Predictors of change during narrative exposure therapy for displaced populations: First results of a repeated measures design

Abstract

Background: Displaced victims of interpersonal violence, e.g. refugees, asylum seekers, victims of sexual exploitation, are growing in numbers and often suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These victims are known to benefit less from traumafocused therapy and are less compliant to treatment. Objective: In the present study, perceived daily stress, emotion regulation and mood are investigated as predictors of change in PTSD symptoms during a trauma-focused therapy (Narrative Exposure Therapy, NET). These factors might promote or undermine therapy effectiveness. Method: The current study evaluates the trajectories of change of the first 20 displaced victims of interpersonal violence in the current study (end goal is N = 80). Weekly questionnaires tapping the aforementioned possible predictors and PTSD were administered. Pitfalls during study execution: During data collection, the threshold for inclusion was low to guarantee the external validity. Unfortunately, this resulted in high drop-out rates. Results: To encourage study adherence, adaptations to the study design were made (participants were called to remind them to their appointments, flexibility in planning assessments and accepting treatment pauses). Additional previous findings on primary outcomes are to be revealed and will be presented at the ESTSS. Discussion: The present study was the first to examine the interplay of facilitating and interfering factors possibly impacting treatment outcome in displaced victims of interpersonal violence with PTSD receiving NET. Also, it revealed important aspects that contribute to study adherence. The current study can help to improve future treatment based on individual characteristics.