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De Ossorno Garcia S, Edbrooke-Childs J, Salhi L, Ruby FJM, Sefi A, Jacob J. Examining concurrent validity and item selection of the Session Wants and Needs Outcome Measure (SWAN-OM) in a children and young people web-based therapy service. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1067378. [PMID: 36846241 PMCID: PMC9947788 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1067378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-session mental health interventions are frequently attended by children and young people (CYP) in both web-based and face-to-face therapy settings. The Session "Wants" and "Needs" Outcome Measure (SWAN-OM) is an instrument developed in a web-based therapy service to overcome the challenges of collecting outcomes and experiences of single-session therapies (SSTs). It provides pre-defined goals for the session, selected by the young person prior to the intervention, on which progress toward achievement is scored at the end of the session. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate the instrument's psychometric properties, including concurrent validity against three other frequently used outcome and experience measures, at a web-based and text-based mental health service. METHODS The SWAN-OM was administered for a period of 6 months to 1,401 CYP (aged 10-32 years; 79.3% white; 77.59% female) accessing SST on a web-based service. Item correlations with comparator measures and hierarchical logistic regressions to predict item selection were calculated for concurrent validity and psychometric exploration. RESULTS The most frequently selected items were "Feel better" (N = 431; 11.61%) and "Find ways I can help myself" (N = 411; 11.07%); unpopular items were "Feel safe in my relationships" (N = 53; 1.43%) and "Learn the steps to achieve something I want" (N = 58; 1.56%). The SWAN-OM was significantly correlated with the Experience of Service Questionnaire, particularly the item "Feel better" [rs(109) = 0.48, p < 0.001], the Youth Counseling Impact Scale, particularly the item "Learn the steps to achieve something I want" [rs(22) = 0.76, p < 0.001], and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, particularly the items "Learn how to feel better" [rs(22) = 0.72, p < 0.001] and "Explore how I feel" [rs(70) = -0.44, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION The SWAN-OM demonstrates good concurrent validity with common measures of outcome and experience. Analysis suggests that lesser-endorsed items may be removed in future iterations of the measure to improve functionality. Future research is required to explore SWAN-OM's potential to measure meaningful change in a range of therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Edbrooke-Childs
- Anna Freud Centre, CORC, London, United Kingdom.,Evidence Base Practice Unit (EBPU), University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louisa Salhi
- Kooth Plc, London, United Kingdom.,School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aaron Sefi
- Kooth Plc, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Jenna Jacob
- Anna Freud Centre, CORC, London, United Kingdom
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Jiwani Z, Tatar R, Dahl C, Wilson-Mendenhall CD, Hirshberg MJ, Davidson RJ, Goldberg SB. Examining Equity in Access and Utilization of a Freely Available Meditation App. NPJ MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 2:5. [PMID: 37159797 PMCID: PMC10164442 DOI: 10.1038/s44184-023-00025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Digital interventions have the potential to alleviate mental health disparities for marginalized and minoritized communities. The current study examined whether disparities in access and utilization of meditation in the United States (US) were reduced for a freely available meditation app. We analyzed demographic and usage data from US-based users of the Healthy Minds Program (HMP; N = 66,482) between October 2019 and July 2022. College education was associated with a greater likelihood of accessing (65.0% of users vs. 32.9% of the US population) and continuing to utilize the app (β = .11-.17). Conversely, identifying as African American was associated lower likelihood of accessing (5.3% vs. 13.4% of US population) and continuing to utilize the app (β = -.02-.03). African Americans were more likely to access content from an African American meditation teacher, but this did not appear to increase utilization. Additional efforts are warranted to identify factors which might reduce disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishan Jiwani
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin – Madison
| | - Raquel Tatar
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Healthy Minds Innovations
| | - Cortland Dahl
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Healthy Minds Innovations
| | | | | | - Richard J. Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Healthy Minds Innovations
| | - Simon B. Goldberg
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Simon B. Goldberg, Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 335 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Mall, Madison, WI, 53706.
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Klimczak KS, Twohig MP, Peacock GG, Levin ME. Using peer-support coaching to improve adherence to online ACT self-help for college mental health: A randomized controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2023; 160:104228. [PMID: 36455430 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Online self-help programs such as the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Guide address significant barriers to receiving therapy but suffer from low adherence rates. Peer-delivered coaching, using undergraduate students as coaches, is an innovative alternative to traditional coaching methods which may improve adherence in a more scalable format. To test the efficacy of peer-support coaching for college students using ACT Guide in a naturalistic setting, we conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial with three conditions (phone coaching, text message coaching, and a no support control group; N = 230). Participants were block randomized, and program adherence (i.e., number of modules completed) was the primary outcome. Participants completed significantly more ACT Guide modules in phone (M = 7.1, SD = 4.9) and text (M = 5.7, SD = 5) coaching than the no support control condition (M = 1.6, SD = 3.3, p < .001). Participants who received phone coaching experienced significant improvements across almost all measured outcomes as compared to the control group, while participants who received text coaching improved only on some outcomes compared to control (ps < .05). These results support peer-support coaching, particularly when delivered through phone calls, as an efficacious method for improving adherence to and outcomes from online self-help programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korena S Klimczak
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA.
| | - Michael P Twohig
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Gretchen G Peacock
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
| | - Michael E Levin
- Utah State University, Department of Psychology, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322, USA
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Du X, Bai X, Liu Y, Yuan S. Reading struggle stories of role models can improve the perseverance of undergraduates with low perseverance. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 36570059 PMCID: PMC9758677 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04168-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Perseverance refers to the ability that individuals show in the process of overcoming failure repeatedly and achieving success. The present study aimed to investigate how many stories about struggling role models undergraduates with a low level of perseverance need to read to effectively improve their perseverance after experiencing failure. Undergraduates with high and low levels of perseverance who had experienced failure were randomly assigned to read 5 struggle stories or 5 achievement stories of role models. They were asked to report their confidence in success, their emotional experience, and their persistent intentions after experiencing failure (i.e., their initial report after reading 0 stories) and then again after reading each story. The results showed that the participants' initially reported level of confidence in success improved after reading 1 struggle story of a role model and further improved after reading 5 struggle stories of role models. Furthermore, the participants' initially reported level of positive emotions increased after reading 1 struggle story or 1 achievement story of a role model, and the positive effects began to level off after reading 4 struggle stories or 4 achievement stories of role models. The participants' initially reported persistent intentions improved after reading 5 struggle stories of role models. These findings reveal that undergraduates can benefit from reading struggle stories of role models regardless of their perseverance levels. Undergraduates' confidence in success and their emotional experience can be improved more quickly than their persistent intentions after experiencing failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Du
- Zunyi Normal University, Zunyi, 563006 China
| | - Xuejun Bai
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387 China
| | - Ying Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387 China
| | - Sheng Yuan
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387 China
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Foster S, Estévez-Lamorte N, Walitza S, Dzemaili S, Mohler-Kuo M. Perceived stress, coping strategies, and mental health status among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland: a longitudinal study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 32:937-949. [PMID: 36515772 PMCID: PMC9749639 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02119-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal, prospective study investigated associations between perceived COVID-19-related stress, coping strategies, and mental health status among adolescents during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic and one year after the lockdown in Switzerland within a large, national sample. A self-report on-line survey was completed by 553 adolescents (age-range 12-18 years in 2021) in the summers of 2020 and 2021, assessing symptoms of various mental health problems, perceived COVID-19-related stressors, and coping strategies. Overall, participants reported less COVID-19 related stress one year after the lockdown, though mental health status remained stable. 'Challenges at home or with others' were significantly associated with mental health problems in both genders, whereas 'trouble getting medical care or mental health services 'was associated with mental health problems in girls. Perceived stress and pre-existing psychiatric problem were significantly linked to all mental health outcomes at both time points. Parents' poor relationships with partners during the lockdown was associated with increased anxiety symptoms in their children. Using cognitive restructuring to cope with stress was associated with less, while negative coping was associated with more anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms one year post lockdown. Girls appear to have been more affected by the pandemic than boys, with youths with pre-existing psychiatric problems especially vulnerable to its detrimental effects. Healthcare and school professionals should support to identify high-risk adolescents with negative and avoidant coping strategies and train youths to use positive coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Foster
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Natalia Estévez-Lamorte
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Shota Dzemaili
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Meichun Mohler-Kuo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Community Initiated Care: A blue-print for the practical realization of contextual behavioral science. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Cohen KA, Shroff A, Nook EC, Schleider JL. Linguistic distancing predicts response to a digital single-session intervention for adolescent depression. Behav Res Ther 2022; 159:104220. [PMID: 36323056 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Examining the linguistic characteristics of youths' writing may be a promising method for detecting youth who are struggling. In this study, we examined linguistic patterns of adolescent responses to writing prompts in a large, well-powered trial of an evidence-based, digital single-session intervention teaching malleability beliefs about personal traits and symptoms ("growth mindset"). Participants who completed the intervention as part of a larger randomized control trial were included in this preregistered study (n = 638, https://osf.io/zqmxt). Participants' responses were processed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count. We tested correlations between linguistic variables (i.e., linguistic distancing, positive affect, negative affect, insight, certainty), baseline outcome variables, post-intervention outcome variables, and 3-month post-intervention outcome variables. We also used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression models to identify key predictors of treatment outcomes. As hypothesized, greater use of linguistic distancing was associated with lower levels of baseline hopelessness and higher levels of perceived agency. Additionally, per LASSO models including all linguistic variables, greater use of linguistic distancing predicted larger reductions in depressive symptoms from baseline to three-month follow-up. Linguistic distancing appeared to account for 27% of the variance in depression trajectories when also accounting for baseline depression. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NO: NCT04634903.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akash Shroff
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, United States
| | - Erik C Nook
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, United States
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Kruzan KP, Williams KD, Meyerhoff J, Yoo DW, O'Dwyer LC, De Choudhury M, Mohr DC. Social media-based interventions for adolescent and young adult mental health: A scoping review. Internet Interv 2022; 30:100578. [PMID: 36204674 PMCID: PMC9530477 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health conditions are common among adolescents and young adults, yet few receive adequate mental health treatment. Many young people seek support and information online through social media, and report preferences for digital interventions. Thus, digital interventions deployed through social media have promise to reach a population not yet engaged in treatment, and at risk of worsening symptoms. Objective In this scoping review, we aimed to identify and review empirical research on social media-based interventions aimed at improving adolescent and young adult mental health. A secondary objective was to identify the features and functionalities of platforms described as social media. Methods Adhering to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews, the search was conducted in PubMed MEDLINE; Embase Central Register of Controlled Trials (Wiley); PsycINFO (Ebsco); Scopus; Web of Science; IEEE Xplore; ACM Digital Library; and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until November 2021. Studies were included if they involved adolescents or young adults (10-26 years of age) that meet clinical, or subclinical, levels of a mental health condition and include a pre- and post-assessment of mental health outcomes. Results Among the 18,380 references identified, 15 met full inclusion criteria and were published between 2017 and 2021-this included four randomized controlled trials, seven non-randomized pre-post trials, and four were experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Just five studies were delivered through an existing social media site (Facebook or Pixtori), with the remainder focused on purpose-built networks. Three studies involved adolescents or young adults who self-reported a mental health condition, seven involved young people diagnosed with a mental health condition by a clinician or who scored above a clinical threshold on valid clinical measure, three involved college students without a mental health inclusion criterion, and two studies focused on young people with a cancer diagnosis. Conclusions The review highlights innovations in the delivery of mental health interventions, provides preliminary evidence of the ability of social media interventions to improve mental health outcomes, and underscores the need for, and merit of, future work in this area. We discuss opportunities and challenges for future research, including the potential to leveragei existing peer networks, the use of just-in-time interventions, and scaling interventions to meet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee Payne Kruzan
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kofoworola D.A. Williams
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jonah Meyerhoff
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Dong Whi Yoo
- School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, 85 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
| | - Linda C. O'Dwyer
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Munmun De Choudhury
- School of Interactive Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology, 85 5th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA
| | - David C. Mohr
- Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW The rate of youth suicidal behaviors has gradually increased over the last 15 years and continues to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend burdens mental health services and demands significant developments in risk detection and delivery of interventions to reduce the risk. In this article we outline significant advances and recent findings in youth suicide research that may facilitate strategies for identifying and preventing suicide risk among youth at risk in general and in specific risk groups. RECENT FINDINGS The rise in suicide and suicidal behaviors is most likely to affect young people of racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender identity minorities and those living in poverty or experiencing maltreatment. The suicide rate in children is rising and demands special attention. Proximal risk factors for suicidal behavior compared with suicidal ideation have been suggested to identify near-term suicidal risk. Effective and scalable prevention strategies were identified, and the role of new technologies in suicide prevention among youth is to be determined. SUMMARY To reach broader suicide prevention in youth and reduce the pressure on mental healthcare, public health approaches and improved service access for minority youth and those living in underserved areas of the world are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Barzilay
- Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa
| | - Alan Apter
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva
- Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
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Kruzan KP, Fitzsimmons-Craft EE, Dobias M, Schleider JL, Pratap A. Developing, Deploying, and Evaluating Digital Mental Health Interventions in Spaces of Online Help- and Information-Seeking. PROCEDIA COMPUTER SCIENCE 2022; 206:6-22. [PMID: 37063642 PMCID: PMC10104522 DOI: 10.1016/j.procs.2022.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The internet is frequently the first point of contact for people seeking support for their mental health symptoms. Digital interventions designed to be deployed through the internet have significant promise to reach diverse populations who may not have access to, or are not yet engaged in, treatment and deliver evidence-based resources to address symptoms. The liminal nature of online interactions requires designing to prioritize needs detection, intervention potency, and efficiency. Real-world implementation, data privacy and safety are equally important and can involve transparent partnerships with stakeholders in industry and non-profit organizations. This commentary highlights challenges and opportunities for research in this space, grounded in learnings from multiple research projects and teams aligned with this effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaylee P. Kruzan
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | | | - Mallory Dobias
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Abhishek Pratap
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Kings College London, London, WC2R 2LS, UK
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Back to Basics: Lifestyle Interventions for Adolescent Depression. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2022; 30:283-302. [PMID: 36103683 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completing this activity, practitioners will be better able to:• Discuss and better understand the recently adopted screening standards for adolescents with depression and the potential advantages of using "lifestyle medicine"• Set up a process for providing effective interventions for the increased number of patients with adolescent depression• Design or update their toolbox of treatment options for adolescents with depression based on the new literature and increased demand. ABSTRACT Recently adopted quality standards recommend that pediatricians screen adolescents for depression and that they document follow-up plans for those who screen positive. As a result of these new recommendations, pediatricians and other pediatric providers, as well as psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, may face an increasing number of referrals and a growing need for effective interventions for adolescent depression. Given the widely acknowledged scarcity of traditional mental health resources, the current study reviewed the rapidly expanding array of evidence-based, but nontraditional, interventions applicable to outpatient pediatric and mental health care settings. Many of these interventions come from a lifestyle medicine framework. Lifestyle medicine interventions are congruent with the cultures of pediatrics and outpatient psychiatry, and offer additional evidence-based tools for providers managing adolescent depression. These interventions can be implemented individually or within group or community settings, and may be used in conjunction with more common interventions such as psychotherapy or psychotropic medications.
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Price MA, Hollinsaid NL. Future Directions in Mental Health Treatment with Stigmatized Youth. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022; 51:810-825. [PMID: 36007234 PMCID: PMC9835015 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2109652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Stigma refers to societally-deemed inferiority associated with a circumstance, behavior, status, or identity. It manifests internally, interpersonally, and structurally. Decades of research indicate that all forms of stigma are associated with heightened risk for mental health problems (e.g., depression, PTSD, suicidality) in stigmatized youth (i.e., children, adolescents, and young adults with one or more stigmatized identities, such as youth of Color and transgender youth). Notably, studies find that stigmatized youth living in places with high structural stigma - defined as laws/policies and norms/attitudes that hurt stigmatized people - have a harder time accessing mental health treatment and are less able to benefit from it. In order to reduce youth mental health inequities, it is imperative for our field to better understand, and ultimately address, stigma at each of these levels. To facilitate this endeavor, we briefly review research on stigma and youth mental health treatment, with an emphasis on structural stigma, and present three future directions for research in this area: (1) directly addressing stigma in treatment, (2) training therapists in culturally responsive care, and (3) structural interventions. We conclude with recommendations for best practices in broader mental health treatment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggi A. Price
- School of Social Work, Boston College, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
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Whaibeh E, Vogt EL, Mahmoud H. Addressing the Behavioral Health Needs of Sexual and Gender Minorities During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Review of the Expanding Role of Digital Health Technologies. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:387-397. [PMID: 35841471 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the role of digital health technologies in behavioral health treatment and promotion for sexual and gender minorities (SGM). RECENT FINDINGS Digital technologies have advantages and limitations at multiple levels in addressing SGM's behavioral health needs. For patients, digital technologies improve convenience and may reduce stigma; however, privacy concerns in the home may limit their utilization. Providers also benefit from the convenience of these technologies; however, not all providers are comfortable delivering virtual care to SGM. For society, digital technologies reduce transportation-related costs and increase access to healthcare in an increasingly hostile political climate for SGM; however, these advantages are limited by technological access and anti-SGM policies. Digital technologies can improve the behavioral health of SGM at the patient, provider, and systemic levels. Further efforts are necessary to standardize provider training, improve SUD-specific care delivery, and increase quality and accessibility of these technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emile Whaibeh
- Department of Public Health, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon.,École Doctorale Sciences Et Santé, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Emily L Vogt
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Dobias ML, Morris RR, Schleider JL. Single-Session Interventions Embedded Within Tumblr: Acceptability, Feasibility, and Utility Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e39004. [PMID: 35877163 PMCID: PMC9361144 DOI: 10.2196/39004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Existing mental health treatments are insufficient for addressing mental health needs at scale, particularly for teenagers, who now seek mental health information and support on the web. Single-session interventions (SSIs) may be particularly well suited for dissemination as embedded web-based support options that are easily accessible on popular social platforms. Objective We aimed to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of three SSIs, each with a duration of 5 to 8 minutes (Project Action Brings Change, Project Stop Adolescent Violence Everywhere, and REFRAME)—embedded as Koko minicourses on Tumblr—to improve three key mental health outcomes: hopelessness, self-hate, and the desire to stop self-harm behavior. Methods We used quantitative data (ie, star ratings and SSI completion rates) to evaluate acceptability and short-term utility of all 3 SSIs. Paired 2-tailed t tests were used to assess changes in hopelessness, self-hate, and the desire to stop future self-harm from before to after the SSI. Where demographic information was available, the analyses were restricted to teenagers (13-19 years). Examples of positive and negative qualitative user feedback (ie, written text responses) were provided for each program. Results The SSIs were completed 6179 times between March 2021 and February 2022. All 3 SSIs generated high star ratings (>4 out of 5 stars), with high completion rates (approximately 25%-57%) relative to real-world completion rates among other digital self-help interventions. Paired 2-tailed t tests detected significant pre-post reductions in hopelessness for those who completed Project Action Brings Change (P<.001, Cohen dz=−0.81, 95% CI −0.85 to −0.77) and REFRAME (P<.001, Cohen dz=−0.88, 95% CI −0.96 to −0.80). Self-hate significantly decreased (P<.001, Cohen dz=−0.67, 95% CI −0.74 to −0.60), and the desire to stop self-harm significantly increased (P<.001, Cohen dz=0.40, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.47]) from before to after the completion of Project Stop Adolescent Violence Everywhere. The results remained consistent across sensitivity analyses and after correcting for multiple tests. Examples of positive and negative qualitative user feedback point toward future directions for SSI research. Conclusions Very brief SSIs, when embedded within popular social platforms, are one promising and acceptable method for providing free, scalable, and potentially helpful mental health support on the web. Considering the unique barriers to mental health treatment access that many teenagers face, this approach may be especially useful for teenagers without access to other mental health supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory L Dobias
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | | | - Jessica L Schleider
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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Daimer S, Mihatsch LL, Neufeld SAS, Murray GK, Knolle F. Investigating the relationship of COVID-19 related stress and media consumption with schizotypy, depression, and anxiety in cross-sectional surveys repeated throughout the pandemic in Germany and the UK. eLife 2022; 11:75893. [PMID: 35781372 PMCID: PMC9252577 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Studies report a strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related stressors on the mental well-being of the general population. In this paper, we investigated whether COVID-19 related concerns and social adversity affected schizotypal traits, anxiety, and depression using structural equational modelling. In mediation analyses, we furthermore explored whether these associations were mediated by healthy (sleep and physical exercise) or unhealthy behaviours (drug and alcohol consumption, excessive media use). Methods: We assessed schizotypy, depression, and anxiety as well as healthy and unhealthy behaviours and a wide range of sociodemographic scores using online surveys from residents of Germany and the United Kingdom over 1 year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four independent samples were collected (April/May 2020: N=781, September/October 2020: N=498, January/February 2021: N=544, May 2021: N=486). The degree of schizotypy was measured using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), anxiety, and depression symptoms were surveyed with the Symptom Checklist (SCL-27), and healthy and unhealthy behaviours were assessed with the Coronavirus Health Impact Survey (CRISIS). Structural equation models were used to consider the influence of COVID-19 related concerns and social adversity on depressive and anxiety-related symptoms and schizotypal traits in relation to certain healthy (sleep and exercise) and unhealthy behaviours (alcohol and drug consumption, excessive media use). Results: The results revealed that COVID-19 related life concerns were significantly associated with schizotypy in the September/October 2020 and May 2021 surveys, with anxiety in the September/October 2020, January/February 2021, and May 2021 surveys, and with depressive symptoms in all surveys. Social adversity significantly affected the expression of schizotypal traits and depressive and anxiety symptoms in all four surveys. Importantly, we found that excessive media consumption (>4 hr per day) fully mediated the relationship between COVID-19 related life concerns and schizotypal traits in the January/February 2021 survey. Furthermore, several of the surveys showed that excessive media consumption was associated with increased depressive and anxiety-related symptoms in people burdened by COVID-19 related life. Conclusions: The ongoing uncertainties of the pandemic and the restrictions on social life have a strong impact on mental well-being and especially the expression of schizotypal traits. The negative impact is further boosted by excessive media consumption, which is especially critical for people with high schizotypal traits. Funding: FK received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 (Grant number 754,462). SN received funding from the Cundill Centre for Child and Youth Depression at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada and the Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund from the University of Cambridge. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and the measures different governments took to contain it, harmed many people’s mental well-being. The restrictions, combined with pandemic-related uncertainty, caused many individuals to experience increased stress, depression, and anxiety. Many people turned to unhealthy behaviours to cope, including consuming more alcohol or drugs, using media excessively, developing poor sleeping habits, or reducing the amount of exercise they did. Stress, drugs, poor sleep, and uncertainty can increase an individual’s risk of developing psychotic symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty thinking clearly. These symptoms may be temporary or part of a more lasting condition, like schizophrenia. The risk of developing these symptoms increases in people with ‘schizotypal traits’, such as a lack of close relationships, paranoia, or unusual or implausible beliefs. These individuals may be especially vulnerable to the harmful mental health effects of the pandemic. Daimer et al. demonstrated that people who were more worried about their life stability or financial situation during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had worse mental well-being than those who felt secure. In the experiments, volunteers completed a series of online mental health questionnaires at four different time points during the pandemic. People who reported feeling lonely, having negative thoughts, or experiencing fewer positive social interactions had more symptoms of mental illness. People who experienced more life disruptions also reported more anxiety or depression symptoms and more schizotypal traits. Daily consumption of at least four hours of digital media exacerbated negative mental health symptoms, and people with more pandemic-related life concerns also spent more time on digital media Daimer et al. suggest that increased media consumption among people with pandemic-related hardships may have increased mental health symptoms and schizotypal traits in these individuals. The survey results suggest that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including meaningful relationships, is essential to staying mentally healthy during extreme situations like a global pandemic. Protective interventions – such as strengthening social support networks, providing mental health education, or increasing mental healthcare provisions – are essential to prevent poor mental health outcomes during future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Daimer
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lorenz L Mihatsch
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sharon A S Neufeld
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Graham K Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Franziska Knolle
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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McLaughlin KA, Rosen ML, Kasparek SW, Rodman AM. Stress-related psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Behav Res Ther 2022; 154:104121. [PMID: 35642991 PMCID: PMC9110305 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced widespread societal changes that have required ongoing adaptation. Unsurprisingly, stress-related psychopathology has increased during the pandemic, in both children and adults. We review these patterns through the lens of several leading conceptual models of the link between stress and psychopathology. Some of these models focus on characteristics of environmental stressors-including cumulative risk, specific stressor types, and stress sensitization approaches. Understanding the specific aspects of environmental stressors that are most likely to lead to psychopathology can shed light on who may be in most need of clinical intervention. Other models center on factors that can buffer against the onset of psychopathology following stress and the mechanisms through which stressors contribute to emergent psychopathology. These models highlight specific psychosocial processes that may be most usefully targeted by interventions to reduce stress-related psychopathology. We review evidence for each of these stress models in the context of other widescale community-level disruptions, like natural disasters and terrorist attacks, alongside emerging evidence for these stress pathways from the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss clinical implications for developing interventions to reduce stress-related psychopathology during the pandemic, with a focus on brief, digital interventions that may be more accessible than traditional clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maya L Rosen
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, USA
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Gatto AJ, Elliott TJ, Briganti JS, Stamper MJ, Porter ND, Brown AM, Harden SM, Cooper LD, Dunsmore JC. Development and Feasibility of an Online Brief Emotion Regulation Training (BERT) Program for Emerging Adults. Front Public Health 2022; 10:858370. [PMID: 35757621 PMCID: PMC9226550 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.858370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental wellness is a critical component of healthy development in emerging adulthood and serves to protect against stress and promote resilience against psychopathology. Emotion regulation is a key mechanism for effective prevention because of its role in socio-emotional competence and its transdiagnostic significance for psychopathology. In this feasibility study, a brief, time and cost-effective emotion regulation training program for emerging adults (BERT) was developed and tested using the RE-AIM framework. Importantly, building interventions within the context of an implementation framework, such as the RE-AIM framework, enhances the chances that an intervention will be able to scale out and scale up. First, the brainwriting premortem method was utilized to refine program content, conducting focus groups a priori to identify potential program failures prior to program implementation. Undergraduate students (n = 12) attended four focus groups presenting initial program content. Four clinicians were also interviewed to determine program barriers. Qualitative analyses aggregated participant feedback to identify compliments, changes, and concerns about BERT and critical feedback was immediately implemented prior to initial testing. BERT was rooted in cognitive-behavioral practices and informed by the Gross model of emotion regulation. The 5-week program was then examined in a college sample (N = 42) to evaluate implementation (low attrition, high content engagement, favorable attitudes, low incidence of technical errors, costs), reach (enrollment and completion demographics comparable to the population in which recruitment took place), and efficacy (positive change in emotion regulation pre- to post-program). Of the recruited participants, 36 remained in the study where 27 completed at least 80% of program content. Repeated-measures ANOVAs exhibited significant improvements in emotion regulation, psychological distress, and negative affectivity, suggesting promising initial efficacy. Initial data provide support for feasibility and a future randomized control trial. BERT has potential significance for promoting healthy development as its brief electronic format reduced barriers and the program development process incorporated stakeholder feedback at multiple levels to inform better implementation and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Jo Gatto
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Nathaniel D. Porter
- University Libraries, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Department of Sociology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Anne M. Brown
- University Libraries, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Samantha M. Harden
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Lee D. Cooper
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Julie C. Dunsmore
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Addressing the substance use treatment gap in Africa using digital screening and brief interventions. Lancet Psychiatry 2022; 9:347-348. [PMID: 35429998 PMCID: PMC9168961 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00096-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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LeBlanc J, Talbot F, Fournier V, Titov N, Dear BF. Lessons learned from two feasibility trials of a translated and minimally monitored iCBT program for young adults among community and university samples. Internet Interv 2022; 28:100529. [PMID: 35371925 PMCID: PMC8971854 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2022.100529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Young adults are less likely to use traditional mental health services than adults. iCBT may be more youth friendly, but its access remains limited in several countries. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a minimally monitored transdiagnostic iCBT program translated from English to French and offered in Canada for the treatment of anxiety and depression among young adults. The impact of the program on resilience was also assessed. Twenty-five participants from community and university samples were included in the analyses in two separate single-group feasibility trials with a 3-month follow-up. Feasibility outcomes were attrition, adherence, treatment acceptability and treatment gains. Outcome measures included the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). In Trial 1 (N = 10), recruiting among the general population proved to be challenging. Low adherence (20%) and high attrition (80%) rates were observed. Methodological changes to recruitment were made and a second trial was conducted among university students using incentives (N = 15). About half of the participants completed treatment (55%, n = 8/15), 12/15 provided post-treatment data and 8/15 provided 3-month follow-up data. All study completers (100%; n = 14) reported they would recommend the program. Mixed effects model analyses revealed significant and large pre-post treatment reductions on the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 (Cohen's d = 1.09 and 1.64 respectively) with treatment gains maintained at follow-up. Moderate improvements were found on the CD-RISC post-treatment with further gains at follow-up (ds = 0.55 and 1.10 respectively). These finding suggest that future research on this French-Canadian version of the Mood Mechanic Course is feasible with appropriate attention to recruitment. Translating existing iCBT interventions and using minimal monitoring may be an optimal first step to initiate the cross-cultural dissemination of iCBT while increasing access to treatments among young adults. Lessons learned are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - France Talbot
- Université de Moncton, Canada,Corresponding author at: Université de Moncton, Moncton E1A 3E9, N.-B., Canada.
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Schleider JL, Beidas RS. Harnessing the Single-Session Intervention approach to promote scalable implementation of evidence-based practices in healthcare. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:997406. [PMID: 36925822 PMCID: PMC10012621 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.997406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Effective implementation of evidence-based practices often involves multi-level strategies targeting individual-, organizational-, and system-level determinants of change. Although these multi-level implementation approaches can successfully facilitate EBP uptake, they tend to be complex and resource intensive. Accordingly, there is a need for theory-driven, generalizable approaches that can enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of existing implementation approaches. We propose the Single-Session Intervention approach as an unexplored path to developing low-cost and scalable implementation strategies, especially those targeting individual-level behavior change. We argue that single-session strategies (S3) for implementation, which can simultaneously target myriad barriers to individual behavior change, may promote clinicians' EBP uptake and sustainment in a manner that is low-resource and scalable. We first overview the evidence-base supporting the Single-Session Intervention approach for patient-level outcomes; situate this approach within the implementation science literature by outlining its intersections with a leading framework, the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), as an exemplar; and illustrate how the TDF might directly inform the design and evaluation of single-session strategies for EBP implementation. Overall, single-session strategies (S3) for implementation reflect a promising but yet-to-be-tested means of streamlining and scaling individual-level behavior change efforts in healthcare settings. Future partnered research is needed to gauge the potential of this approach across diverse clinical and community contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Schleider
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Rinad S Beidas
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Penn Implementation Science Center at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (PISCE@LDI), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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