The acceptability of an Internet-based exposure treatment for flying phobia with and without therapist guidance: patients' expectations, satisfaction, treatment preferences, and usability

Daniel Campos, Adriana Mira, Juana Bretón-López, Diana Castilla, Cristina Botella, Rosa Maria Baños, Soledad Quero, Daniel Campos, Adriana Mira, Juana Bretón-López, Diana Castilla, Cristina Botella, Rosa Maria Baños, Soledad Quero

Abstract

Purpose: Internet-based treatments have been tested for several psychological disorders. However, few studies have directly assessed the acceptability of these self-applied interventions in terms of expectations, satisfaction, treatment preferences, and usability. Moreover, no studies provide this type of data on Internet-based treatment for flying phobia (FP), with or without therapist guidance. The aim of this study was to analyze the acceptability of an Internet-based treatment for FP (NO-FEAR Airlines) that includes exposure scenarios composed of images and real sounds. A secondary aim was to compare patients' acceptance of two ways of delivering this treatment (with or without therapist guidance).

Patients and methods: The sample included 46 participants from a randomized controlled trial who had received the self-applied intervention with (n = 23) or without (n = 23) therapist guidance. All participants completed an assessment protocol conducted online and by telephone at both pre- and posttreatment.

Results: Results showed good expectations, satisfaction, opinion, and usability, regardless of the presence of therapist guidance, including low aversiveness levels from before to after the intervention. However, participants generally preferred the therapist-supported condition.

Conclusion: NO-FEAR Airlines is a well-accepted Internet-based treatment that can help enhance the application of the exposure technique, improving patient acceptance and access to FP treatment.

Keywords: Internet-based exposure; expectations; flying phobia; satisfaction; treatment preferences; usability.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A comparison of mean SUS scores by quartile, adjective ratings, and the acceptability of the overall SUS score. Note: Data from Bangor et al., Abbreviation: SUS, System Usability Scale.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Navigation structure of the system.

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