Enhancing Purpose and Well-Being Through a Volunteering Experience Connecting Veterans With English Language Learners
University of Michigan
Summary
The goal of this study is to refine and test a strategy for engaging Veterans with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) as volunteers to help English language learners (ELLs) improve their speaking skills via structured conversations using videoconferencing.
Description
The investigators goal is to do interventional research addressing the loss of purpose and social isolation among Veterans with depression and anxiety disorders. Following on the recent successful pilot among Veterans with depression, anxiety, and PTSD recruited via social media, the objective of this project is to conduct an intervention pilot with 40 pairs of Veterans with diagnosed depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and/or PTSD recruited from the VA, and English-language learners (ELLs). To accomplish this goal, staff will dedicate time in areas including: (1) Tailoring training and…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Veteran coach participant Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * fluent English speakers * diagnosis of depression, anxiety, or PTSD in their outpatient record in the last 12 months. * be able to participate in a videoconference via a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer in their home using a widely-accessible, no cost videoconferencing platform. Exclusion Criteria: * schizophrenia * dementia * traumatic brain injury that significantly impedes ability to participate in sessions * significant sensory impairment * current alcohol or drug abuse/dependence that would affec…
Interventions
- OtherIntervention (videoconferencing)
1 hour videoconferencing sessions over 8 weeks with an English language learner partner.
Location
- Center for Clinical Management Research (CCMR), North Campus Research ComplexAnn Arbor, Michigan