Effectiveness of religiously adapted brief cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after an earthquake: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Earthquakes are considered one of the most life-threatening natural disasters. They can lead to a wide range of psychological distress and psychopathology across society; thus, individuals exposed to such disasters are at risk of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In recent years, numerous studies have examined the positive contributions of religion-integrated treatments to the recovery process. Based on this premise, the present study investigated whether the Religiously Adapted Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy program is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress symptoms in individuals affected by earthquakes. In this quasi-experimental study, 24 individuals with post-traumatic stress symptoms were divided into two non-randomized groups: an experimental group and a control group. A 2.5-week marathon intervention program consisting of five sessions was administered to the participants, which was developed in consultation with clergy and trauma specialists. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in PTSD levels in the experimental group compared to the control group at post-test measurement. Both groups exhibited a significant reduction in trauma-related cognitions. These findings provided evidence that the religion-integrated brief intervention program significantly alters PTSD symptoms and maladaptive cognitions. The results further suggested that developing brief, time- and resource-efficient treatments may be a worthwhile endeavor and that religiously sensitive interventions could serve as an alternative early intervention to alleviate and prevent the development of PTSD symptoms.