NCT06788678 · VA Office of Research and Development
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Moral Elevation Intervention for Veterans With PTSD
What this study is about
Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are many challenges to successful trauma recovery for Veterans including difficulties starting and completing these treatments and gaps in fully addressing additional important treatment targets including lower social functioning and quality of life.
View original scientific description
Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are many challenges to successful trauma recovery for Veterans including difficulties starting and completing these treatments and gaps in fully addressing additional important treatment targets including lower social functioning and quality of life. Alternative, stand-alone treatment options that address a range of outcomes and can be easily accessed are needed to expand the reach of PTSD treatment to Veterans. One way to address this need is with a positive psychology intervention called MOVED, which has shown promise in a prior pilot study. MOVED is a web-based, self-guided intervention (8 sessions, 4 weeks) that uses moral elevation-feeling inspired by others' virtuous actions. This clinical trial will test if MOVED leads to decreased PTSD symptoms and increased social functioning and quality of life compared to a generic supportive treatment that does not focus on moral elevation. Results will help determine if MOVED is a useful alternative approach to target trauma recovery among Veterans with PTSD.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
MOVED
MOVED includes 8 self-guided, web-based sessions administered over 4 weeks. Web-based sessions include 3 core components: (1) elicit moral elevation, (2) engage in reflection about moral elevation response, and (3) set a behavioral goal that is inspired by the moral elevation exercise.
OTHER
Supportive Care Control
A present-centered, nondirective intervention that aims to control for the nonspecific therapeutic effects of supportive care. In this case, the effects of engaging in regular web-based sessions that convey information about PTSD symptoms. Sessions will include psychoeducation materials about PTSD symptoms, functioning, and resources for dealing with related stressors. Key components of MOVED will be strictly excluded.
Primary outcome measures
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5)
Time frame: Follow-up assessments at posttreatment, 3-months, and 6-months.
The CAPS-5 is a 30-item structured interview that will be used to assess clinician-rated PTSD symptom severity (range = 0-80).
World Health Organization Quality of Life - Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF)
Time frame: Follow-up assessments at posttreatment, 3-months, and 6-months.
The WHOQOL-BREF is a 26-item self-report measure that will be used to assess overall quality of life with 4 domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment). Subscales scores are computed by summing all items for each subscale, then all scores are transformed to a range of 0-100. A higher score signifies higher or better quality of life.
World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0)
Time frame: Follow-up assessments at posttreatment, 3-months, and 6-months.
The WHODAS 2.0 is a self-report measures of functioning. Two socially-oriented subscales comprised of 13 items total will be used to assess social functioning across the Getting Along and Participation domains. Higher scores indicate greater functioning.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Enrolled in a VISN 17 health care system
- English-speaking and able to provide written informed consent
- Willingness to complete study procedures and be randomized
- Internet access and an electronic device to complete the web-based sessions
- Current diagnosis of PTSD based on the CAPS-5
- History of PTSD diagnosis for at least 1 year
Exclusion criteria
- History of severe traumatic brain injury indicated by medical record review and the Ohio State Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID)
- Current psychosis or mania as indicated by medical record review and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)
- Current suicide risk based on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)
- Currently enrolled and actively participating in a trauma-focused treatment including:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Prolonged Exposure
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
Where
- Temple, Texas
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 19, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations