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

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.