Predictors of Dropout in Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression

Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), provided with guidance, has been shown to outperform wait-list control conditions and appears to perform on par with face-to-face psychotherapy. However, dropout remains an important problem. Dropout rates for iCBT programs for depression have ranged from 0 to 75%, with a mean of 32%. Drawing from a recent study in which 117 people participated in iCBT with support, we examined participant characteristics, participants’ use of iCBT skills, and their experience of technical difficulties with iCBT as predictors of dropout risk. Educational level, extraversion, and participant skill use predicted lower risk of dropout; technical difficulties and openness predicted higher dropout risk. We encourage future research on predictors of dropout in the hope that greater understanding of dropout risk will inform efforts to promote program engagement and retention.