Group Intervention For Adolescents Research Articles

Moderators of long-term treatment outcome when comparing two group interventions for adolescents with ADHD: who benefits more from DBT-based skills training?

BackgroundPsychosocial interventions for adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), targeting emotional dysregulation and impulsive behaviors, have been requested, but the heterogeneity within this group makes it unlikely that there is one treatment that fits all. The aim of this study was to identify which adolescents with ADHD might have an effect from a structured skills training group (SSTG) based on dialectical behavioral therapy, by exploring pre-treatment characteristics as potential moderators of long-term treatment outcome.MethodsThis study was based on follow-up data from a randomized controlled trial comparing the SSTG (n = 71) to a psychoeducational control intervention (n = 57) for adolescents with ADHD (15–18 years old). Clinical characteristics (sex, age, medication status, ADHD presentation, severity of ADHD symptom, psychiatric comorbidity, impairment of emotional dysregulation and functional impairment) were explored as potential moderators of pre-treatment to follow-up change in ADHD symptoms and functional impairment. Moderation analyses were performed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.ResultsThree moderators (severity of hyperactivity/impulsivity, conduct problems and impairment of emotional dysregulation) were identified in regard to the outcome self-rated change in ADHD symptoms. Participants with elevated pre-scores on these variables had a better effect of the SSTG than of the psychoeducational control intervention. No moderators were found in regard to the parental-rated outcomes.ConclusionsThe SSTG seems to be beneficial for adolescents with ADHD who perceive pronounced symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, conduct problems and emotional dysregulation. Our findings need to be confirmed in future trials evaluating dialectical behavioral therapy-based skills training for adolescents with ADHD, where these moderators could be used as criteria for inclusion or stratification.Trial registrationhttps://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17366720, retrospectively registered.

44.7 Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents (BRAVA): Piloting a Virtual Adaptation of a Brief Group Intervention for Adolescents With Mild-to-Moderate Suicidal Ideation and Their Caregivers

Objectives: Suicidal ideation (SI) is common in adolescents and increases the risk of completed suicide. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers rapidly shifted to providing telehealth and virtual options for clients. Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents (BRAVA) is a group intervention designed for adolescents and their caregivers to reduce adolescent SI. The objective of this study was to adapt BRAVA for virtual delivery and evaluate the feasibility of this adaptation. Methods: We conducted an 8-week open trial between October and December 2020. Twelve participants (6 adolescents and 6 primary caregivers) were recruited from a pediatric hospital in Eastern Ontario. Through Zoom, adolescents and caregivers completed an intake assessment together, 6 weekly BRAVA group sessions separately, and an exit assessment together 1-week post-BRAVA. The primary adolescent outcome variable was the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire Junior (SIQ-JR). Data were analyzed in IBM SPSS v.27. Pre-post comparisons on the SIQ-JR were done with a 2-tailed t test for matched pairs. Results: The study uptake rate was 42.9% of the eligible participants. There were no study dropouts. Adolescent (Mean [M] age = 15.3 years;SD age = 1.0;66.7% female) and caregiver attendance rates for BRAVA group sessions were high (median = 6). Overall group satisfaction scores were high for adolescents (M = 4.2;SD = 0.8) and their caregivers (M = 4.2;SD = 0.7). Most youth (83.4%) and caregivers (66.7%) reported that the virtual process worked well. Whereas all caregivers (100%) agreed they would participate in a virtual group session again, youth responses were more variable (50% agree, 33.3% neutral, 16.7% disagree). Adolescent SI decreased after completing the intervention (M pretreatment [tx] = 50.7, SD pretreatment [tx] = 16.7;M post-tx = 29.7, SD post-tx = 20.4;t = 5.7;95% CI, 11.52-30.5;p = 0.002). Conclusions: Study results indicate that the virtual delivery of BRAVA is feasible. Study uptake was good, retention was complete, and satisfaction was high for adolescents and their caregivers. Importantly, initial results suggest that this adaptation of BRAVA may help reduce SI in adolescents. Feedback from participants will inform further changes to improve the adaptation of BRAVA for use in a planned RCT. S, ADOL, FT

Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents (BRAVA): a brief group intervention for adolescents with mild-to-moderate suicidal ideation and their caregivers.

Suicidal Ideation (SI) is common in adolescents and increases the risk of completed suicide. Few brief interventions have been shown to reduce SI in adolescents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel brief group intervention, building resilience and attachment in vulnerable adolescents (BRAVA), designed for adolescents and their caregivers to reduce adolescent SI. The study was a pre-post, noncontrolled trial in which 46 adolescents were enrolled in the BRAVA intervention. Adolescents and caregivers completed an intake assessment, six BRAVA group sessions, and an exit assessment 1-week post-BRAVA. Adolescents' SI decreased significantly after completing the BRAVA treatment (pre-post difference = 18.1, 95% CI = 10.01-26.12). Significant improvements in associated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress were also observed. Caregivers had reduced perceived stress (pre-post difference = 2.7, 95% CI = 0.30-5.16) and reduction in attachment avoidance (difference = 1.6, 95% CI = 0.29-2.91). Treatment satisfaction was high across the six modules. The rolling entry feature of the intervention allowed participants to begin treatment approximately 2 weeks sooner compared to waiting for the next group cycle. Study results demonstrate that the BRAVA intervention has the potential to reduce SI among adolescents who present to hospital services in crisis. Further studies are required to establish BRAVA's efficacy in a randomized controlled trial.

Family Connections randomized controlled trial: assessing the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention with adolescents living with HIV and their caregivers in Ndola, Zambia

ABSTRACT Achieving the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets requires meeting the needs of adolescents, however we lack evidenced-based approaches to improving adolescent adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), increasing viral suppression, and supporting general wellbeing. We developed Family Connections as a group intervention for adolescents and their adult caregivers and conducted a randomized controlled trial in Ndola, Zambia to test feasibility and acceptability. Fifty pairs (n = 100) of adolescents (15–19 years and on ART ≥ 6 months) and their caregivers were randomly assigned either to the intervention consisting of 10 group sessions over 6 months, or to a comparison group, which received the usual care. Each pair completed baseline and endline surveys, with adolescents also undergoing viral load testing. Of the 24-intervention adolescent/caregiver pairs, 88% attended at least eight group sessions. Most adolescents (96%) and all caregivers would recommend Family Connections to peers. Adolescent viral failure decreased but did not significantly differ by study group. Adolescents in the intervention group showed a greater reduction in HIV-related feelings of worthlessness and shame than the comparison group. The feasibility, acceptability, and the positive trend toward significantly reducing internalized stigma, generated by this Family Connections pilot study, contributes valuable data to support adolescent/caregiver approaches that use peer groups.

Gaining super control: Psychoeducational group intervention for adolescents with mild intellectual disability and their parents.

Adolescents with intellectual disability experience psychological and social challenges in their transition to adulthood. Knowledge about the diagnosis and insight into own strengths and difficulties can help them manage the limitations and barriers they face, but suitable interventions with this purpose are scarce. The present paper presents a psychoeducational group intervention, The Super Control Project, for adolescents (15–17 years old) with mild intellectual disability (n = 23) and their parents. In a pre-post design, adolescent outcome data was obtained through teacher and parent questionnaires, and interviews with the adolescents. Parents and adolescents also evaluated the interventions’ usefulness. Results indicated positive impact on participants’ understanding of the diagnosis, managing of everyday challenges, and social networking. The intervention seemed to fit the participants’ needs and abilities. The study encourages further implementation and rigorous evaluation.

Improving the Patient Experience With Migraine Camp, a One‐Day Group Intervention for Adolescents With Chronic Headache and Their Parents

Though chronic migraine is actually common in adolescents, living with constant headache can be isolating for both patients and their families. As an outgrowth of clinical care, we developed the Miles for Migraine Youth Camp, a recurring 1-day event for adolescents with chronic headache and their parents. Migraine Camp was developed to provide expanded headache education, teach coping strategies for living with chronic pain, and encourage development of a supportive community for adolescents living with chronic headache disorders and their families. The creation and curriculum of the Camps at the University of California San Francisco and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia are described in this manuscript, along with patient and caregiver feedback. Overall, feedback was positive. Teens reported feeling less isolated and more prepared to cope with headaches using new strategies. Both patients and caregivers consistently described benefit from connecting with others who experience similar challenges. The Migraine Camp teams at both institutions found it feasible to conduct the Camps 1-2 times per year using existing resources, but noted that to scale it to a more regular event additional administrative and/or volunteer support would be needed. In summary, the experience has been positive for patients, caregivers, and staff, and we hope that this manuscript can serve as a "how to" model for similar events at other institutions.

Mixed Methods Approach to Describe Social Interaction During a Group Intervention for Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Over the last 20 years, researchers have been mixing qualitative and quantitative approaches, but mixed methods research represents a new movement that arose in response to the currents of qualitative and quantitative research, considered separately. Little has been published on the use of polar coordinate analysis in psychotherapy. This type of analysis can provide detailed information and integrate the qualitative-quantitative analysis. Even less has been published on the analysis of ASD children’s behavior. The main aim of this study was to implement this mixed methods methodology to analyze patterns of social behaviors in a group of adolescents with ASD during a group social competence intervention program. Moreover, we wanted to see whether an observational scale could be combined fruitfully with polar coordinate analysis and to investigate whether typical ASD behaviors show similar interrelations (prospective and retrospective sequentialities) as behaviors observed in psychotherapy. We used an adaptation from the Social Skills Training Program (UC Davis, California). We observed that each participant took a unique course, increasing or decreasing the number and quality of their social behaviors. In accordance with previous literature, results suggest some increment in the amount of appropriate social conduct. We did not detect a generalized progress pattern but agreed that there were changes between the beginning and end of the intervention. Therefore, we consider that observational methodology is useful in the field of psychotherapy and ASD, offering detailed information about changes and development that cannot be obtained with other traditional measures, such as questionnaires.

Online cognitive-behavioral based group interventions for adolescents with chronic illness and parents: study protocol of two multicenter randomized controlled trials

BackgroundAdolescents with chronic illness (CI) and parents of a child with CI are at risk for psychosocial problems. Psychosocial group interventions may prevent these problems. With the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, active coping strategies can be learned. Offering an intervention online eliminates logistic barriers (travel time and distance) and improves accessibility for participants. Aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of two cognitive-behavioral based online group interventions, one for adolescents and one for parents: Op Koers Online. The approach is generic, which makes it easier for patients with rare illnesses to participate.Methods/designThis study conducts two separate multicenter randomized controlled trials. Participants are adolescents (12 to 18 years of age) with CI and parents of children (0 to 18 years of age) with CI. Participants are randomly allocated to the intervention group or the waitlist control group. Outcomes are measured with standardized questionnaires at baseline, after 8 (adolescents) or 6 (parents) weeks of treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up period. Primary outcomes are psychosocial functioning (emotional and behavioral problems) and disease-related coping skills. Secondary outcomes for adolescents are self-esteem and quality of life. Secondary outcomes for parents are impact of the illness on family functioning, parental distress, social involvement and illness cognitions. The analyses will be performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed with linear mixed model analyses using SPSS.DiscussionThese randomized controlled trials evaluate the effectiveness of two online group interventions improving psychosocial functioning in adolescents with CI and parents of children with CI. If proven effective, the intervention will be optimized and implemented in clinical practice.Trial registrationISRCTN ISRCTN83623452. Registered 30 November 2017. Retrospectively registered.

A systematic review of parent/peer-based group interventions for adolescents with type 1 diabetes: interventions based on theoretical/therapeutic frameworks

Objective: Although interventions which provide psychosocial support can have a positive impact on diabetes self-care, the impact of family/peer- and theory-based interventions has not yet been clearly identified. This systematic review investigates the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) employing family/peer-based interventions (based on theoretical/ therapeutic frameworks) which aim to improve adolescents’ glycaemic control, psychosocial and/or behavioural functioning.Methods: The Cochrane Library, database of systematic reviews, database of abstracts of reviews of effectiveness and Health Technology Assessment database were searched (from start date until February 2016) for any previously conducted systematic reviews. Seventeen RCTs/interventions were included. The literature was also identified by contacting the leading researchers. Glycaemic control was measured by HbA1c and psychosocial functioning by measures of self-care, knowledge and communication, collaboration/teamwork, quality of life, problem solving, social functioning and family functioning. Only those interventions which reported the use of theories/therapies to manage type 1 diabetes and other psychosocial issues among adolescents (aged 12–17) were included in the present review. Data summarising the key features of the interventions was extracted from each article. Where possible, the effect sizes were calculated.Results: The effect sizes could be computed for HbA1c in six of the 17 interventions. The overall outcomes indicated that interventions including parents have a small to large effect size on a variety of diabetes management and psychosocial outcomes. This review identified interventions, mostly including parents and rarely including peers.Conclusion: The results of this systematic review demonstrate that multicomponent interventions may be more successful for adolescents than ones that just focus on one aspect. Effectiveness is also greater if they demonstrate inter-relatedness with the various aspects of diabetes management. Short-term behavioural approach-based interventions promote improvements in parent/adolescent relationships. Outreach home-based interventions could be a more accessible alternative for intervening with families than office/hospital-based interventions. This approach may also be more acceptable to adolescents and their families. There is a need to develop evaluated interventions for adolescents involving parents. Development should involve stakeholders (ie, adolescents, their families and healthcare professionals) to co-design potentially cost-effective and feasible interventions in the context of NHS diabetes services.

4.27 EVALUATION OF A BRIEF GROUP INTERVENTION FOR ADOLESCENTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE SUICIDAL IDEATION: BUILDING RESILIENCE AND ATTACHMENT IN VULNERABLE ADOLESCENTS (BRAVA)

Suicide is the second leading cause of mortality for Canadian adolescents. Providing timely and appropriate follow-up for youth who present to emergency departments with mild to moderate suicidal ideation (SI) is challenging. This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel brief group intervention for adolescents with mild to moderate SI and their caregivers, drawing from two evidence-based interventions: DBT and attachment-based family therapy. The primary objective was to evaluate whether treatment reduced adolescent SI. Secondary objectives were to determine whether the intervention significantly reduced adolescent anxiety, depression, and both adolescent and caregiver-perceived stress. Participant satisfaction and clinician fidelity to intervention content were also evaluated.

Social skill group interventions may assist adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, but significant questions remain

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Miller, A., Vernon, T., Wu, V., & Russo, K. (2014). Social skill group interventions for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1, 254–265.Source of funding and declaration of interests: No source of funding reported and no declared conflicts of interest.

Feasibility of an Online Cognitive Behavioral–Based Group Intervention for Adolescents Treated for Cancer: A Pilot Study

The objective of this study was to investigate satisfaction with and feasibility of an online cognitive behavioral-based group intervention (OK Onco Online) for adolescent childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The intervention, carried out by pediatric psychologists, aimed to prevent psychosocial problems. High levels of satisfaction were reported by the psychologists (n = 6) and the CCS (n = 11, age 11–17). The dropout rate was very low. Some recommendations for optimizing the intervention were mentioned. In conclusion, the positive evaluations by the CCS and the psychologists indicate that the online chat intervention OK Onco Online is a promising innovative group intervention for adolescent CCS. Further research is needed to confirm feasibility and to establish efficacy.

Mexican-Origin Adolescents’ Exploration of a Group Experience

This article provides an overview of a creative and culturally aligned group intervention for adolescents of Mexican origin. Using qualitative methodology, the authors examined multiple adolescents' experiences of participation in the group. The youth indicated that they derived positive meaning overall from activities. Activities cited as most memorable or important included those that allowed peer collaboration in completing a task and those that facilitated discussions of contextually and culturally relevant topics. Implications according to practice and training are included.

Group Intervention for Adolescents With Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: The Future Zone

Introduction: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a common cause of social cognition deficits and psychosocial challenges in adolescents. A group intervention program was designed to support teens with chronic ABI. Method: Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to examine participants' self-knowledge and satisfaction with the program. Results: Results revealed that participants and parents valued increased self-knowledge and an understanding of brain injuries, the focus on friendships and individual strengths, and feelings of togetherness and not being judged. Discussion: Support for strength-based, project-oriented, group intervention programs for adolescents with ABI and directions for future research are discussed.

Experiences with a group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their parents

AbstractBackground: Increased adolescent-parent engagement in diabetes-related tasks appears to decrease diabetes-related family conflict. Group intervention may be a good approach when caring for adolescents with chronic conditions, including diabetes.Aim: This article aims to describe how group intervention may be useful in the treatment of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. When these children enter puberty and become adolescents, it can become difficult. In many cases, family-related conflict has a negative impact on an adolescent’s blood sugar levels and self-care behaviour.Method: 19 adolescents (age 13–17 years) and their parents participated in group intervention. Families were recruited from outpatient clinics in two centres in Middle-Norway. Separate groups met once a month for 1 year. All adolescents and parents completed a battery of self-report measures. In addition, HbA1c values were obtained five times from the adolescents’ medical records.Results: In terms of metabolic control there was a s...

Gruppebasert intervensjon i familier med ungdom som har type 1 Diabetes

The aim of this article is to describe the design and elements of a group intervention for adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and their families. Diabetes imposes considerable psychosocial demands on these adolescents and their families, which in many cases causes diabetes related family conflicts with a negative impact on the adolescent's glycemic control and self-care behaviors. The group intervention aims at improving the peer group support, problem-solving and communicative skills in the parent — adolescent relationships.A total of 60 adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (age 13 to 18 years) and their parents were invited to participate in this study. A total of 19 adolescents agreed to participate. They were recruited from the list of outpatient clinics in two centers in Nord — Trondelag county. Both the adolescents and their parents were completing a battery of self-report measures, including the modified quality of life measure for youths (Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire) at pre treatment, during ...

A peer group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their best friends.

A peer group intervention for adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their best friends.

A Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Adolescents Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease

A Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Adolescents Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease