Engagement and outcomes in ICBT for people of diverse ethnocultural groups

Why was the study done?

This study was done to see if a therapy program, designed to help people from diverse cultural backgrounds, could be as effective as the standard therapy program in treating anxiety and depression. It aimed to fill a gap in research by testing if adapting therapy to fit different cultures could improve mental health outcomes.

What was done in the study?

In the study, researchers modified a therapy program to better suit the cultural backgrounds of participants. They then compared how well this adapted program worked against the standard therapy program. Participants from diverse cultural groups took part in a nine-week treatment where their symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured. Researchers also looked at how engaged participants were with the therapy and how satisfied they were with it.

What did we find out?

The study found that both the adapted therapy program and the standard one were equally effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants in both groups showed significant improvements. Engagement with the therapy and overall satisfaction were also similar between the two groups. This suggests that adapting therapy to fit different cultures can be just as effective as the standard approach.

Where do we go from here?

Looking ahead, future research could explore further adaptations of therapy to better fit specific cultural groups. It’s important to understand why some people from diverse backgrounds may not use online therapy as much, and find ways to make it more accessible and effective for them. Researchers might also refine how they measure engagement in therapy and study how different types of cultural adaptations affect outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to make sure that mental health treatments work well for everyone, regardless of their cultural background.