The Effect of an Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention on Social Support in Disaster Evacuees

Introduction: Both exposure to a natural disaster and psychological symptoms may lead to decreases in social support. Few studies have examined ways to improve social support among victims of natural disasters.

Aims: The objective of the study was to assess emotional and tangible support following a 12-session Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) targeting posttraumatic stress (PTS), insomnia, and depression symptoms and to examine the association between posttreatment symptoms and emotional and tangible support.

Materials And Methods: One hundred and seventy-eight wildfire evacuees with significant PTS, depression and/or insomnia symptoms were given access to the ICBT. They completed questionnaires at pre- and posttreatment to measure social support and symptom severity.

Results: Results show that completion of the treatment led to an improvement in emotional support. Lower posttreatment PTS and insomnia symptoms were associated with higher posttreatment emotional support.

Conclusion: ICBT may contribute to enhance emotional support through symptom improvement and probably more so when social support is address directly in treatment.