MOVED



The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot trial of a web-based moral elevation intervention to determine if such an intervention is a feasible and acceptable therapeutic approach for OEF/OIF/OND Veterans with distress related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (MI). This study also assessed the feasibility of randomization, retention, and completion of a no-treatment condition (i.e., comparison group) in preparation for future randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The sample included 24 Veterans (12 per group). The online intervention consists of 2 exercises per week for 1 month, totaling 8 sessions. Sessions include watching video clips that elicit moral elevation and recalling moments when one experienced moral elevation in daily life, paired with journaling about one’s reactions to witnessed virtuous behavior. Participants in the intervention condition were also presented with a brief goal to be completed prior to the next session to facilitate greater social engagement. Participants randomized to the no-treatment condition accessed the same online portal twice per week, but were not exposed to any intervention components. All participants completed brief self-report measures at each session. All participants also completed self-report measures at baseline and 1-month follow-up that assessed PTSD symptoms, MI distress, prosocial behavior, and quality of social relationships. At the follow-up assessment, participants randomized to the intervention condition completed an individual qualitative interview with a member of the study team to assess acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention and proposed methodology, which were coded and analyzed to inform future clinical trials. To supplement self-report measures, all participants invited a significant other (e.g., spouse, close friend) to complete measures based on observations of the Veteran’s behavior and social functioning at baseline and 1-month follow-up.


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