The Role of Trauma-Related Avoidance in Trauma-Focused Treatment: Comparison between 3MDR and Standard Trauma-Focused Treatments

Bezemer, Lide (2025) The Role of Trauma-Related Avoidance in Trauma-Focused Treatment: Comparison between 3MDR and Standard Trauma-Focused Treatments. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

PTSD is an impairing disorder, and many individuals continue to have symptoms after treatment. Trauma-related avoidance is a core symptom of PTSD, and may play a role in maintaining the disorder. This study examined the association between trauma-related avoidance reduction and reductions in other PTSD symptoms, and investigated whether the novel treatment 3MDR is more effective than standard trauma-focused treatments in reducing trauma-related avoidance. Patients with PTSD (n = 117) were randomly assigned to either 3MDR or standard trauma-focused treatment. Trauma-related avoidance was measured pre- and post-treatment using both clinician-rated (CAPS-5) and patient-rated (PABQ) measures, and a Spearman’s correlation and a mixed-design ANOVA were conducted. Results showed that reductions in trauma-related avoidance were associated with reductions in other PTSD symptoms. Both treatment conditions showed significant decreases in trauma-related avoidance, but no significant differences were found between 3MDR and standard trauma-focused treatments. These results are consistent with previous studies supporting the association between trauma-related avoidance and PTSD symptoms, and add to preliminary findings that 3MDR may be effective in reducing trauma-related avoidance, but not more so than standard trauma-focused treatments. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of trauma-related avoidance reduction, and to examine in which cases 3MDR might provide added benefit over standard trauma-focused treatments. Keywords: PTSD, trauma-related avoidance, 3MDR, trauma-focused treatments, veterans

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Karsten, J.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	24 Apr 2025 14:38
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 14:38
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4847

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