Positive Processes and Transition to Health - Single-Session (PATH-SS)
A Novel, Single-Session Intervention for Sexual Assault-Related Psychopathology Among College Students
Case Western Reserve University
45 participants
Jul 17, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test a brief, new psychotherapy (called Positive Processes and Transition to Health - Single Session, or PATH-SS) that aims to provide relief for people who are suffering after experiencing a sexual assault. This research will explore whether this new psychotherapy reduces sexual assault related distress, including posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does PATH-SS leads to improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms (pre- to post- and 1-month follow-up)? Do participants perceive PATH-SS to be acceptable, helpful, and do they complete/adhere to treatment? Participants will complete a pre-treatment/baseline assessment to confirm eligibility, and those who are eligible will receive the single-session intervention and will complete a post-treatment and a 1-month follow-up assessment of stressor-related symptoms.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Age range: from 18 to 65.
- Has experienced unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault during their time as a college student, with a minimum of 12 weeks since the event and a maximum of 5 years since the event.
- Enrolled in any undergraduate, graduate, or professional program at a college or university in the state of Ohio.
- Elevated symptoms on either the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS-5) or the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR), at least moderate: 18 on PDS-5 (Foa et al., 2016) and/or 11 on QIDS (moderate depression severity; Rush et al., 2003), with symptoms persisting for 1 month or longer.
Exclusion Criteria9
- Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or organic mental disorder as defined by DSM-5.
- Current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression with psychotic features, or depression severe enough to require immediate psychiatric treatment (i.e., serious suicide risk with intent and plan).
- Severe self-injurious behavior or suicide attempt within the previous three months.
- Currently engaged in cognitive behavioral psychotherapy.
- No clear memory of the event.
- Unstable dose of psychotropic medications in prior 3 months.
- Ongoing intimate relationship with the perpetrator.
- Current diagnosis of a substance use disorder (DSM-5).
- Residence outside the state of Ohio.
Interventions
This single-session intervention includes the following components: * Providing the PATH-SS rationale. * A review of life events (PATH of life: negative and positive). * A verbal narrative of the sexual assault (revisiting and processing as is done in imaginal exposure) * Reminiscence and processing of a major positive life event, and real-life practice to enact what was taught. In positive reminiscence, clients vividly remember the positive event providing details and focus on positive emotions. The therapist will encourage savoring of the experience and encourage facial expression of the positive emotions, so that clients do not dampen, avoid, or minimize the experience. This is particularly relevant with depression. * Summary of content, integration and consolidation of learning, application of new learning and resilience in real life as next steps.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT06900712