Combining internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy and attention bias modification for reducing depressive symptoms in firefighters: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy 2024-11, p.1-11
• Main Authors: Zhou, Xiwen, Zhou, Chengxiong, Zheng, Yexing, Li, Huaiyi, Tang, Chao, Liu, Xiang, Ma, Ming, Li, Dai, Li, Yuanhui, Zhang, Liqun, Xie, Jilai, Du, Linlin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1352-4658; 1469-1833; 1469-1833
• DOI: 10.1017/S1352465824000407

Firefighters are frequently exposed to traumatic events and stressful environments and are at particularly high risk of depressive symptoms. The present study aimed to examine the impact of a combined internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) and attention bias modification (ABM) intervention to reduce depressive symptoms in firefighters. The study was a randomized controlled trial carried out in Kunming, China, and involved the recruitment of 138 active firefighters as participants. The intervention lasted for an 8-week duration, during which participants participated in ABM exercises on alternating days and concurrently underwent eight modules of iCBT courses delivered through a smartphone application. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Results indicated that the combined iCBT and ABM intervention was significantly effective in reducing symptoms of depression compared with the no intervention control group ( =1644,