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

Part of paid clinical trials in Temple, Texas.

Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development
Study ID
NCT06788678
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

Notify me when recruiting opens

Save your spot on the interest list for this study. We'll keep your details with this study so our team can follow up when recruiting opens.

Not yet recruiting

Add your contact details and location so we can keep your interest tied to this study.

Conditions

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • MOVED — BEHAVIORAL
    MOVED includes 8 self-guided, web-based sessions administered over 4 weeks. Web-based sessions include 3 core components: (1) elicit moral elevation, (2) engage in reflection about moral elevation response, and (3) set a behavioral goal that is inspired by the moral elevation exercise.
  • Supportive Care Control — OTHER
    A present-centered, nondirective intervention that aims to control for the nonspecific therapeutic effects of supportive care. In this case, the effects of engaging in regular web-based sessions that convey information about PTSD symptoms. Sessions will include psychoeducation materials about PTSD symptoms, functioning, and resources for dealing with related stressors. Key components of MOVED will be strictly excluded.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

Start date
Jul 1, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Jun 30, 2029
Completion
Sep 30, 2029

Study Design

Enrollment
250 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: MOVED
    Moral Elevation Online Intervention for Veterans Experiencing Distress.
  • Active Comparator: Supportive Care Control
    Present-centered, nondirective intervention

Primary Outcome Measure

Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) [ Time Frame: Follow-up assessments at posttreatment, 3-months, and 6-months. ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TXTempleTexas76504-7451
Adam P McGuire, PhD
[email protected]
(254) 297-5173
Adam P. McGuire, PhD (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)

Find similar trials in Temple, TX

By condition
PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)
By specialty
PsychiatryMental healthBehavioral health
By research site
Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX· Temple, TX

Related Studies