Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress

ConditionsDistress, Emotional Emotional Dysfunction Anxiety Depression

Trial statusRecruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexAll

Age18-65

SponsorTeachers College, Columbia University

About this trial

This study is being done to compare the effectiveness of three different skills trainings to cope with distress. These three trainings are: 1) an attention skills training, 2) an attention and reflective thought skills training, and 3) a health and wellness education training.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Between the ages of 18 and 65

Fluent in English (and therefore able to provide consent)

Currently living in New York City

Access to a smartphone and the internet

Disqualifiers

Active suicidal ideation or intent

Substance dependence disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar-I disorder, or a primary DSM-5 diagnosis of borderline or narcissistic personality disorder

Individuals currently receiving therapy or psychosocial treatment who do not plan to continue with the same treatment throughout the study period

Individuals taking psychotropic mediation that has not been stabilized for a period of at least 3 months

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

Online, Self-Directed Attention Skills Training with Coaching Support
Behavioral
The initial set of modules focus on psychoeducation about distress, the impact that cognitions/behaviors/emotions have on recent situations, and self-monitoring of worry/rumination/self-criticism. The next set of modules focus on the development of attention skills that help regulate one's emotional experience (i.e., recognizing emotions when they are happening, identifying the meaning of a given emotion experience, soothing oneself in the context of negative emotional experiences). All modules will be online and self-directed. An internet-based online platform will be used to promote engagement with and increase accessibility to between-session skills practice and treatment-related activities (e.g., self-monitoring, worksheets). Brief, weekly coaching support (from a trained, masters-level student) will be provided to promote engagement and to help clarify concepts.
Online, Self-Directed Attention & Reflective Thought Skills Training with Coaching Support
Behavioral
The initial set of modules focus on psychoeducation about distress, the impact that cognitions/behaviors/emotions have on recent situations, and self-monitoring of worry/rumination/self-criticism. The next set of modules focus on the development of attention and reflective thinking skills that help regulate one's emotional experience (i.e., recognizing emotions when they are happening, identifying the meaning of a given emotion experience, soothing oneself in the context of negative emotional experiences). All modules will be online and self-directed. An internet-based online platform will be used to promote engagement with and increase accessibility to between-session skills practice and treatment-related activities (e.g., self-monitoring, worksheets). Brief, weekly coaching support (from a trained, masters-level student) will be provided to promote engagement and to help clarify concepts.
Online, Self-Directed Health & Wellness Education Training with Coaching Support
Behavioral
The initial set of modules focus on psychoeducation about stress, the impact that stress has on one's life, and self-monitoring of stress. The next set of modules focus on sleep, time management, nutrition, and exercise. All modules will be online and self-directed. An internet-based online platform will be used to promote engagement with and increase accessibility to between-session skills practice and treatment-related activities (e.g., self-monitoring, worksheets). Brief, weekly coaching support (from a trained, masters-level student) will be provided to promote engagement and to help clarify concepts.

Treatment groups

180 Participants

are divided into 3 treatment groups

Group A: Attention Skills TrainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: Attention and Reflective Thought Skills TrainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group C: Health and Wellness Education TrainingExperimental treatment 1 intervention