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Healthy Recovery After Trauma Study for PTSD and Mental Contamination

This study is for individuals aged 18 and older who have experienced sexual trauma and have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and feelings of mental contamination (an internal feeling of dirtiness without physical contact). It tests two behavioral therapies: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a 12-session treatment, and Self-Compassion Therapy, a 6-session mindfulness-based treatment. Researchers will measure changes in PTSD symptoms using the PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) and mental contamination using the PEMC (Posttraumatic Experience of Mental Contamination) at various points before, during, and after treatment. The study aims to enroll 12 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This study uses a multiple baseline single case experimental design. Up to 12 eligible individuals will be randomized to receive either Cognitive Processing Therapy or Self-Compassion Therapy, and then switch to the alternate intervention.
What's involved
You would be in this research study for up to 34 weeks and attend up to 20 in-person study visits. You will complete a phone screening and an in-person diagnostic intake.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
You will be invited to complete a post-treatment and one-month follow-up assessment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04585685

Healthy Recovery After Trauma Study

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Christal L Badour
~12 participants
Updated 2025-11-10 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Cognitive Processing TherapySelf-Compassion Therapy

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Measured over Change in prior week symptom severity assessed from 3 or 5 weeks prior to beginning treatment (intake + baseline), compared to weekly during treatment, compared to 3 weeks between treatments, and compared to 3 weeks after completing the second treatment
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Shame
Guilt
Sexual Assault and Rape

Explore related trials

Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderSexual Trauma

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Kentucky1

Study leadership

  • Christal L Badour, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Kentucky

Who to contact

Christal L Badour, PhD
[email protected]
859-323-3817
Email the study team

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

individuals with a history of sexual trauma meeting past-month diagnostic criteria for PTSD (meeting diagnostic status on the DIAMOND and score greater than or equal to 36 on the PCL-5) and
reporting current experiences of trauma-related mental contamination (greater than or equal to 10 on the PEMC).
18 years of age or older
fluent in English
Patients on psychotropic medications will be included if they have been maintained on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks prior to beginning the study and are willing to maintain a stable dosage throughout the study period; this procedure allows for a broader range of participants and avoids having outcomes assessment confounded by the initiation of medication during treatment.
Finally, patients must be willing to refrain from additional trauma-related treatment for the duration of the study.

Exclusion

We will exclude individuals diagnosed with psychological conditions that may be better addressed by alternative treatments; these conditions include
psychotic disorders
dissociative identity disorder
unmanaged (i.e., unmedicated or currently experiencing a manic/hypomanic episode) bipolar disorder
bulimia nervosa
anorexia nervosa
imminent risk of suicide (i.e., intent/plan)
severe substance use disorders.

What this trial measures

  • PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)Change in prior week symptom severity assessed from 3 or 5 weeks prior to beginning treatment (intake + baseline), compared to weekly during treatment, compared to 3 weeks between treatments, and compared to 3 weeks after completing the second treatment

    Change in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Severity

  • Posttraumatic Experience of Mental Contamination (PEMC)Change in prior week symptom severity assessed from 3 or 5 weeks prior to beginning treatment (intake + baseline), compared to weekly during treatment, compared to 3 weeks between treatments, and compared to 3 weeks after completing the second treatment

    Change in Severity of Mental Contamination Symptoms