RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06900712

Positive Processes and Transition to Health - Single-Session (PATH-SS)

A Novel, Single-Session Intervention for Sexual Assault-Related Psychopathology

Sponsor

Case Western Reserve University

Enrollment

45 participants

Start Date

Jul 17, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression PTSD

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

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 65 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a single-session therapy called PATH-SS (Positive Processes and Transition to Health – Single Session) to help college students recover from the psychological effects of sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 65 years old - You experienced unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault while in college, between 12 weeks and 5 years ago - You are currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional program at a college or university in Ohio - You are experiencing moderate or greater symptoms of PTSD or depression that have lasted at least one month **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a current diagnosis of schizophrenia, delusional disorder, or organic mental disorder - You are currently in a serious psychiatric crisis or are actively suicidal - You are already receiving another form of trauma-focused therapy Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALPATH-SS

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.