1. Internet-based CBT for adolescents with low self-esteem: a pilot randomized controlled trial.
- Author
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Berg M, Lindegaard T, Flygare A, Sjöbrink J, Hagvall L, Palmebäck S, Klemetz H, Ludvigsson M, and Andersson G
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Anxiety Disorders therapy, Depression therapy, Humans, Internet, Pilot Projects, Treatment Outcome, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods, Quality of Life
- Abstract
Low self-esteem is a common problem among adolescents and is related to psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety. However, effective and available interventions primarily targeting low self-esteem are scarce, in particular for youths. To address this gap, the aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a novel internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) program for low self-esteem in adolescents using a randomized controlled design. Fifty-two participants (15-19 years) were recruited and randomly allocated to seven weeks of therapist-supported ICBT (n=26) or to a waitlist control condition (n=26). The primary outcome was the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Secondary outcomes measured domain-specific aspects of self-esteem, self-compassion, quality of life, depression and anxiety. The treatment group showed significantly higher levels of self-rated self-esteem compared to the control group at post-treatment, with a large between-group effect-size (RSES, d = 1.18). Further, the treatment had significant positive impact on secondary measures of self-esteem, self-compassion, quality of life, depression and anxiety. The results of this pilot-RCT suggest that ICBT can be effective for treating low self-esteem in adolescents, decrease depression and anxiety levels, and increasing quality of life. Replication of the results in larger samples is needed.
- Published
- 2022
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