Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
Social support moderates outcome in a randomized controlled trial of exposure therapy and (or) cognitive
Sian Thrasher1, Michael Power, Nicola Morant
1Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, London, United Kingdom.
Objective:
To understand what predicts good outcome in psychiatric treatments, thus creating a pathway to improving efficacy.
Method:
Our study investigated relations between predictor variables and outcome (on the Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Scale [CAPS]) at posttreatment for 77 treatment completers in a randomized controlled trial of exposure therapy and (or) cognitive restructuring, compared with relaxation, for chronic PTSD in adults.
Results:
More social support on the Significant Others Scale significantly predicted better outcome on the CAPS, even after controlling for the effects of treatment group and of pretreatment severity. Importantly, social support was only a significant predictor of outcome for participants receiving cognitive restructuring and (or) exposure therapy and not for participants in the relaxation condition.
Conclusions:
Better social support is associated with significantly greater gain following cognitive restructuring and (or) exposure therapy for PTSD. Future interventions should consider augmenting social support as an adjunct to treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Cognitive Therapy
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused