iCBT and ABM for Reducing Depressive Symptoms in Firefighters

Combining Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attention Bias Modification for Depression in Firefighters

The study aimed to examine the impact of a combined internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) and Attention Bias Modification (ABM) intervention to reduce depressive symptoms in firefighters. The study was a randomized controlled trial carried out in Kunming, China, and involved the recruitment of 138 active firefighters as participants. The intervention lasted for an 8-week duration, during which participants participated in ABM exercises on alternating days and concurrently underwent four modules of iCBT courses delivered through a smartphone application.

Inclusion Criteria:

• being an active firefighter and aged between 18 and 50
• having a score greater than zero on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
• with no history of severe depression

Exclusion Criteria:

• having suicidal ideation or intent
• having an active psychotic disorder other than depression
• prior participation in a cognitive-behavioral intervention
• concurrent participation in another study.