Hackensack Meridian Health
The purpose of the study is to test two different training programs to find out which is better at helping people with a concussion or mild TBI (mTBI) improve their emotional health and well-being. Study participation is completely remote and will last approximately 8 months total, involving 4 assessment visits and 8 sessions of brain training via a secure video-conferencing platform. The 4 assessment visits (about 30-90 minutes each) include surveys and questionnaires about participant's emotional health. These assessment visits will take place before the training, immediately after the training, 3 months after training and 6 months after training. The 8 sessions of 1-on-1 training (about 60-90 minutes each) will be completed over the course of approximately 1 month.
Inclusion Criteria: * Mild TBI * ≥18 years old * ≥6 months post-TBI * Elevated alexithymia and emotion dysregulation * Capacity to consent * Speaks and understands English * Personal device capable of video conferencing and internet Exclusion Criteria: * Premorbid neurological disorder other than TBI * Degenerative neurologic condition * Active or uncontrolled major psychiatric disorder * Conditions that pose safety concern to self or others, such as suicide risk * Previous psychiatric hospitalization * Visual, hearing, communication, or cognitive impairments that would impede participation…
Program 1 will teach participants how to recognize, label, and differentiate their emotions. The program will cover ways to reduce feeling "confused" or numb, and decrease the feelings of anger, stress and being overwhelmed.
Program 2 will teach participants strategies to improve their overall brain health and functioning. It will also teach participants how to develop and work towards individualized short-term and long-term goals aimed at improving their quality of life.