Internet-based CBT for adolescents with low self-esteem: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Digital Health

Background:

• Low self-esteem is prevalent in adolescents, often co-occurring with depression and anxiety.
• Effective interventions for adolescent low self-esteem are limited, particularly accessible digital options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) program for adolescent low self-esteem.
• To assess the efficacy of therapist-supported ICBT in a randomized controlled pilot study.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 52 adolescents (15-19 years).
• Participants were assigned to 7 weeks of therapist-supported ICBT or a waitlist control.
• The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) was the primary outcome measure.

Main Results:

• The ICBT group demonstrated significantly higher self-esteem (RSES, d = 1.18) post-treatment compared to the control group.
• Significant improvements were observed in secondary outcomes: self-compassion, quality of life, and reduced depression and anxiety.
• The intervention showed a large effect size for improving self-esteem.

Conclusions:

• Therapist-supported ICBT shows promise as an effective treatment for low self-esteem in adolescents.
• ICBT can positively impact mental health by reducing depression and anxiety and improving quality of life.
• Further research with larger samples is warranted to confirm these findings.