Research

Scientific foundations and previous findings

Evidence-based web therapy for Arabic speakers builds on a long history of scientifically developed online treatment programs. Over the past decades, numerous web-based therapy approaches have been established in Western countries. One of the first scientifically evaluated therapy manuals, Interapy, was developed in the Netherlands under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Alfred Lange and Prof. Dr. Paul Emmelkamp. Based on a cognitive-behavioral therapy model, it uses structured writing therapy as a core method for processing traumatic experiences.

For use in the Arabic-speaking world, these therapy manuals were translated, culturally adapted, and scientifically evaluated by Prof. Dr. Christine Knaevelsrud (Freie Universität Berlin), Prof. Dr. Maria Böttche (Freie Universität Berlin), and Prof. Dr. Birgit Wagner (Medical School Berlin). In addition, the offering was expanded to include a web-based therapy for the treatment of depression.

Web-based therapies are now widespread in Western societies and are considered an established complement or alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy. This is particularly relevant for regions with limited access to psychotherapeutic care.

Scientific Evaluation of Web-Based Interventions

Several treatment studies have been conducted with Arabic-speaking participants who registered from around the world. To date, several thousand individuals have taken part in online treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Participants complete standardized questionnaires before treatment as well as three and six months after completion. The data is collected anonymously and statistically evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the therapeutic approaches. Additionally, information is gathered on how patients perceived the online delivery via internet or smartphone.

The treatment outcomes have been consistently positive:

• Significant reduction in post-traumatic stress symptoms: fewer intrusive memories, anxiety, and avoidance behavior
• Strong reduction in depressive and physical symptoms
• Over 80% of participants report significant symptom reduction or complete relief
• The treatment is also suitable for severely traumatized or depressed individuals
• Around 80% of patients recommend the treatment to others

Current studies

In addition to the ongoing development and evaluation of evidence-based web therapy for Arabic speakers, Zentrum ÜBERLEBEN gGmbH is currently conducting further studies on related topics, including:

• Studies on common factors across therapeutic methods in Arabic-language web-based therapy
• Studies on psychological distress in survivors of sexualized violence
• A study on psychological distress and prolonged grief disorder following the loss of close persons

Previous publications

• Conflict-related and sexual trauma in treatment-seeking Arabic-speaking men: a cross-sectional study (2024)
• Efficacy of internet-based cognitive behavioral and interpersonal treatment for depression in Arabic speaking countries: A randomized controlled trial (2025)
• An internet-based cognitive behavioural intervention for adults with depression in Arabic-speaking countries: A randomized controlled trial (2024)
• Changes in trauma appraisal during brief internet-based exposure and cognitive restructuring treatment for Arabic-speaking people with PTSD (2024)
• Patterns of posttraumatic stress symptoms, their predictors, and comorbid mental health symptoms in traumatized Arabic-speaking people: A latent class analysis (2023)
• Exposure Versus Cognitive Restructuring Techniques in Brief Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Arabic-Speaking People With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Randomized Clinical Trial (2023)
• Prolonged grief disorder in Arabic-speaking treatment-seeking populations: Relationship with socio-demographic aspects, loss- and trauma-related characteristics, and mental health support (2022)
• Is only one cognitive technique also effective? Results from a randomized controlled trial of two different versions of an internet-based cognitive behavioural intervention for post-traumatic stress disorder in Arabic-speaking countries (2021)
• Should I stay or must I go? Predictors of dropout in an internet-based psychotherapy programme for posttraumatic stress disorder in Arabic (2020)
• Psychometric Properties of the Online Arabic Versions of BDI-II, HSCL-25, and PDS (2016)
• Web-Based Psychotherapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in War-Traumatized Arab Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial (2015)
• Online Working Alliance Predicts Treatment Outcome for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Arab War-Traumatized Patients (2012)
• Efficacy of an Internet-based Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Iraq: A Pilot Study (2011)