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Reducing Stress After Trauma in Physically Injured Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Linda Ewing-Cobbs1, Shari L Wade2, Devi Miron Murphy3
1Children's Learning Institute and Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas.
JAMA Pediatrics
|April 27, 2026
Summary
The online Reducing Stress After Trauma (ReSeT) program effectively reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms in children after physical injury. This trauma-focused intervention offers a scalable solution for pediatric psychological care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) impact nearly 50% of children experiencing physical trauma.
- PTSS can persist post-recovery, negatively affecting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the online therapist-assisted Reducing Stress After Trauma (ReSeT) program.
- To assess ReSeT's effectiveness in reducing PTSS in children hospitalized for physical injury.
Main Methods:
- A 2-arm randomized clinical trial involving 93 children (ages 8-17) at 4 trauma centers.
- Participants were assigned to the ReSeT program or usual care (UC).
- Outcomes measured using the Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Scale (CPSS) at 10 weeks and 6 months.
Main Results:
- The ReSeT program showed a significant reduction in CPSS scores compared to UC at 10 weeks (-4.2 points) and 6 months (-5.5 points).
- Reductions were maintained at the 6-month follow-up.
- The intervention was found to be brief and trauma-focused.
Conclusions:
- The ReSeT program is an effective intervention for pediatric PTSS following physical injury.
- It presents a potentially cost-effective and scalable approach to psychological care for injured children.
- The program aligns with standards for psychological screening and treatment in pediatric trauma care.
