David vs. Goliath: Comparison between Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other Online Therapeutic Approaches
Method Stream: Literature Review
ECs: Both 14 and 23 EC thesis possible
Description:
Internet-based interventions have gained popularity over the past decades and have proven effective for a range of mental disorders and complaints. As in mainstream (face-to-face) psychological treatments, the field is dominated by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Hence, when referring to the effectiveness of online interventions, we are essentially referring to the effectiveness of iCBT.
A legitimate concern is that iCBT interventions may not be suited for every client. Therefore, the great potential of online interventions, such as their great flexibility, low threshold, wide reach, and potential cost-effectiveness (once the intervention has been developed), has not been exploited to its full capacity. Clients that do not benefit from iCBT and that are open to receiving their treatment through digital means, may benefit from other therapeutic approaches, such as psychodynamic therapies (PDT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Yet, there is no comprehensive overview of the range of online interventions in the non-CBT realm that may be viable alternatives to iCBT.
This assignment focuses on the direct comparison between online CBT and other online therapies. Research questions that you can focus on in your thesis are (among others):
- What is the scope of alternative (non-CBT) online approaches? (e.g., which therapeutic approaches, for which complaints/disorders? Have they been applied to the community or clinical settings?)
- To which extent was iCBT directly compared to these other online therapeutic approaches?
- Is online CBT equally efficacious compared to these alternative therapeutic approaches? – [Please note that for this assignment, it is not required to do a full quantitative review (meta-analysis) in terms of overall effectiveness.]
- Which other online interventions are available that pass the test of this comparison? (e.g., are the studies methodologically solid?)
Who are we looking for?
Mental health care minded and research-oriented students with an affinity for technological innovation. In other words, students who are ready to dive in the literature and who are eager to accept the challenge of providing a comprehensive account on the current state of art.
We especially welcome independently working, critically thinking students who have their own thoughts and ideas concerning the subject and who seek an opportunity to find out the extent to which their presumptions hold true.