Personality traits predict and moderate the outcome of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for chronic tinnitus

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate whether the Big Five personality traits predict the outcome of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) and whether they moderate the outcome between ICBT and face-to-face group cognitive behavioural therapy (GCBT). Design: This study investigated the Big Five personality traits as predictors and moderators of the outcome (tinnitus handicap) in a trial comparing ICBT and GCBT for chronic tinnitus. Study sample: N = 84 patients with chronic tinnitus were randomised to either ICBT (n = 41) or GCBT (n = 43). Results: A multilevel model for discontinuous change was performed. Higher scores on the “openness” scale of the Big Five Personality Inventory (BFI-10) predicted a lower tinnitus handicap (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, THI) at post-treatment in ICBT (p < 0.05). Openness moderated the outcome at post-treatment in favour of ICBT (p < 0.05). Higher scores on the BFI-10 “conscientiousness” scale predicted a more favourable outcome in ICBT at 6-month (p < 0.05) and 12-month follow-up (p < 0.05), but the BFI-10 “conscientiousness” scale was positively associated with the THI at baseline (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ICBT might be the preferred treatment choice for tinnitus patients being open towards new experiences. Moreover, ICBT requires autonomous work and self-motivation by the patient in order to have an impact.

Key Words:

• Tinnitus
• cognitive behavioural therapy
• Internet-based therapy
• personality traits
• predictors
• moderators

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Vendela Zetterqist Westin for general training on ICBT interventions, Alexander Alasjö and George Vlaescu for support with the website and the employees of the University Outpatient Clinic for Psychotherapy in Mainz for assistance with requests from tinnitus patients.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

This work was supported in parts by the Swedish Research Council (HEAD Linnaeus 18 grant, 349-2007-8654).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in parts by the Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas and Swedish Research Council (HEAD Linnaeus grant, 349-2007-8654).