Clinical Research Directory

Group Cognitive Processing Therapy for Women Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Feasibility Study

Sponsor: Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Summary

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a global health challenge requiring effective, evidence-based interventions, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Although clinical guidelines position individual CPT as a first-line treatment, evidence regarding its group format -despite it being the original modality- remains limited. Given the potential of the group format to optimize costs and improve access to treatment in high-demand health systems, evaluating its feasibility and clinical efficacy is a priority. Objectives: The project proposes a phased research study focused on the implementation, scalability, and clinical impact of group CPT for women who are victims of gender-based violence and exhibit post-traumatic symptoms. Phase 1 (feasibility study) aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of the group CPT protocol. Methodology: Phase 1 will involve a non-randomized pilot study with female victims of gender-based violence with post-traumatic symptomatology; participants will receive 12 sessions of group CPT. Feasibility will be assessed in this phase based on recruitment rates, adherence, and participant satisfaction. Clinical outcomes (PTSD symptoms, general psychopathology, emotional regulation, and well-being) will be measured at three time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up) using validated instruments. Expected Results: "Healing Trauma"'s Phase 1 anticipates demonstrating high protocol feasibility and acceptability, as well as a clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms and the other measured variables. Furthermore, the project expects to produce a standardized intervention manual that could, in the future, be revised for adaptation and transfer to other psychological care units. Significance: The project will provide an optimized and scalable group CPT protocol, facilitating the democratization of access to evidence-based treatments -particularly in high-demand health systems- while fostering clinical psychological practice grounded in evidence and scientific rigor.

Official title: Healing Trauma From Gender-based Violence Through Group Cognitive Processing Therapy: A Single-Arm Feasibility Study (Phase 1)

Key Details

Conditions

Interventions