Can dialectical behavior therapy be learned in highly structured learning environments? Results from a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Training
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Disseminating empirically supported treatments is crucial for effective mental healthcare.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) distress tolerance skills are vital for managing severe emotional dysregulation.
• Traditional training methods may have limitations in reach and engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of a traditional training manual versus a multimedia e-learning course for DBT distress tolerance skills.
• To evaluate the impact of different training modalities on knowledge acquisition, self-efficacy, and skill application among community mental health providers.
• To assess clinician preferences and engagement with different training formats.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 132 community mental health providers.
• Comparison of three training conditions: a DBT skills manual, an e-learning DBT course (e-DBT), and a placebo e-learning course (e-Control).
• Assessments conducted at baseline, post-training, and at multiple follow-up points (2, 7, 11, 15 weeks).

Main Results:

• Both active DBT training conditions (Manual and e-DBT) outperformed the control group on most outcomes.
• Clinicians showed a strong preference for the e-DBT course, rating it as more helpful and engaging.
• While knowledge and self-efficacy were similar initially, e-DBT led to significantly better knowledge retention at 15 weeks and higher rates of skill application.

Conclusions:

• E-learning is an effective modality for disseminating empirically supported treatments like DBT to clinicians.
• Multimedia e-learning courses can enhance engagement and skill transfer compared to traditional manuals.
• Both training manuals and e-learning can be effective tools for disseminating evidence-based practices in mental health.