Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE): An online, multi-session intervention improves interoceptive sensibility for military personnel

Objective This preregistered randomized controlled trial tested the effects of a four-session, online interoceptive awareness intervention relative to an active comparator, matched for time and attention on interoception and suicidal ideation. Method Participants (N = 195; 69% male; mean age = 37) were active duty service members (62%) and veterans (38%) who completed measures of interoceptive sensibility, interoceptive accuracy, and suicidal ideation at baseline. They were randomized to either the interoceptive awareness intervention, Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE), or the comparator, Healthy Habits. Participants completed the assessment battery again at posttest as well as a 1 and 3-month follow-up. Results RISE was rated as acceptable and demonstrated excellent feasibility per completion rates (85% completed all four modules). RISE improved the majority of interoceptive sensibility domains assessed (noticing body sensations, not worrying about sensations of pain or discomfort, emotional awareness, self-regulation, body listening, and body trust), and most of these gains remained at 1 and 3-month follow-ups. There were no differences between conditions on suicidal ideation, perhaps due to the low levels of ideation reported, or interoceptive accuracy. Conclusions RISE is a disseminable, cost-effective, and transdiagnostic intervention that improves interoceptive sensibility up to 3 months.