A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress
Teachers College, Columbia University
Summary
This study is being done to compare the effectiveness of three different skills trainings to cope with distress. These three trainings are: 1) an attention skills training, 2) an attention and reflective thought skills training, and 3) a health and wellness education training.
Description
Adults living in New York City between the ages of 18-65 and experiencing elevated levels of worry, rumination, and/or self-criticism may be eligible to participate. After being informed about the study and potential risks, participants giving written informed consent will complete an online screening visit to determine full study eligibility. Eligible participant will then be randomized to complete 6-weeks of one of three self-directed, online skills training about coping with distress. The present study is evaluating whether these skills trainings demonstrate efficacy in: 1) improving outco…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and 65 * Fluent in English (and therefore able to provide consent) * Currently living in New York City * Access to a smartphone and the internet * High self-reported worry, rumination, and/or self-criticism * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for at least one, current psychological disorder Exclusion Criteria: * Active suicidal ideation or intent * Substance dependence disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar-I disorder, or a primary DSM-5 diagnosis of borderline or narcissistic personality disord…
Interventions
- BehavioralOnline, Self-Directed Attention Skills Training with Coaching Support
The initial set of modules focus on psychoeducation about distress, the impact that cognitions/behaviors/emotions have on recent situations, and self-monitoring of worry/rumination/self-criticism. The next set of modules focus on the development of attention skills that help regulate one's emotional experience (i.e., recognizing emotions when they are happening, identifying the meaning of a given emotion experience, soothing oneself in the context of negative emotional experiences). All modules will be online and self-directed. An internet-based online platform will be used to promote engagement with and increase accessibility to between-session skills practice and treatment-related activities (e.g., self-monitoring, worksheets). Brief, weekly coaching support (from a trained, masters-level student) will be provided to promote engagement and to help clarify concepts.
- BehavioralOnline, Self-Directed Attention & Reflective Thought Skills Training with Coaching Support
The initial set of modules focus on psychoeducation about distress, the impact that cognitions/behaviors/emotions have on recent situations, and self-monitoring of worry/rumination/self-criticism. The next set of modules focus on the development of attention and reflective thinking skills that help regulate one's emotional experience (i.e., recognizing emotions when they are happening, identifying the meaning of a given emotion experience, soothing oneself in the context of negative emotional experiences). All modules will be online and self-directed. An internet-based online platform will be used to promote engagement with and increase accessibility to between-session skills practice and treatment-related activities (e.g., self-monitoring, worksheets). Brief, weekly coaching support (from a trained, masters-level student) will be provided to promote engagement and to help clarify concepts.
Location
- Teachers College, Columbia UniversityNew York, New York