Behavioral activation based on the Health Action Process Approach – Efficacy of a theory-based online intervention in depression

• Applicant: Dr. Lena Krämer
• Subject Area: Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
• Term: from 2019 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 425987318

Behavioral activation is a highly effective treatment in depression. Yet, there is a significant heterogeneity of interventions that are grouped under the term of “behavioral activation”. One main reason for the heterogeneity is a lack of theory in the intervention development: None of the established intervention manuals gives a theoretical rationale for their intervention techniques.For the first time, this study will use a theory-based behavioral activation intervention (InterAKTIV). The intervention is based on the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) and is implemented online to ensure broad dissemination and standardization. The study aims at investigating the efficacy of the intervention in depressive people. Primary outcome is depression severity; secondary outcomes are behavioral activation and HAPA process variables. In addition, moderators of the intervention effects will be analyzed. A two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of parallel design will be conducted. Participants will be recruited through print and online media of a large health insurance company (AOK Baden-Württemberg). Participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria (age: 18-65 years, diagnosis of depression, no current psychotherapy or changes in psychopharmacologic medication, none of the exclusion diagnoses) will be identified. A target sample of 128 participants will be randomized to either intervention (immediate participation in InterAKTIV) or wait list control (participation in InterAKTIV after follow-up assessment). Telephone and online assessments take place at baseline, two months and six months after randomization. Primary analyses will follow the intention-to-treat principle.The study is the first to evaluate a theory-based behavioral activation intervention by combining perspectives from health psychology and clinical psychology. It contributes to further research on behavioral activation in Germany and to develop the field of research in general.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants