A Brief Fear of Uncertainty-Focused Intervention as an Adjunct to Lethal Means Counseling
Ohio State University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test whether inclusion of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for Uncertainty-Enhanced (CUE) with Lethal Means Counseling (LMC) is acceptable, feasible, and efficacious in addressing secure firearm storage and associated psychological constructs in active duty servicemembers. The clinical trial aims to: * Assess the preliminary efficacy of a LMC intervention, augmented with CUE, on firearm storage practices * Examine mechanisms through which CUE and LMC increase firearm storage practices * Assess credibility and acceptability of LMC Participants will complete: * One baseline visit * Two intervention sessions-CUE and LMC * Six brief surveys per day for 28 days using a mobile application * One mid-point survey and five follow-up surveys
Description
Firearms are the leading cause of death in US suicides and account for more than 60% of military suicides. A primary driver of these high rates appears to be ready access to firearms. Research suggests that firearm suicides could potentially be reduced by reducing and/or limiting access to firearms. Considering these data, lethal means counseling (LMC) is a recommended best practice for suicide prevention (e.g., National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention). Results of a recently completed Department of Defense-sponsored randomized control trial (RCT) conducted by the investigators showed t…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * are currently serving in any Branch or Component of the U.S. military, or were discharged from the U.S. military within the past 90 days * 18 years or older * Intolerance of uncertainty scale-12 total score equal to or greater than 35 (i.e., one SD above the community mean) * own at least one firearm located in their home or vehicle that is stored unlocked and loaded (i.e., not secure storage) * are able to speak and understand the English language Exclusion Criteria: * do not pass the Informed Decision Making Capacity (IDMC) screener, suggesting severe cognitive impai…
Interventions
- BehavioralLethal Means Counseling (LMC)
The research interventionist uses a guiding approach to identify methods for secure firearm storage and reflects the participant's reasons for and against secure firearm storage, with a particular focus on the service member's verbalized reasons for wanting to adopt or use the identified storage methods.
- BehavioralCBT for Uncertainty - Enhanced (CUE)
CUE consists of a 1-hour manualized intervention that uses interactive content to enhance participant learning of critical intervention components. The session includes (1) psychoeducation regarding the role of IU in exacerbating anxiety/mood sensations, (2) practice identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts about uncertainty and accompanying distress, and (3) behavioral activities to challenge participants' capacity to handle uncertainty.
Location
- Ohio State University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral HealthColumbus, Ohio