Effects of internet interventions for depression on suicide ideation – a meta-analysis of individual participant data (IPDMA).

• Applicant: Dr. Lasse Sander, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 453571562

In recent years, a series of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have confirmed the efficacy of Internet-based self-help interventions for the treatment of depression. Based on these research results, the implementation of this new form of healthcare is currently ongoing in Germany. However, little is known about whether these procedures also have an impact (improvement and deterioration) on the suicidal ideation of patients. However, this information is crucial in the context of a widespread implementation of Internet-based treatment measures. At the same time, the complex interaction of depression and suicidal ideation is a general research desideratum of basic clinical-psychological research.The objectives of this study are therefore 1) to examine the effects of Internet-based interventions for depression on suicidal ideation and 2) to explore potential moderators, mediators and mechanisms of change in the interaction of depression and suicidal ideation.For this purpose, a meta-analysis based on individual participant data (IPD) of 62 RCTs and 14,088 participants will be performed. This complex methodological approach, coupled with the relatively high number of cases of RCTs in the field of Internet-based interventions, allows for the first time a detailed analysis of the complex interaction of depression and suicidal ideation.The study will thus make a significant contribution to basic clinical-psychological research, while providing insights equally relevant to researchers, practitioners and the healthcare policymakers. The ongoing and increasing implementation of Internet-based treatment of depression in Germany lends this research project additional relevance.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Netherlands
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Harald Baumeister
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Pim Cuijpers, Ph.D.