Dartmouth PATH Review

There are two randomized controlled studies that studied the effectiveness of the program. The first study evaluated the program for its effectiveness in treating stress. 66 participants were randomly assigned to either a group that received the treatment program (SMART-OP group) or a group that received videos and published material on stress management (AC group). Participants were evaluated using self-report measures and the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). On measures of self-report, SMART-OP group reported significantly less stress, more perceived control over stress, and rated SMART-OP as significantly more useful than AC. (Rose, R. D., Buckey Jr, J. C., Zbozinek, T. D., Motivala, S. J., Glenn, D. E., Cartreine, J. A., & Craske, M. G. 2013. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005796712001738)

The second study evaluated the program for its effectiveness in treating depression. 45 participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder or dysthymia were randomized to either receive 6 weeks of the treatment program or no treatment. Participants were evaluated for improvement using the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Participants receiving the treatment program showed improvement in depression symptoms from moderate to mild levels of depression. The no-treatment control group showed no significant reduction in scores on the BDI-II. (Sandoval, L. R., Buckey, J. C., Ainslie, R., Tombari, M., Stone, W., & Hegel, M. T. 2017. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005789416300090)

This 2016 study wanted to investigate computer-based behavioral health countermeasures against stress, conflict, depression on individuals living in an isolated and confined environment. Six people took part in this study (3 males, 3 females). These participants spent eight months in group-isolation and used conflict, stress, and depression modules of the computer-based program. Data on the participants states were done by survey evaluations, data collection within the program and post deployment interviews. It was found that the computer based resources were helpful to the participants helping them maintain behavioral health. (Anderson, A. P., Fellows, A. M., Binsted, K. A., Hegel, M. T., & Buckey, J. C. 2016. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/amhp/2016/00000087/00000011/art00003)

A feasibility study explored the usability, acceptability, credibility, therapeutic alliance and efficacy of a stand-alone multimedia, interactive, computer-based Problem Solving Treatment program (ePST™) for depression. 23 participants completed a mini mally adequate dose of ePST (at least 4 sessions). Participants rated the program as highly usable, acceptable, and credible, and reported a therapeutic alliance with the program comparable to that observed in live therapy. (Berman, M. I., Buckey Jr, J. C., Hull, J. G., Linardatos, E., Song, S. L., McLellan, R. K., & Hegel, M. T. 2014. https://path.dartmouth.edu/resources/publications/pdf/Berman%20Behav%20Ther%202014nihms-570893.pdf)