Two brief group interventions for individuals with tinnitus in Israel

Abstract

Background/Aims Subjective tinnitus is a common impairment throughout the world and typically cannot be cured. Coping strategies are cognitive, affective, and behavioural approaches for managing stressors like tinnitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two brief interventions on coping and tinnitus-related distress. Methods A total of 45 individuals with tinnitus in Israel were allocated into one of three groups: acceptance and commitment therapy, coping effectiveness training, or a waitlist control group. Outcomes were assessed at three time points by the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, a measure of tinnitus-related distress. Results There was a significant difference among the groups on post-intervention Tinnitus Handicap Inventory assessment, but not on coping, when controlling for baseline scores. Pairwise comparisons indicated that the coping effectiveness training group scored significantly lower on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory than the waitlist control group. Conclusions While the results are promising, a larger study is needed to further explore the efficacy of the brief coping effectiveness training intervention.