Counselor-assisted problem solving improves caregiver efficacy following adolescent brain injury.

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to examine the efficacy of Counselor-Assisted Problem Solving (CAPS) in improving caregiver adaptation following traumatic brain injury (TBI). In a randomized clinical trial comparing CAPS (n = 65), an online problem-solving intervention with accompanying Web-based counseling sessions, with an information-based Internet Resource Comparison (IRC; n = 67) program, participants included families of 12- to 17-year-olds who had sustained a TBI in the past 6 months. Linear regression analyses were used to identify main effects and to examine whether caregiver education, race, or prior computer use moderated treatment efficacy. Computer experience moderated postintervention improvements in caregiving self-efficacy following CAPS, Specifically, parents in CAPS with low levels of prior use reporting the greatest improvements. CAPS participants who completed 5 or more sessions reported greater reductions in depression than did the IRC; however, the groups did not differ on global distress. Findings support the potential utility of counselor-supported Web-based interventions particularly for individuals with limited computer expertise following adolescent TBI.