressive symptomatology from preintervention (mean BDI-II 25.47) to postintervention (mean BDI-II 15.53) with a large effect size (d=1.17) was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate the potential of unintrusive and easily provided online support to enhance engagement with online interventions. The system described in the paper also illustrates how such online support can be tightly integrated with interactive online programs by using a range of design strategies intended to improve the user experience.

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  1. [28]Beck AT Steer RA Brown GK Beck Depression Inventory Manual, 2nd edition 1996 Boston, MA Harcourt Brace

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Authors
Sharry, J., Davidson, R., McLoughlin, O., & Doherty, G.
Affiliations
  • Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (IE)
  • University of Limerick (IE)
  • Trinity College Dublin (IE)
Corresponding author
Doherty, Gavin
Venue
Journal of Medical Internet Research
Published
2013-06-27
Volume
15
Issue
6
Pages
e121
ISSN
1438-8871 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2060656060
Cited by
55
References
41
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 1
FWCI
12.32
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by
Locations
  • Journal of Medical Internet Research (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Lenus, The Irish Health Repository (Dr Steevens Hospital Library) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation
Keywords
internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy, depression, user engagement, attrition, online therapy, university students, user experience design, Beck Depression Inventory-II
MeSH terms
Workforce, Adult, Depression, Humans, Mental Health Services, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Young Adult

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