scholarly journals Counseling with guided use of a mobile well-being app for students with anxiety or depression: Clinical outcomes of a feasibility trial embedded in a student counseling service (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Broglia ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Michael Barkham
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Counseling Service ◽  
University Counseling ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Student Counseling

BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression continue to be prominent experiences of students approaching their university counseling service. These services face unique challenges to ensure that they continue to offer quality support to a growing student population and with less resource. The convenience and availability of mobile phone applications (apps) offer innovative solutions to address therapeutic challenges and expand the reach of traditional support. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study is to report on the outcomes of a feasibility trial in which guided use of a mobile phone well-being app was introduced into a student counseling service and offered as an adjunct to face-to-face counseling. METHODS The feasibility trial utilised a two-arm, parallel non-randomized design comparing counseling alone (Treatment As Usual) versus counseling supplemented with guided use of a mobile phone well-being app (intervention) for 38 university students experiencing moderate anxiety or depression. Students in both conditions received up to 6 sessions of face-to-face counseling within a 3-month period. Students who approached the counseling service and were accepted for counseling were invited to join the trial. Feasibility factors were evaluated including: recruitment duration, treatment preference, randomization acceptability and intervention fidelity. Clinical outcomes and clinical change were assessed with routine clinical outcome measures administered every counseling session and follow-up phases at 3- and 6-months after recruitment. RESULTS Both groups demonstrated reduced clinical severity by the end of counseling and this was particularly noticeable for depression and social anxiety, whereby students left the clinical boundary they reached at the intake assessment (baseline). By the 6-month follow-up, TAU clients’ (n = 18) anxiety had increased whereas intervention clients’ (n = 20) anxiety continued to reduce and this group difference was significant (GAD-7: (t(22) = 3.46, P = .002). This group difference was not replicated for levels of depression whereby students in both groups continued to reduce their levels of depression by a similar extent at the 6-month follow-up (PHQ-9: t(22) = 1.30, P = .21). CONCLUSIONS Supplementing face-to-face counseling with guided use of a well-being app is a feasible and acceptable treatment option for university students experiencing moderate anxiety or depression. The feasibility trial was successfully embedded into a university counseling service without denying access to treatment and with minimal disruption to the service. This study provides preliminary evidence for using a well-being app to maintain clinical improvements for anxiety following the completion of counseling. The design of the feasibility trial provides the groundwork for the development of future pilot trials and definitive trials embedded in a student counseling service. CLINICALTRIAL Registration: This trial was registered on 20/06/2016 (Ref: ISRCTN55102899)

scholarly journals Counseling With Guided Use of a Mobile Well-Being App for Students Experiencing Anxiety or Depression: Clinical Outcomes of a Feasibility Trial Embedded in a Student Counseling Service

10.2196/14318 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e14318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Broglia ◽  
Abigail Millings ◽  
Michael Barkham
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Counseling Service ◽  
University Counseling ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Student Counseling

Background Anxiety and depression continue to be prominent experiences of students approaching their university counseling service. These services face unique challenges to ensure that they continue to offer quality support with fewer resources to a growing student population. The convenience and availability of mobile phone apps offer innovative solutions to address therapeutic challenges and expand the reach of traditional support. Objective The primary aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of a trial in which guided use of a mobile phone well-being app was introduced into a student counseling service and offered as an adjunct to face-to-face counseling. Methods The feasibility trial used a two-arm, parallel nonrandomized design comparing counseling alone (treatment as usual, or TAU) versus counseling supplemented with guided use of a mobile phone well-being app (intervention) for 38 university students experiencing moderate anxiety or depression. Students in both conditions received up to 6 sessions of face-to-face counseling within a 3-month period. Students who approached the counseling service and were accepted for counseling were invited to join the trial. Feasibility factors evaluated include recruitment duration, treatment preference, randomization acceptability, and intervention fidelity. Clinical outcomes and clinical change were assessed with routine clinical outcome measures administered every counseling session and follow-up phases at 3 and 6 months after recruitment. Results Both groups demonstrated reduced clinical severity by the end of counseling. This was particularly noticeable for depression, social anxiety, and hostility, whereby clients moved from elevated clinical to low clinical or from low clinical to nonclinical by the end of the intervention. By the 6-month follow-up, TAU clients’ (n=18) anxiety had increased whereas intervention clients’ (n=20) anxiety continued to decrease, and this group difference was significant (Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7: t22=3.46, P=.002). This group difference was not replicated for levels of depression: students in both groups continued to decrease their levels of depression by a similar amount at the 6-month follow-up (Physical Health Questionnaire–9: t22=1.30, P=.21). Conclusion Supplementing face-to-face counseling with guided use of a well-being app is a feasible and acceptable treatment option for university students experiencing moderate anxiety or depression. The feasibility trial was successfully embedded into a university counseling service without denying access to treatment and with minimal disruption to the service. This study provides preliminary evidence for using a well-being app to maintain clinical improvements for anxiety following the completion of counseling. The design of the feasibility trial provides the groundwork for the development of future pilot trials and definitive trials embedded in a student counseling service. Trial registration ISRCTN registry ISRCTN55102899; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN55102899

An investigation of perceived family phubbing expectancy violations and well-being among U.S. older adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis Kadylak
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Older Adult ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Expectancy Violations ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
Checking Behavior

Phubbing refers to the nonverbal behavior of glancing at, or using, one’s mobile phone during a face-to-face (FtF) interaction, whereby the mobile-phone-checking behavior is perceived to breach expectations of attention or etiquette. In general, phubbing can negatively affect interpersonal relationships and well-being. When younger family members’ phubbing behavior is perceived by older adult relatives as a violation of their conversational expectations, these older adults may feel ignored and disrespected. This study may be the first to investigate the associations between intergenerational family phubbing expectancy violations and indicators of well-being among older adults. Survey data were derived from a sample of U.S. Internet users aged 65 or above ( n = 679). The results suggested that both perceived frequency of family phubbing and family phubbing expectancy violations were inversely associated with mattering and indicators of well-being. Study limitations and potential directions for future research are discussed.

scholarly journals A Mobile Phone–Based Intervention to Improve Mental Health Among Homeless Young Adults: Pilot Feasibility Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M Schueller ◽  
Angela C Glover ◽  
Anne K Rufa ◽  
Claire L Dowdle ◽  
Gregory D Gross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Homeless Young Adults

BACKGROUND Youth homelessness is a substantial issue, and many youths experiencing homelessness have mental health issues as both a cause and consequence of homelessness. These youths face many barriers to receiving traditional mental health services, and as a result, only a few youths experiencing homelessness receive any form of mental health care. OBJECTIVE This project aimed to develop and determine the feasibility and acceptability of engaging young adults (ie, individuals aged 18-24 years) experiencing homelessness in a remotely delivered mental health intervention. This intervention provided brief emotional support and coping skills, drawing from cognitive behavioral principles as an introduction into psychosocial support. The intervention was piloted in a homeless shelter network. METHODS A total of 35 young adults experiencing homelessness participated in a single-arm feasibility pilot trial. Participants received a mobile phone, a service and data plan, and 1 month of support from a coach consisting of up to 3 brief phone sessions, text messaging, and mobile mental health apps. We evaluated feasibility by looking at completion of sessions as well as the overall program and acceptability with satisfaction ratings. We also collected clinical symptoms at baseline and the end of the 1-month support period. We used validity items to identify participants who might be responding inappropriately and thus only report satisfaction ratings and clinical outcomes from valid responses. RESULTS Most participants (20/35, 57%) completed all 3 of their phone sessions, with an average of 2.09 sessions (SD 1.22) completed by each participant. Participants sent an average of 15.06 text messages (SD 12.62) and received an average of 19.34 messages (SD 12.70). We found higher rates of satisfaction among the participants with valid responses, with 100% (23/23) of such participants indicating that they would recommend participation to someone else and 52% (12/23) reporting that they were very or extremely satisfied with their participation. We found very little change from pre- to posttreatment on measures of depression (d=0.27), post-traumatic stress disorder (d=0.17), and emotion regulation (d=0.10). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that it was feasible to engage homeless young adults in mental health services in this technology-based intervention with high rates of satisfaction. We did not find changes in clinical outcomes; however, we had a small sample size and a brief intervention. Technology might be an important avenue to reach young adults experiencing homelessness, but additional work could explore proper interventions to deliver with such a platform. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03620682; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03620682

Normalizing in student counseling: Counselors’ responses to students’ problem descriptions

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimmo Svinhufvud ◽  
Liisa Voutilainen ◽  
Elina Weiste
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
University Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Skills ◽  
Student Counseling

University students seek counseling to discuss concerns about their academic skills, motivation, time management and well-being. This article examines the conversational activity of normalizing recurrently used by counselors to manage students’ negative emotions and troubles-telling. Normalizing refers to an activity in which something in the interaction is made normal by labeling it ‘normal’ or ‘commonplace’ or by interpreting it in an ordinary way. Three uses for normalizing were identified in a sample of 16 videotaped counseling sessions: (1) supporting the student’s position, (2) challenging the student and (3) presenting the student’s problem as workable. We argue that normalizing is a means of addressing students’ problematic emotions and offering support, yet in a way that maintains an orientation toward problem solving. Furthermore, while normalizing seems to serve affiliation, suggesting that the problems are not unique, it can be treated either as delicate or as problematic by the counselors and by the students.

scholarly journals A Feasibility Study of a One-to-One Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Improving Mood in Stroke Survivors

Mindfulness ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Wrapson ◽  
Marlies Dorrestein ◽  
Jill Wrapson ◽  
Alice Theadom ◽  
Nicola M. Kayes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Evidence Based Treatment ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Cognitive Component ◽  
The Face ◽  
Trauma Informed ◽  
Potential Trial

Abstract Objectives Mindfulness is an evidence-based treatment for depression but has never been rigorously tested with stroke survivors with depression. This feasibility study examined several issues relevant to a potential trial of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) for improving mood after stroke. Methods In 2017–2019 in New Zealand, we recruited 20 stroke survivors with low mood to undergo a 6-week, one-on-one MBI course delivered by an occupational therapist experienced in MBIs. Pre, post, and 4-week follow-up assessments were completed. Results Fifteen participants completed all six sessions and a 4-week “booster” or top-up session. The 1-hour session duration was considered appropriate by participants and all enjoyed the face-to-face individualized format. Mean Beck Depression Inventory-II scores improved by more than one standard deviation and this was maintained at follow-up. However, the baseline assessment package was too long for some participants due to the cognitive component. Three participants indicated feeling emotionally challenged by some of the practices. These effects were managed by the mindfulness facilitator by adjusting the practice, so participants maintained their sense of agency, well-being, and overall benefit from the program. Conclusions MBI training delivered individually over six weekly sessions was acceptable to stroke survivors with 14/15 participants reporting improved mood. Three participants reported feeling emotionally challenged by some of the practices and we recommend MBIs for stroke survivors be provided by practitioners experienced in mindfulness, working with stroke, and trauma-informed therapy. It is important now to conduct rigorous randomized controlled trials to test the effectiveness and efficacy of MBIs for stroke survivors.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention programme with and without virtual reality support to reduce stress in university students: protocol for a randomized controlled pragmatic trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Modrego-Alarcón ◽  
María Teresa Navarro-Gil ◽  
María Beltrán-Ruiz ◽  
Alicia Monreal-Bartolomé ◽  
Santiago Gascón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Reality ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: There is growing concern about mental health problems in university students. For this reason, mindfulness training is becoming increasingly popular in university settings. However, mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) usually present high attrition rates. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a MBI to reduce perceived stress and to improve the psychological well-being of university students, as well as to explore the capacity of virtual reality (VR) to enhance adherence to the intervention. Methods: This study protocol presents a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving assessment time points of baseline, posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. A total of 280 students from the Spanish National Distance Education University (UNED) or the University of Zaragoza will be randomly assigned to a mindfulness condition, a mindfulness condition complemented by VR, and a relaxation condition to serve as a control group. Stress will be the main outcome and will be measured using the 10-item self-report Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Other well-being and academic functioning outcomes will be assessed, as well as variables that explore the impact of VR. Multilevel mixed-effects models will be calculated to estimate the efficacy of the programme, and effect size estimations will be carried out. Effects of VR in adherence to programme will be evaluated. Discussion: Some strengths of this study are the RCT design, which includes a suitable active control group and a 6-month follow-up assessment; a large sample size of university students at different stages of their courses and a variety of degrees; and the incorporation of the VR support to facilitate completion of the MBI programme. Potential limitations are the voluntary participation of the students and the utilization of self-report measures.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03771300.

scholarly journals Protocol for the Work Engagement and Well-being Study (SWELL): A randomised controlled feasibility trial evaluating the effects of mindfulness versus light physical exercise at work

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maris Vainre ◽  
Julieta Galante ◽  
Peter Watson ◽  
Tim Dalgleish ◽  
Caitlin Hitchcock
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Preventative Interventions

Mental ill health is a major cause of disability. Workplaces are attractive for preventative interventions since most adults work while employers are interested in improving employees’ well-being and productivity. Mindfulness-based programmes are increasingly in occupational settings. However, there is inconsistent evidence whether mindfulness interventions improve work performance and how effective mindfulness-based programmes are, compared to other interventions, in preventing mental ill health.In this online randomised controlled feasibility trial, an anticipated 240 employees will be randomised to either a 4-week light physical exercise course or a mindfulness course of the same duration (1:1 allocation). The primary outcome is work performance, measured using the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. We aim to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and procedural uncertainties of a randomised controlled trial in a workplace, calculate an effect size estimate to inform power calculations for a larger trial, and explore whether improved executive function and/or enhanced mental health could be potential mechanisms underlying the effect of mindfulness on work performance. Outcomes will be collected at baseline, post-intervention and 12-week follow-up.

scholarly journals Internet-delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) for Adults with Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): A Study Protocol for a Randomized Feasibility Trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e046477
Author(s):  
Cintia Tur ◽  
Daniel Campos ◽  
Rocio Herrero ◽  
Sonia Mor ◽  
Alba López-Montoyo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Study Participant ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Prolonged Grief Disorder ◽  
Prolonged Grief ◽  
Loved One ◽  
Face To Face

IntroductionGrief is an emotional reaction to the loss of a loved one with a natural recovery. Approximately 10% of people who lose a loved one develop prolonged grief disorder (PGD). Internet-based and computer-based interventions (ie, internet-delivered cognitive–behavioural therapy, iCBT) are a cost-effective alternative that makes it possible to reach more people with PGD. The main aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of a new iCBT—called GROw—for PGD. As a secondary objective, the potential effectiveness of GROw will be explored.Methods and analysisThis study is a two-arm feasibility randomised trial. A total of 48 adults with PGD who meet the eligibility criteria will be randomised to the experimental group (iCBT: GROw) or the active control group (face-to-face CBT treatment). The treatment is organised sequentially in eight modules in the iCBT format and 8–10 sessions in the face-to-face format, and both formats have the same therapeutic components. There will be five assessment points with qualitative and quantitative evaluations: screening, baseline, after the intervention, 3-month follow-up and 12-month follow-up. Consistent with the objectives, the measures are related to the feasibility outcomes for the main aim of the study (participant adherence, expectations and satisfaction with the treatment, preferences, alliance and utility) and psychological and mental health outcomes for secondary analyses (symptoms of grief, symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety, affectivity, quality of life, work and social adaptation, post-traumatic growth, purpose in life, mindfulness and compassion).Ethics and disseminationThe Ethics Committee of the Universitat Jaume I (Castellón, Spain) granted approval for the study (CD/002/2019). Dissemination will include publications and presentations at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04462146.

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