Secondary analysis evaluates mediation of mechanisms in virtual reality CBT and standard CBT for schizophrenia-related paranoia, suggesting equivalent pathways.
Key Points
This study aimed to identify potential mediators of treatment effects in VR-CBT and standard CBT for schizophrenia-related paranoia.
Conducted a secondary analysis of the FaceYourFears trial with a per-protocol sample (VR-CBTp: n = 96; CBTp: n = 90)
Utilized Pearson correlations, linear regression, and structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyze mediators
Examined safety behaviours, belief inflexibility, and core beliefs as mediators of treatment outcomes.
No significant differences in mediators between VR-CBTp and CBTp were found
Belief inflexibility showed a p-value of 0.041 but was non-significant after covariate adjustment
No support for hypotheses regarding differential mediation effects between interventions.