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RECRUITINGINTERVENTIONAL

Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress

Important: This information is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

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.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: - 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 - High self-reported worry, rumination, and/or self-criticism - Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for at least one, current psychological disorder Who Should NOT Join This Trial: - 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 - Current students at Teachers College, Columbia University - Individuals with cardiac conditions, diagnosed hyperhidrosis, and traumatic brain injuries or other neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy) Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 * High self-reported worry, rumination, and/or self-criticism * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for at least one, current psychological disorder Exclusion Criteria: * 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 * Current students at Teachers College, Columbia University * Individuals with cardiac conditions, diagnosed hyperhidrosis, and traumatic brain injuries or other neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy)

Treatments Being Tested

BEHAVIORAL

Online, Self-Directed Attention Skills Training with Coaching Support

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.

BEHAVIORAL

Online, Self-Directed Attention & Reflective Thought Skills Training with Coaching Support

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.

BEHAVIORAL

Online, Self-Directed Health & Wellness Education Training with Coaching Support

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.

Locations (1)

Teachers College, Columbia University
New York, New York, United States