Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
American youth and young adults face persistent and chronic stressors, which have contributed to a mental health crisis in the United States. Four in 10 American high school students experience chronic feelings of sadness and hopelessness, 2 in 10 report suicidal ideation, and 1 in 10 attempt suicide. For adolescents and young adults, chronic stress translates to weathering, or wear and tear on the mind and body. Chronic stress in youth contributes to psychological distress, elevated allostatic load, and an elevated risk for chronic diseases and premature death. While the connection between chronic stress and health is well documented, few studies provide evidence on innovative, non-medication strategies to reduce stress and mitigate the consequences of chronic stress on psychological and physiological outcomes. Thus, there is a critical need to rigorously test interventions that prevent the negative influence of chronic stress on mental and physical health, beginning in adolescence. The specific aims of the study are to 1) Determine whether a community-engagement, peer-based behavioral intervention reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents and young adults, 2) Determine whether a community-engagement behavioral intervention lowers allostatic load scores in adolescents and young adults, and 3) Identify factors that help sustain or inhibit community-engagement and intervention effects for adolescents and young adults. To accomplish these aims, the team will conduct a phase II community-engaged, peer group-based, multi-component randomized behavioral clinical trial. We will collect psychological and physiological measures at baseline, then at 6-month intervals for 2 years post-community-engaged, skills training.
Detailed Description: The investigators will conduct a phase II group-based, multi-component, and multi-level randomized behavioral clinical trial. The investigators will recruit and enroll 300 participants aged 15-20 (N=150 intervention and N=150 control) in Chicago, Illinois. After enrollment, participants will be randomized using a block-stratified randomization technique to ensure balance regarding race, ethnicity, and gender. Once participants are recruited, the investigators will use a computer-generated random number sequence to assign participants to the intervention group (Rise Commun…
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 15-20 years old 2. Identify as Black and/ or Hispanic/Latine 3. Speak English Exclusion Criteria: 1. Younger than 15 years old, or older than 20 years old 2. Unable to attend the in-person sessions 3. Non-fluent English speaker 4. Do not identify as Black or Hispanic/Latine
The "Rise Together" RJA intervention is a block stratified randomized, group behavioral intervention designed for Black and Latinx adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The curriculum will specifically focus on the principles of AYAs community engagement and problem-solving skills through peer relationships. Trained facilitators will lead both didactic and interactive sessions on 1) Community Building, 2) Unpacking Stress and Community Needs, 3) Creating SMART Goals, 4) Researching and Refining SMART Goals, 5) Building Your Team, 6) Story Sharing, and 7) Action Planning, focused on community needs and engagement. Participants will learn how to use sources to understand what the community needs (e.g., transportation, healthcare, and education). Participants will analyze policy, develop SMART goals, identify community leaders, and develop plans with peers. Additionally, Rise Together will foster a network of peer support and equip AYAs with community engagement knowledge.
Adulting 101: Life Skills attention control is a 5-day in-person program that will meet the same number of sessions and duration as the experimental intervention. This attention control is based on the "Project Life" program, which was initially developed for individuals supporting youth transitioning out of foster care to teach life skills for independent living. This curriculum is delivered through didactic and interactive modules that provide knowledge and informational resources, along with hands-on activities and life skills demonstrations. Sessions include: 1) Community Building, 2) Career Preparation, 3) Education, 4)Money Management, 5) Health and Nutrition, 6) Home Management, and 7) Story Sharing. Participants will learn skills for adulthood and gain experience, developing career and education goals.