University of Colorado, Denver
The goal of this study is to develop and test an outpatient intervention for preadolescents (ages 7-12) with self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Are the recruitment targets and study design feasible? 2. Is the new intervention feasible, acceptable, and appropriate? 3. Does the new intervention lead to more improvements in SITBs, mental health symptoms, and treatment targets relative to treatment as usual (TAU)? In Phase 1 (pre-implementation, months 1-6), enrolled preadolescent and caregiver dyads will receive TAU. In Phase 2 (post-implementation, months 7-13), enrolled dyads will receive the newly-developed SITB intervention. Participants will be recruited through referrals from the psychiatric emergency department at Children's Hospital Colorado. Participants will: 1. Complete an initial baseline assessment to determine eligibility and assess SITBs, mental health symptoms, executive functioning, and emotion regulation 2. Participate in an intervention lasting 6-12 weeks, including weekly or biweekly sessions 3. Complete additional assessments at post-treatment and 3-month follow-up 4. Participate in an interview sharing their perceptions of the intervention
In Stage 1 of the study (Aim 1), the investigators will iteratively design an intervention for preadolescent SITBs through a step-by-step process using frameworks for systematically developing and adapting interventions (Wingood et al., 2008; Bartholomew et al., 1998). The design process will incorporate user-centered design methods, whereby multisectoral experts and end-users (i.e., therapists and families) will participate in the design process to maximize the intervention's dissemination and implementation potential. In Stage 2 of the study (Aims 2 and 3), the new intervention will be evalu…
Inclusion Criteria: * between the ages of 7-12 * at least one caregiver/legal guardian able to participate (more permitted) * experienced at least one episode of SITBs within the last month * ability to attend weekly sessions in-person or via telehealth * ability to attend baseline and post-treatment assessments in-person. * estimated verbal IQ of 70 or greater Exclusion Criteria * symptoms interfering with ability to participate in assessments/therapy (i.e., psychosis) * estimated verbal IQ\<70 or previous diagnosis of intellectual development disorder * requiring inpatient psychiatric sta…
Typical interventions Outpatient therapist would provide to a preadolescent with SITBs, based on their clinical judgement
Experimental intervention developed with end-users and experts to target emotion regulation, executive functioning, and other risk factors for SITBs in preadolescents