A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Moral Elevation Intervention for Veterans With PTSD

Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for PTSD, there are many challenges to successful trauma recovery for Veterans including difficulties starting and completing these treatments and gaps in fully addressing additional important treatment targets including lower social functioning and quality of life. Alternative, stand-alone treatment options that address a range of outcomes and can be easily accessed are needed to expand the reach of PTSD treatment to Veterans. One way to address this need is with a positive psychology intervention called MOVED, which has shown promise in a prior pilot study. MOVED is a web-based, self-guided intervention (8 sessions, 4 weeks) that uses moral elevation-feeling inspired by others' virtuous actions. This clinical trial will test if MOVED leads to decreased PTSD symptoms and increased social functioning and quality of life compared to a generic supportive treatment that does not focus on moral elevation. Results will help determine if MOVED is a useful alternative approach to target trauma recovery among Veterans with PTSD.

Inclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in a VISN 17 health care system * English-speaking and able to provide written informed consent * Willingness to complete study procedures and be randomized * Internet access and an electronic device to complete the web-based sessions * Current diagnosis of PTSD based on the CAPS-5 * History of PTSD diagnosis for at least 1 year Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe traumatic brain injury indicated by medical record review and the Ohio State Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID) * Current psychosis or mania as indicated by medical record review and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) * Current suicide risk based on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) * Currently enrolled and actively participating in a trauma-focused treatment including: * Cognitive Processing Therapy * Prolonged Exposure * Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing