Self-help Intervention Research Articles

The development of co-designed parent-supported cognitive behaviour therapy for perfectionism in adolescents with eating disorders: initial feasibility and acceptability

BackgroundPerfectionism is significantly associated with symptoms of eating disorders in adolescents. Studies to date have not examined parent-supported CBT for perfectionism in eating disorders (CBT-P-ED). We co-designed the treatment and conducted a feasibility trial.MethodsEight parents of adolescents with eating disorders (M age = 48.75 years, 100% female) engaged in three co-design workshops to create a parent-supported CBT-P-ED self-help intervention. A further 10 parents (M age 41.8 years, 50% female) and their adolescent offspring (n = 10, M age 15.4 years, 60% female, 50% with self-reported diagnosis of anorexia nervosa) participated in a feasibility trial and provided feedback on the intervention.ResultsThe parents who engaged in the co-design workshops suggested several areas to optimise the perfectionism intervention, including using plain language, the impact of parental perfectionism, how to engage with their adolescent in treatment and the importance of increasing eating disorder specific material. Feedback from the feasibility trial suggested that the intervention was acceptable and feasible with 100% of parents and adolescents saying it was useful, and no attrition.ConclusionsParent-supported CBT-P-ED appears to be feasible. Future research is now required in a randomised controlled trial.

Translation, adaptation, and initial evaluation of a guided self-help intervention to reduce psychological distress among nurses during COVID-19 in China.

This study aimed to reduce the unprecedented and intense psychological distress that nurses were forced to experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Chinese version of the World Health Organization's Self-Help Plus (SH+) intervention guide was adapted and tested among nurses. The objective of this study was to translate and adapt the SH+ guideline into the Chinese version and to test its feasibility in reducing psychological distress among nurses during COVID-19. A staged approach comprising translation, adaptations, initial evaluation by pilot implementation, and a qualitative process evaluation was conducted in two hospitals in Xi'an, China. The translation of the Chinese version was authorized by the World Health Organization. We adapted SH+ for use among clinical nurses working during the pandemic in China through a qualitative process evaluation, which was guided by the descriptive phenomenological study design. The outcomes of the pilot included psychological distress, psychological flexibility, depressive and anxiety symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and subjective psychological wellbeing, which were assessed using the Kessler 6 symptom checklist, the Comprehensive Assessment of ACT Process (CompACT), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the Index of Wellbeing (IWB), respectively. The SH+ materials, including audio-recorded sessions and an accompanying illustrated manual, were translated into Chinese and adapted in line with feedback from the nurses. An uncontrolled pilot study (n = 28) for 5 weeks showed a statistically significant reduction of psychological distress (mean difference in Kessler 6 score, -2.74; 95% CI [-3.71, -1.78]; p < 0.001). We also found improvements in psychological flexibility (mean difference in CompACT score, 6.89; 95% CI [-12.35, -4.47]; p < 0.001), subjective psychological wellbeing (mean difference in IWB score, 0.86; 95% CI [0.07, 1.65]; p < 0.05), and depressive symptoms (mean difference in PHQ-9 score, -1.52; 95% CI [-2.78, -0.26]; p < 0.05). The process evaluation showed that nurses found the SH+ program very useful but difficult to adhere to. We found that the translated Chinese version of SH+ was applicable and feasible in the Chinese cultural context. There was a potential effect of adapted SH + in reducing nurses' psychological distress during COVID-19 and suggested the value of exploring strategies to increase adherence to the program.

An intervention mapping adaptation framework to develop a self-help intervention for athletes with eating disorder symptoms.

This research forum describes the use of the intervention mapping for adaptation (IMA) framework to develop and evaluate a novel intervention for athletes with mild eating disorder (ED) symptoms. The six IMA steps were followed. In step 1 (needs assessment), we conducted a systematic review of athlete ED interventions and held interviews/focus groups with athletes and sports professionals to inform intervention format and delivery. In step 2 (intervention search), needs assessment information guided the search for an evidence-based intervention suitable for adaptation to athletes. In steps 3 and 4 (intervention development), the identified intervention was adapted and feedback sought from athletes and sport professionals. In steps 5 and 6 (implementation and evaluation), a feasibility study was conducted with athletes (n = 35; females: n = 27; Mage = 27.1). The review highlighted poor evidence for the acceptability and relative efficacy of existing interventions, which were all delivered face-to-face in groups. Interview/focus group data suggested a need for more accessible intervention formats (e.g., self-help). One non-athlete self-help intervention was determined suitable for adaptation to athletes, and adaptations were made. Initial feedback suggested the adapted intervention was relevant within sport settings. The feasibility study revealed that the intervention (MOPED-A: Motivational and Psycho-Educational Self-Help Programme for Athletes with Mild Eating Disorder Symptoms) can be feasibly implemented, is acceptable to athletes and shows potential for reducing ED symptoms. IMA is a useful framework for developing participant-centered and evidence-based interventions. The findings and approach taken provide a framework for other researchers and clinicians in developing similar interventions in the ED domain. The novel self-help intervention described in this article was developed using intervention mapping and provides promise as a tool for reducing eating disorder symptoms in athletes. We describe how adopting and systematically following a health intervention development approach, such as intervention mapping, can ensure that eating disorder interventions are participant-centered, contextually relevant, and evidence-based, which in turn could help to maximize their reach and effectiveness.

Online and Self-Help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parents of Children with Chronic Conditions and Developmental Disabilities: What Happens after the Intervention?

We investigated the follow-up (3- and 6-month) intervention effects of two ACT-interventions for parents of children with chronic and developmental conditions. Parents (N = 110) were randomly assigned to the supported iACT (n = 57) or to the Self-help ACT (n = 53). At 3-month follow-up, symptoms of burnout decreased more in the supported iACT group, whereas, unexpectedly, psychological flexibility decreased in both groups. However, at the 6-month follow-up, the iACT group reported decreased symptoms and increased psychological flexibility skills. Online and self-help ACT interventions may be beneficial to this population and decrease their risk of psychopathology.

Improving goal striving and resilience in older adults through a personalized metacognitive self-help intervention: a protocol paper

BackgroundSuccessful aging is often linked to individual’s ability to demonstrate resilience: the maintenance or quick recovery of functional ability, well-being, and quality of life despite losses or adversity. A crucial element of resilience is behavioral adaptability, which refers to the adaptive changes in behavior in accordance with internal or external demands. Age-related degradation of executive functions can, however, lead to volition problems that compromise flexible adjustment of behavior. In contrast, the reliance on habitual control has been shown to remain relatively intact in later life and may therefore provide an expedient route to goal attainment among older adults. In the current study, we examine whether a metacognitive self-help intervention (MCSI), aimed at facilitating goal striving through the gradual automatization of efficient routines, could effectively support behavioral adaptability in favor of resilience among older adults with and without (sub-clinical) mental health problems.MethodsThis metacognitive strategy draws on principles from health and social psychology, as well as clinical psychology, and incorporates elements of established behavioral change and activation techniques from both fields. Additionally, the intervention will be tailored to personal needs and challenges, recognizing the significant diversity that exist among aging individuals.DiscussionDespite some challenges that may limit the generalizability of the results, our MCSI program offers a promising means to empower older adults with tools and strategies to take control of their goals and challenges. This can promote autonomy and independent functioning, and thereby contribute to adaptability and resilience in later life.Trial registrationPre-registered, partly retrospectively. This study was pre-registered before the major part of the data was collected, created, and realized. Only a small part of the data of some participants (comprising the baseline and other pre-intervention measures), and the full dataset of the first few participants, was collected prior to registration, but it was not accessed yet. See: https://osf.io/5b9xz

Effectiveness of an Occupational Well-being Intervention Among Nurse Educators: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Occupational well-being supports the retention of the nurse educator workforce and their ability to manage workload. There is a research gap regarding interventions promoting occupational well-being. To evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-workweek digital occupational well-being intervention using self-conducted exercises among nurse educators in secondary vocational nursing schools in Finland. A quasi-experimental study design was applied using an intervention group (n = 37) and a control group (n = 40). Data were collected at baseline, post, and 1-month follow-up using a questionnaire and a heart rate sensor to assess the resource-workload-balance and its associating and promoting factors. This study found no statistical effects on the resource-workload-balance. Positive effects were found on associating factors (general well-being) and promoting factors (recovery experiences and self-regulation). Self-Help INtervention for Educators (SHINE) has the potential to promote recovery experiences during working hours; however, the intervention needs more investigation.

Digital self-help for people experiencing intimate partner violence: a qualitative study on user experiences and needs including people with lived experiences and services providers

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent public health issue associated with multiple physical and mental health consequences for survivors. Digital interventions can provide low-threshold support to those experiencing IPV, but existing digital interventions have limited efficacy in improving the safety and mental health of IPV survivors. Digitally adapting an integrative intervention with advocacy-based and psychological content holds promise for increasing the efficacy of digital interventions in the context of IPV.MethodsThis study examines the needs, acceptability and usability of an integrative digital intervention for people affected by IPV. We used the think-aloud method and semi-structured interviews with a sample of six people with lived experiences of IPV and six service providers. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis.ResultsWe identified the increasing general acceptance of digital support tools and the limited capacity of the current support system as societal context factors influencing the acceptance of and needs regarding digital interventions in the context of IPV. An integrative digital self-help intervention offers several opportunities to complement the current support system and to meet the needs of people affected by IPV, including the reduction of social isolation, a space for self-reflection and coping strategies to alleviate the situation. However, potentially ongoing violence, varying stages of awareness and psychological capacities, and as well as the diversity of IPV survivors make it challenging to develop a digital intervention suitable for the target group. We received feedback on the content of the intervention and identified design features required for intervention usability.ConclusionAn integrative digital self-help approach, with appropriate security measures and trauma-informed design, has the potential to provide well-accepted, comprehensive and continuous psychosocial support to people experiencing IPV. A multi-modular intervention that covers different topics and can be personalized to individual user needs could address the diversity of the target population. Providing guidance for the digital intervention is critical to spontaneously address individual needs. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of an integrative digital self-help intervention and to explore its feasibility it in different settings and populations.

Planning engagement with web resources to improve diet quality and break up sedentary time for home-working employees: A mixed methods study.

As home working becomes more common, employers may struggle to provide health promotion interventions that can successfully bridge the gap between employees' intentions to engage in healthier behaviors and actual action. Based on past evidence that action planning can successfully encourage the adoption of healthier behaviors, this mixed-methods study of a web-based self-help intervention incorporated a randomized planning trial that included quantitative measures of engagement and follow-up qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants. Participants either (a) selected a movement plan for incorporating a series of 2-min exercise videos into their work week to break up sedentary time and a balanced meal plan with recipe cards for a week's lunches and dinners or (b) received access to these resources without a plan. Selecting a movement plan was more effective at increasing engagement with the web resources compared to the no-plan condition. In the follow-up interviews, participants indicated that the plan helped to remind participants to engage with the resources and made it simpler for them to follow the guidance for exercises and meals. Ease of use and being able to fit exercises and meals around work tasks were key factors that facilitated uptake of the resources, while lack of time and worries about how colleagues would perceive them taking breaks to use the resources were barriers to uptake. Participants' self-efficacy was associated with general resource use but not plan adherence. Overall, including plans with online self-help resources could enhance their uptake. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

ANALYSIS OF SESAME PRODUCTION AMONG INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS FARMERS IN YAGBA EAST, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Sesame is one of the oil crops with high economic value. Its production is becoming more pronounced in many parts of the world and gaining more ground among farmers in Nigeria. The study analyzed sesame production among indigenous and non-indigenous farmers in Yagba East, Nigeria. This study employed a Two-stage sampling technique in collecting primary data from one hundred and twenty respondents. It is a comparative study with specific objectives embedded. The data collected were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, t-test, Gross margin analysis, and a 4.0-point Likert scale. The results show that the majority (58.33%) of indigenous farmers were young, while (65.00%) of non-indigenous farmers were middle age. Also, most respondents were married (65.00%, 81.67%) indigenous and non-indigenous farmers. The average total revenue (N370,452.50, N548,712.40) per hectare accrued to indigenous and non-indigenous farmers, respectively. The average total costs the indigenous and non-indigenous farmers expended were (N70,152.28, N84,408.18) per hectare, respectively. The findings showed (5.28, 6.50) as benefit-cost ratio (BCR) for the indigenous and non-indigenous farmers, respectively. The results revealed that the high cost of fertilizer (mean score=3.38, 3.88), lack of improved seed (mean score=3.23, 2.53), high transportation cost (mean score=3.25, 3.52), and access to credit (mean score= of 3.43, 3.42) were serious constraints confronting both the indigenous and non-indigenous farmers respectively. Therefore, good road construction is needed through self-help or government intervention for effective transportation of inputs and output, extension visit is paramount, and farmers' resources should be pooled together to enhance farmers' access to adequate finances.

A pilot RCT of an mHealth self-help intervention on readmission rate reduction after adult cardiac surgery: preliminary findings

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): The Royal Melbourne Hospital Background Readmission is multifaceted, potentially avoidable and costly. Patients’ ability to enact self-care behaviors after cardiac surgery are under-investigated. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of a RCT investigating an mHealth intervention for self-help, and readmission rate reduction. Methods Elective adult (&amp;gt;18 years) elective cardiac surgery (via median sternotomy) patients were eligible for inclusion. Patients had to be discharged home, able to understand spoken English, and own and use a smartphone, tablet or computer. The intervention comprised a narrative online library (Healthily GoShare platform) with videos describing patient and carer experiences focused on preoperative preparation, acute postoperative care (sent within 1 week of discharge) and ongoing recovery Sent 30 days after surgery). Patients were randomised preoperatively 1:1 to the intervention, accessible via a text or email link, or the control group receiving usual care that comprised postoperative education and a brochure. Follow-up phone interviews took place 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery. Results From August 2021 to December 2022, 341 (65%) patients were scheduled for elective surgery, 229 (67.2%) were transferred elsewhere secondary to COVID-19 bed closures, 22 (6.5%) were undergoing reoperation, 13 (3.8%) did not adequately understand spoken English and 7 (2.1%) did not own a smartphone or tablet. Of the 70 (20.5%) eligible patients, 61 (87.1%) agreed to participate and 2 (2.8%) did not proceed. Follow-up (FUP) is complete for 43 (72.9%) patients. Accessed preoperative 14 (63.6%), postoperative 16 (72.7%) and recovery bundles 12 (54.5%) were reported as helpful or very helpful by 95% (n = 21) of participants. A single patient from the intervention group was lost to FUP at 30 days and 5 control group patients at 60 days. 30-day readmission was more frequent in the control (3/21, 14.3%) than intervention group (0/22; p = 0.06). Conclusion(s): Findings to date indicate COVID-19 bed closures have impacted on elective surgical scheduling thus recruitment. The intervention was feasible and acceptable. To be 95% confident the readmission rate is within 10%, assuming a 15% readmission rate, a minimum of 50 patients are required. Follow-up is ongoing.

Evaluation of a Web-Based Self-Help Intervention for Patients With Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a highly prevalent and severely distressing condition that can lead to functional impairments and is considered one of the most difficult anxiety disorders to treat. Following new technological developments, a highly structured cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach that has already shown success in face-to-face psychotherapy can be implemented: internet-delivered CBT (iCBT). There is now evidence for the efficacy of both guided and unguided iCBT interventions for GAD regarding symptom reduction. To establish the usefulness of such interventions, we plan to evaluate the efficacy of a web-based self-help program (Selfapy) for GAD in a relatively large sample. We aim to assess effects beyond symptom reduction, including effects on well-being, functioning, and mental health literacy, as well as the effect on health care burden, while testing the intervention in conditions comparable to routine care. Patients (n=156) who have been diagnosed with GAD, are aged between 18 and 65 years, have internet access, and have sufficient German language skills will be recruited for this study. The intervention group (n=78) will receive access to the 12-week self-help web-based program Selfapy. The waitlist control group (n=78) will receive no intervention in the context of the study. However, both groups will be allowed to access further health care services (eg, psychotherapy, medication), reflecting current routine care in Germany. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (T1) and 6 weeks (T2) and 12 weeks (T3) after the start of the intervention. The primary outcome will be generalized anxiety symptoms and quality of life at T3. Additional outcomes include depression, work capacity, therapy-related expenses and burdens, health literacy, and negative effects. By May 2023, all participants had finished the trial and the report was being prepared for publication. Web-based interventions may be an important addition to the German health care system to reduce barriers to treatment access. Further, they may prove cost-effective for the treatment of GAD. Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00023799; https://tinyurl.com/22bds38x. DERR1-10.2196/41440.

Evaluation of a combined, online intervention for binge-type eating disorders and high body weight in young adults

BackgroundBinge-type eating disorders (EDs; i.e., bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) are common among young adults with high body weight, yet few interventions target both conditions. This study tested an online guided self-help intervention that provided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools for EDs and behavioral weight loss (BWL) content to young adults with binge-type EDs and high body weight. Method60 adults aged 18–39 with clinical/subclinical binge-type EDs and high body weight were randomized to a combined condition or a CBT-only condition. Participants received self-help content for 8 weeks and self-reported ED attitudes, frequency of binge eating and compensatory behaviors, and weight at baseline, 4-weeks, and 8-weeks. Linear mixed models and negative binomial models compared changes between conditions in ED attitudes, ED behaviors, and weight at each timepoint. Chi-square test and independent samples t-test compared program completion and session engagement between conditions. ResultsNo significant differences in weight change or ED symptom change emerged between the conditions. Both conditions achieved significant reductions in ED attitudes, binge episodes, and compensatory behaviors from baseline to 8-weeks (ps < .05). Neither condition demonstrated significant weight loss from baseline to 8-weeks. Program completion (47 %) and session engagement (57 %) were equally high across conditions. DiscussionBoth conditions achieved ED symptom change; however, neither condition was associated with weight change. Research is needed to identify the types of strategies and doses of BWL that promote clinically significant weight and ED symptom change in young adults.

Brief imaginal exposure exercises for social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial of a self-help momentary intervention app

IntroductionEmerging technological interventions for psychological disorders are being developed continually. Offering imaginal exposure exercises as a self-help intervention presents the opportunity to acquire foundational skills to address social anxiety. The current study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel smartphone application for social interaction anxiety. MethodsParticipants (n = 82) were adults meeting criteria for social anxiety disorder. They were randomly assigned to imaginal exposure (IE; n = 39) or self-monitoring (n = 43) delivered multiple times daily via a smartphone application for a one-week trial. It was expected that participants using the IE exercises would demonstrate significantly greater declines in social anxiety in addition to increases in self-efficacy and that compliance would serve as a predictor of outcome. Mixed-effects models were utilized. ResultsParticipants using IE (vs. self-monitoring) evidenced significantly greater reductions in social anxiety from pre- to post-treatment and at 1-month follow-up. Similarly, IE (vs. self-monitoring) led to significantly greater increases in self-efficacy from pre- to post-treatment and 1-month follow-up. Further, more completed IE exercises predicted significantly greater changes in social anxiety and self-efficacy at subsequent timepoints compared with self-monitoring. ConclusionsFindings suggest that a brief IE self-help intervention was effective in targeting social interaction anxiety.

Negative Parenting Mediates the Longitudinal Association between Parental Internalizing Symptoms and Child Oppositional Symptoms.

Research has pointed to both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between parental internalizing symptoms and child externalizing symptoms. This study analyzed whether the association is mediated by negative parenting behavior in view of previous reports that both parental internalizing symptoms and child externalizing symptoms are related to parenting behaviors. Longitudinal data for the current analyses were derived from a randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of a web-assisted self-help intervention for parents of children with elevated levels of externalizing symptoms. Two different mediation models were analyzed, one using attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms as the dependent variable and the other using oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms. Both models included parental internalizing symptoms as the independent variable, negative parenting behavior as a mediator, and study condition as a confounder. The longitudinal analyses support the mediating role of negative parenting behavior in the association between early parental internalizing symptoms and later child ODD symptoms.

A self-guided Internet-based intervention for individuals with chronic pain and depressive symptoms: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDespite the existence of evidence-based therapy options for the treatment of chronic pain and comorbid depressive symptoms (e.g., CBT), many individuals remain untreated. Treatment gaps result from a lack of specialists, patient fear of stigmatization, or patient immobility. Internet-based self-help interventions could serve as an anonymous and flexible alternative treatment option. In a pilot study, chronic pain patients with comorbid depressive symptoms who used a generic Internet-based depression program showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (but not pain symptoms) compared to a waitlist control group. Based on these findings, we developed the low-threshold, anonymous, and cost-free Internet-based self-help intervention Lenio that is tailored to the specific needs of chronic pain patients with comorbid depressive symptoms. Lenio is accompanied by the smartphone application (app) COGITO designed to increase therapeutic success. With Lenio and COGITO addressing both chronic pain and depressive symptoms, the trial aims to increase treatment effects of online interventions for chronic pain patients by reducing both depressive symptoms and pain.MethodsThe effectiveness of the Internet-based self-help intervention and accompanying smartphone app will be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 300 participants will be randomized into an intervention group (Lenio/COGITO), an active control group (depression-focused smartphone app), or a waitlist control group. Assessments will be done at baseline, after an 8-week intervention period (post), and after 16 weeks (follow-up). The primary outcome is the post-assessment reduction in “pain impairment” (mean value of impairment in daily life, free time, and work) as assessed by the DSF (German pain questionnaire). Secondary outcomes will include the reduction in depressive symptoms as well as in the severity of pain. DiscussionLenio is one of the first Internet-based interventions to reduce chronic pain and depression that will be empirically evaluated. Internet-based interventions could offer a promising alternative to conventional face-to-face psychotherapy in the treatment of chronic pain patients. The primary objective of the current study is to add essential insight into the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptance of Internet-based interventions for people with chronic pain and depressive symptoms. Trial registrationDRKS-ID DRKS00026722, Registered on October 6th, 2021.

Mental Health Ingenuities and the Role of Computer Technology on Employees' Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Upholding and protecting sustainable competitive advantages is crucial to achieving firms'/enterprises' goals in today's overburdened, erratic, and fast-paced global work environment. Business stakeholders place a high value on actions that help employees achieve their own goals as well as those of the company in the modern, thriving business/work ecosystem. The general objective of this study was to examine the relationship between mental health ingenuities, computer technology and employee mental health. The specific objectives to examine the relationship between counselling, computer technology, and the mental health of employees, to determine the relationship between mental health promotion, computer technology and the mental health of employees as well as to assess the relationship between stress management, computer technology, and mental health of employees and to assess the relationship between work-life balance, computer technology, and mental health of employees. The anchor theory of the study was the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model with a focus on computer application in the management of mental health initiatives at the workplace. The study employed a systematic review of the literature. The findings from the systematic review depicted that internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions have shown effectiveness in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among employees, indicating their potential as a form of computer-based counselling. In addition, Web-based psychotherapy interventions have been effective in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among employees who have experienced trauma. Moreover, it was found that Internet and computer-based self-help interventions have demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing depressive symptoms and improving coping skills among employees. Computer-based counselling, delivered through mobile apps or internet-based platforms, has shown promise in improving mental health outcomes, including reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among employees. It was recommended that HR managers should raise awareness among employees about the availability and benefits of work-stress management apps. They can conduct informational sessions, share success stories, and provide resources to educate employees about the app's features and how it can help in stress management. Organizations should also provide a range of technological resources, such as meditation or relaxation apps, stress-tracking apps, virtual wellness programs, or online counselling platforms. By offering a diverse selection, employees can choose the tools that resonate best with their personal preferences and needs.

A multicentre randomised controlled trial of a guided self-help cognitive behavioural therapy to MANage the impact of hot flushes and night sweats in patients with prostate CANcer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy (MANCAN2)

BackgroundAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) is prescribed to almost half of all men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although ADT is effective treatment, with virtually all men with advanced disease showing initial clinical response, it is associated with troublesome side effects including hot flushes and night sweats (HFNS). HFNS can be both frequent and severe and can have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). They can occasionally be so debilitating that patients stop ADT altogether, despite the increased risk of disease relapse or death. Previous research has found that guided self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in reducing HFNS due to ADT when delivered by a clinical psychologist. MANCAN2 aims test whether we can train the existing NHS Prostate Cancer Nurse Specialist (CNS) team to deliver guided self-help CBT and whether it is effective in reducing the impact of HFNS in men undergoing ADT.MethodsMANCAN2 is a phase III multicentre randomised controlled trial and process evaluation. Between 144 and 196 men with prostate cancer who are currently receiving ADT and are experiencing problematic HFNS will be individually randomised in a 1:1 ratio in groups of 6–8 participants to either treatment as usual (TAU) or participation in the guided self-help CBT intervention plus TAU. A process evaluation using the normalisation process theory (NPT) framework will be conducted, to understand the CNS team’s experiences of delivering the intervention and to establish the key influencers to its implementation as a routine practice service. Fidelity of implementation of the intervention will be conducted by expert assessment. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention and participant adherence to the trial intervention will also be assessed.DiscussionMANCAN2 will advance the program of work already conducted in development of management strategies for HFNS. This research will determine whether the severity of ADT-induced HFNS in men with prostate cancer can be reduced by a guided self-help CBT intervention, delivered by the existing NHS prostate cancer CNS team, within a multicentre study. The emphasis on this existing team, if successful, should facilitate translation through to implementation in routine practice.Trial registrationISRCTN reference 58720120. Registered 13 December 2022

Predictors and moderators of three online interventions for eating disorder symptoms in a randomized controlled trial.

To optimize treatment recommendations for eating disorders, it is important to investigate whether some individuals may benefit more (or less) from certain treatments. The current study explored predictors and moderators of an automated online self-help intervention "Featback" and online support from a recovered expert patient. Data were used from a randomized controlled trial. For a period of 8 weeks, participants aged 16 or older with at least mild eating disorder symptoms were randomized to four conditions: (1) Featback, (2) chat or e-mail support from an expert patient, (3) Featback with expert-patient support, and (4) a waitlist. A mixed-effects partitioning method was used to see if age, educational level, BMI, motivation to change, treatment history, duration of eating disorder, number of binge eating episodes in the past month, eating disorder pathology, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, social support, or self-esteem predicted or moderated intervention outcomes in terms of eating disorder symptoms (primary outcome), and symptoms of anxiety and depression (secondary outcome). Higher baseline social support predicted less eating disorder symptoms 8 weeks later, regardless of condition. No variables emerged as moderator for eating disorder symptoms. Participants in the three active conditions who had not received previous eating disorder treatment, experienced larger reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms. The investigated online low-threshold interventions were especially beneficial for treatment-naïve individuals, but only in terms of secondary outcomes, making them well-suited for early intervention. The study results also highlight the importance of a supportive environment for individuals with eating disorder symptoms. To optimize treatment recommendations it is important to investigate what works for whom. For an internet-based intervention for eating disorders developed in the Netherlands, individuals who had never received eating disorder treatment seemed to benefit more from the intervention than those who had received eating disorder treatment, because they experienced larger reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Stronger feelings of social support were related to less eating disorder symptoms in the future.

Technology Matters: Online, self-help single session interventions could expand current provision, improving early access to help for young people with depression symptoms, including minority groups.

Current mental health service provision for young people was primarily designed based on an assumption of repeat attendance to enable access to interventions. This applies to in-person therapy and, in recent years, digitally provided apps and programmes. Yet, discontinuation after only one or two attendances or uses is a common problem. However, there is a different model, which is intentionally designing provision without assuming repeat attendance, that is, single session interventions. Evidence from the United States, where a suite of digital, self-help single session interventions, accessible anonymously, have been designed, indicates that these are helpful to young people with reductions in depression symptoms at up to 9 months later. These interventions also have had better reach into currently underserved populations (e.g. LGBTQ+ and ethnic minority adolescents). Therefore, these may be a potentially helpful way to expand existing provision at scale, enabling all young people to access evidence-based help quickly.

Savoring life during pandemic: an online intervention to promote well-being in emerging adults

BackgroundSavoring, that is the ability to create and increase positive emotions, represents a promising approach to enhance subjective well-being (SWB) in emerging adults. This controlled study aims to investigate the preliminary effects of a self-help e-savoring intervention on increasing savoring beliefs and strategies and SWB in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsForty-nine emerging adult participants were recruited using the snowball sampling method. The experimental group (n = 23) completed six online exercises (two exercises per week for three weeks) while the control group (n = 26) did not receive the intervention. Both groups filled out online questionnaires before and after the intervention. User experience and perceived usefulness of the intervention were assessed for the experimental group.ResultsA repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant increase for the experimental group in savoring beliefs (especially toward the present and the future) and in positive emotions compared to the control group. The perspicuity, attractiveness, and efficiency of the online platform were very positively evaluated, and most participants rated the intervention as useful.ConclusionsThe results of this preliminary study together with the high level of adherence and the appreciation for the intervention indicate the potential of promoting online savoring and positive emotions in emerging adults. Future research could evaluate its long-term effects and verify its results with other age groups.