Hope, resilience, and ambiguous loss among affected family members of individuals with substance use disorders.

Given the increasing prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders and enduring barriers to care, there is a critical need for alternative treatment options. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots show promise for increasing access to mental health care, though more direct research is needed to establish their efficacy. This pilot study aimed to test the efficacy of a generative mental health chatbot rooted in solution-focused therapy compared to the general-purpose ChatGPT and an assessment-only control (AOC) group on depression, anxiety, and well-being. A total of 185 English-speaking adults were recruited online and randomly assigned to one of three groups: AI therapy, ChatGPT, or AOC. Of these, 147 eligible participants filled out a pretreatment assessment. Over a 3-week period, the AI therapy group (n=44) was instructed to complete 3 structured, fully automated app-based sessions per week (9 total), while the ChatGPT group (n=60) was instructed to engage in 9 unstructured conversations with ChatGPT (GPT-4o-based models). The control group (n=43) received no intervention. In the AI therapy group, 39% (n=17) completed all sessions, as did 62% (n=38) of those in the ChatGPT group. Primary outcome measures, self-assessed online at baseline and postintervention, included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Overall Depression Severity and Impairment Scale (ODSIS) (depression), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (anxiety), and World Health Organization Well-Being Index (5-item version) (well-being). Linear mixed effects models were used for data analysis. Compared to AOC, both the AI therapy group (d=-0.47; P=.01) and the ChatGPT group (d=-0.44; P=.02) demonstrated significant reductions in depression scores measured by PHQ-9. The AI therapy group showed nonsignificant reductions in anxiety (d=-0.37; P=.11) and ODSIS depression scores (d=-0.25; P=.22) and an increase in well-being (d=0.12; P=.53) compared to AOC. Similarly, a nonsignificant reduction in anxiety (d=-0.27; P=.22) and ODSIS depression scores (d=-0.12; P=.53) and an increase in well-being (d=0.20; P=.29) were observed in the ChatGPT group compared to AOC. The AI therapy group did not significantly outperform the ChatGPT group on any outcomes (PHQ-9: b=-0.19; d=0.03; P=.87; 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale: b=-0.57; d=-0.11; P=.62; ODSIS: b=-0.59; d=-0.13; P=.50; and WHO: b=-0.38; d=-0.07; P=.69). Both the structured generative AI chatbot and ChatGPT showed a significant reduction in depression scores compared to the control group. No significant effects were observed across other outcomes, although descriptive trends indicated improvements in anxiety. While the AI therapy group showed descriptively better outcomes for depression and anxiety, differences between groups were not significant. A larger sample and longer intervention may be needed for the emerging trends to yield clinically meaningful effect sizes.

Self-disclosure among junior high school students in Yogyakarta City is still low, requiring intervention to improve it. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of individual solution-focused brief counseling (SFBC) in improving self-disclosure in junior high school students. This study used a quantitative approach with a single subject design (SSD). The subjects in this study consisted of two junior high school students in Yogyakarta City selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data collection in this study used a self-disclosure scale and self-disclosure observation guidelines. Meanwhile, data analysis used visual data analysis using graphical representation. The results of the visual analysis showed an increase in self-disclosure, as indicated by the ABA design graph. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that individual solution-focused brief counseling is effective in improving self-disclosure in students. The results of this study can be a valuable reference for guidance and counseling teachers/counselors in implementing individual solution-focused brief counseling to help students increase their self-disclosure.

Solution-focused brief group counseling is a systematic approach that centers on solutions rather than the problem itself. In this approach, which focuses on the strengths of the clients, the solutions are generated by the clients themselves, which is theorized to positively affect their self-confidence. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) on adolescents' self-confidence levels. In line with the purpose of the study, the following hypothesis was tested: SFBC will significantly increase the self-confidence levels of adolescents with low and moderate self-confidence, and these gains will be maintained during the follow-up period. Utilizing a 2 × 3 mixed design (experimental/control groups × pre-test/post-test/follow-up), participants with low and moderate self-confidence scores were randomly assigned to either experimental or control groups. The adolescents in the experimental groups received a six-session SFBC intervention developed by the researcher. Data were collected using the Self-Confidence Scale and a personal information form. According to the findings, SFBC provided a statistically significant increase in the self-confidence levels of the adolescents in the experimental groups for both low and moderate baseline levels. These improvements were successfully maintained during the follow-up period, whereas no significant differences were found across the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements of the participants in the control groups.

Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) are an important resource for individuals who find it difficult to access in-person services, such as young people who self-harm. Most DMHIs currently are based on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) could provide different skills and learning but is not currently delivered digitally. Involving key stakeholders in the development of a novel DMHI is important for ensuring acceptability. The aims of this study are to explore stakeholder perceptions of a novel DMHI based in SFT, to determine what would promote or hinder engagement, and identify important content to include. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with young people with lived experience of self-harm (n = 12) and clinicians experienced in SFT and working with young people who self-harm (n = 16). We captured a range of views through collective discussion in focus groups and more in-depth exploration in individual interviews. Data were analysed using content and framework methodologies. Content analysis enabled us to capture the direct likes, dislikes, and suggestions expressed, whereas framework analysis enabled capturing the overall perceptions of our proposed DMHI. Features identified as paramount to engagement were clear and straightforward content, personalisation to individual users, freely accessible, and assurances of confidentiality. Participants wanted content that challenged and provided novel ways of thinking. SFT was perceived as providing a different perspective to supporting mental health that participants viewed positively. Conversely, chatbots that cannot understand users and respond appropriately, or just refer people elsewhere, would discourage use. This study is the first to explore the application of SFT to a novel digital intervention, and the first to explore its acceptability with young people who self-harm. Key stakeholders felt positively about the proposed intervention, and provided specific recommendations to consider in the development of novel DMHIs.

Group counseling is one of the effective methods in providing psychological support and problem solving for individuals experiencing various psychological challenges. One approach that has received widespread attention in the context of group counseling is the Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) Approach.Solution Focused Brief Counseling is a counseling approach based on a postmodern approach which is also called constructive therapy, besides that this SFBC approach also focuses on discussing solutions provided or offered in the counseling process.This literature study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of group counseling using the SFBC approach in overcoming various psychological problems. The research method used is a literature study, by searching and analyzing various articles, books, and scientific journals related to group counseling and the SFBC approach. The Brief Solution Focused Counseling (SFBC) approach is an effective approach in helping individuals find solutions to psychological problems, especially when applied in a group setting. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of SFBC may vary depending on the specific characteristics and problems of the counselee.

The aim of this study was to review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of a nursing intervention based on solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) in improving anxiety, depression, cancer-related fatigue, and quality of life in cancer patients. Conducting a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines, we performed a thorough search across various databases including Cochrane, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database. The search was conducted from the inception of each database up to February 2024. The overall effect size of the intervention was determined by calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4.1. 13 studies meeting the selection criteria were included, encompassing a total of 1146 patients in the final analysis. 8 research examined the impact on anxiety, 10 on depression, 6 on cancer-related fatigue, and 5 on quality of life. The standardized mean difference for anxiety was -1.52 (CI: -2.20 ∼ -0.84, p < 0.0001), depression was -1.54 (CI: -2.09 ∼ -1.00, p < 0.00001), cancer-related fatigue was -2.19 (CI: -3.33 ∼ -1.05, p = 0.0002), and quality of life status was 2.18 (CI: 0.73 ∼ 3.62, p = 0.003). The overall certainty of the evidence was rated low due to limitations such as lack of allocation concealment, blinding, lack of clinical trial registration for the majority of studies, and high risk of bias in several areas. SFBT may be effective in reducing anxiety, depression, cancer-related fatigue and improving quality of life in cancer patients. However, due to the limitations of the original study, including a high risk of bias and significant heterogeneity, although the research results are encouraging, the overall quality of existing evidence is low, so we cannot draw clear conclusions. More robust research designs are needed to accurately evaluate the effects of this treatment.

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Brief Counseling (SFBC) in addressing learning difficulties experienced by slow learners in inclusive schools. Using a quantitative experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group, the research involved students identified as slow learners at State Junior High School 4, Magetan. The experimental group received group counseling using the SFBC approach for eight sessions. Data were collected through learning difficulty scales, observations, documentation, and interviews. ANCOVA analysis showed a significant improvement in students' learning abilities after receiving SFBC counseling. The approach helped students recognize their strengths, increase motivation, and develop coping strategies for academic challenges. Findings confirmed that SFBC is effective in enhancing the confidence, concentration, comprehension, and future orientation of slow learners. The integration of this counseling approach contributes to inclusive education by offering a constructive, strength-based intervention model. Keywords: solution-focused brief counseling, slow learners, learning difficulties, inclusive education, group counseling

ABSTRACT Hemodialysis, the most commonly used treatment for chronic renal failure, negatively affects patients’ lives from psychological, social and economic aspects. If the stressors that occur due to hemodialysis treatment are perceived realistically by the patient using solution-focused counseling (SFC), if adequate and appropriate situational support is provided, and if effective coping mechanisms are available and activated, patients learn to live with the disease by restructuring their lives and they adapt to the illness. However, it is known that experimental studies using solution-focused counseling in chronic renal failure are insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of solution-focused counseling on coping competence and disease adaptation in patients with chronic renal failure. The research was conducted with 60 hemodialysis patients (30 experimental, 30 control) using a pretest-posttest randomized controlled experimental design. Following the implementation of the Solution-Focused Counseling program, participants in the experimental group demonstrated higher levels of coping competence compared to the control group, with increased use of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. In contrast, participants in the control group showed a progressive increase in the use of dysfunctional and problem-focused coping strategies over time. The findings indicate that Solution-Focused Counseling significantly enhanced coping competence and adaptive coping strategies in the experimental group, although it did not produce measurable improvements in physiological or illness adaptation outcomes.

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial examined solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) effectiveness for reducing self-handicapping behaviors among Turkish high school students during the 2018–2019 academic year. Methods: Forty-five students (aged 14–16) scoring above 1 SD on the Self-Handicapping Scale were randomly assigned to SFBT intervention ( n = 15), placebo control ( n = 15), or waiting list groups ( n = 15). The experimental group received 6 weekly 60-min SFBT sessions. Assessments occurred at pretest, posttest, and 6-week follow-up. Results: No significant between-group differences emerged at posttest (χ 2 = 3.588, p &gt; .05). However, significant differences favoring experimental group appeared at follow-up (χ 2 = 6.212, p &lt; .05), particularly versus placebo ( U = 34.50, p = .016, r = .46). Within-group analyses showed significant reductions for experimental group from pretest to follow-up ( Z = −2.555, p &lt; .05, r = .74). Discussion: SFBT effectively reduced self-handicapping with delayed benefits, supporting strength-based school approaches for at-risk adolescents.

Background: Self-harm is a growing public health concern and the strongest predictor of suicide in young people (YP). The “Supporting Adolescents with Self-Harm” (SASH) intervention was developed with YP with lived experience and expert clinicians. It involves rapid follow-up after ED attendance and up to six intervention sessions. The intervention has three components: Therapeutic Assessment (TA) of self-harm; an enhanced safety plan (SP); and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Depending on the YP’s preference, carers can join sessions. Carers can also receive two individual sessions. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of SASH is being evaluated in a randomised controlled trial across nine emergency departments in three NHS Trusts in London, England. A total of 154 YP were recruited between May 2023 and March 2025 and randomised on a 1:1 ratio to SASH alongside Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU. A logic model describes the SASH inputs, activities, mechanisms, outcomes and longer-term impacts. The aim of this paper is to (1) illustrate how TA, SP, and SFBT were implemented in practice by presenting intervention materials and session recordings for four YP cases and one carer case and (2) explore how the case study materials/recordings reflect the intervention mechanisms in the SASH logic model. Methods: Each case focused on a different component of the intervention. Intervention materials (TA self-harm diagram and completed SP) and recorded SFBT sessions with four YP and one carer were analysed using a descriptive case study approach. The TA diagram and SP were extracted from medical records. Audio/video recordings of intervention sessions were identified. Recordings of intervention sessions and qualitative interviews were transcribed. Quotes from qualitative interviews with the same participants were included where relevant. Results: Across the four YP cases, some core themes emerged. The role of friendships for young people, particularly at school, was important in both negative and positive ways. Experiencing difficulties with friends at school led to feelings of sadness and stress, which could become overwhelming, leading to thoughts of self-harm (“I just need to hurt myself”), triggering self-harm behaviour. YP described mood changes and signs that they were becoming stressed, which improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between their feelings and self-harm behaviour. They reflected on what kept them feeling calm and overcoming their fear of burdening others by sharing how they were feeling, as this helped them not to self-harm. They also described difficult feelings stemming from a need to please everyone or needing validation from others. Overcoming these feelings led to less social anxiety and more confidence. This made it easier to go to school and to be more social with friends/student peers, which in turn improved their mood. Conclusions: These case studies demonstrate how YP improved their self-awareness and understanding of the link between feelings and self-harm behaviour and identified personal strategies for managing difficult feelings and situations. The carer case study demonstrates how sessions with carers can facilitate carers better supporting their YP’s mental health. Supporting YP and carers in this way has the potential to reduce the risk of future self-harm.

This study investigated the prevalence of advance directives among patients receiving community care within the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), and to identify factors associated with their clinical application.We analysed data from electronic health records of 4807 patients (aged 18-75 years), managed under the Care Programme Approach (CPA) in ELFT during 2021-2022. Demographic, clinical, service-level and patient-reported measures were analysed (binomial logistic regression). A total of 31.2% of patients on the CPA had an advance directive. Black ethnicity, treatment in the forensic service or Newham, Luton and Bedfordshire localities, housing in socio-therapeutic facilities, diagnosis of personality disorder, ten or more previous admissions and engagement with DIALOG+ were positively associated with having an advance directive. DIALOG+ is the first approach that has been specifically developed to make routine patient-clinician meetings therapeutically effective. It is based on quality of life research, utilising the DIALOG scale (a patient-reported outcome measure), concepts of patient-centred communication, IT developments and components of solution-focused therapy, and is supported by an app. This study highlights a complex interplay of cultural, social and systemic factors that influence advance care plan status. Structured communication, stronger therapeutic relationships and staff facilitation are likely to encourage advance care planning.

Abstract Background Fatigue affects up to 70% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), even in remission, and remains a major unmet need. Few active interventions specifically target this symptom. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a short-term, goal- and resource-oriented psychotherapeutic approach that encourages autonomy, self-efficacy, and engagement. This study evaluated the impact of SFBT on fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and wellbeing in IBD, and explored predictors of response and adherence. Methods Prospective, interventional, single-centre, uncontrolled study including adults with IBD and fatigue (Inflammatory Bowel Disease Fatigue score [IBD-F] &amp;gt; 1), stable IBD treatment for ≥3 months, and no corticosteroids. Fatigue (IBD-F1 and IBD-F2), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and wellbeing (Subjective Happiness Scale [SHS]) were assessed before and after SFBT. Therapy was delivered by a single trained therapist in 3–6 sessions, depending on individual progression. Adherence was considered complete when all sessions were attended and null when discontinued after the first. Results Sixty-seven patients were screened; six were referred for psychiatric management and eleven discontinued early. Fifty were analysed (68% female; median age 43 years; 65% Crohn’s disease). IBD-F1 correlated with SHS (r = 0.52, p &amp;lt; 0.0001), PSQI (r = 0.37, p = 0.0029), and HADS (r = 0.65, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). SFBT significantly improved IBD-F1 (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), IBD-F2 (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), HADS (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), PSQI (p = 0.0001), and SHS (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Fatigue reduction was associated with female sex (p = 0.017), Montreal E1 vs E3 (p = 0.009), higher baseline IBD-F1 (p = 0.025) and lower body weight (p = 0.010). Reduced fatigue impact was linked to higher HADS (p = 0.012), perianal disease (p = 0.032) and absence of remission (p = 0.001). Complete adherence (71.6%) was associated with psychiatric follow-up (p = 0.001), antidepressant use (p = 0.006), shorter disease duration (p = 0.023), absence of follow-up during the COVID period (p = 0.035), and higher baseline fatigue (p = 0.017). Conclusion SFBT significantly improved fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep, and quality of life in IBD, including in patients not in remission. These findings suggest that SFBT may represent a valuable integrative approach for IBD-related fatigue. Controlled multicentre trials are warranted to confirm efficacy and define optimal patient selection. Conflict of interest: Collin, Julie: No conflict of interest Moor, Laurent: Grant: Ferring, Janssen, Takeda, Fresenius, Biogen Personal Fees: Ferring, Janssen, Takeda, Fresenius, Abbvie, Galapagos, Pfizer, Celltrion, Thermofisher, BMS, Lilly, Thermofisher Monin, Lucie: No conflict of interest Latour, Pascale: No conflict of interest Van Kemseke, Catherine: No conflicts Vieujean, Sophie: No conflict of interest Louis, Edouard: Education and Reserach Grants for my department: Abbvie, Takeda, Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Fresenius-Kabi, Celltrion, EG pharma, Sandoz, Falk Personal Fees for conferences, advisory boards and consultancy: Abbvie, Takeda, Ferring, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Lilly, Galapagos, Celltrion, Arena, BMS, Falk, Biokuris, Fresenius-Kabi, Thabor Prof. Dr. Reenaers, Catherine: This work supported by a grant from Takeda

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in improving marital adjustment among married women. Methods and Materials: This applied and experimental study used a pretest–posttest–two-month follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included married women who attended the Hazrat Zainab Cultural Center in Mashhad, Iran, during 2022–2023. Sixty eligible participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups (CFT, SFBT, and control), but due to attrition, 16 participants remained in the CFT group, 18 in the SFBT group, and 18 in the control group. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS; Spanier, 1976) was used to measure marital adjustment. The CFT group attended twelve 90-minute weekly sessions based on Gilbert’s model, while the SFBT group participated in six 90-minute sessions following the Diamond approach. Data were collected at three time points (pretest, posttest, and two-month follow-up) and analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance with SPSS-27. Findings: The results indicated significant main effects of time (p &lt; .001, η² = .76) and group (p = .004, η² = .20) as well as a significant time × group interaction (p &lt; .001, η² = .59) for marital adjustment. Post hoc Bonferroni tests showed that both the CFT and SFBT groups had significantly higher marital adjustment scores at posttest and follow-up compared with the control group (p &lt; .001). However, no significant difference was found between the CFT and SFBT groups at either posttest or follow-up (p &gt; .05). Conclusion: Both Compassion-Focused Therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy effectively improved and sustained marital adjustment in married women, with comparable therapeutic impact.

This study examined the effectiveness of a solution-focused counseling program on sports performance strategies and perceived performance in a youth elite golfer experiencing driver yips. A single-case design was employed with a youth golfer who had experienced prolonged driver yips-related performance decline. A structured, multi-session counseling program based on De Shazer and Berg's solution-focused brief therapy model and adapted for golf yips characteristics was implemented. The program consisted of five stages: establishing collaborative relationships, goal setting, exploring solutions, building solutions, and maintenance and reinforcement. The Test of Performance Strategies and Perceived Performance Questionnaire were administered to measure changes from baseline to post-intervention, with qualitative data collected through session interviews and analyzed through expert consensus for integrated analysis. Consistent improvements were observed across all subfactors of sports performance strategies, with continuous enhancement confirmed in all domains of perceived performance. Qualitative analysis revealed the participant's transition from negative to positive self-talk, a paradigmatic shift from problem-focused to solution-focused thinking, confidence recovery through strengths recognition and utilization, and enhanced pressure management through personalized pre-shot routine development. Evidence of performance recovery was observed in competitive settings, although occasional driver-related anxiety partially persisted. The solution-focused counseling program was associated with improvements in psychological skills and perceived performance in a youth golfer experiencing driver yips, providing preliminary support for its utility as a practical intervention. Given the limitations of single-case design, future research should employ multiple-baseline or controlled group designs and include longitudinal follow-up investigations.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between solution-focused thinking and school adjustment among high school students, and to identify the psychological pathway through which solution-focused thinking influences school adjustment by verifying the mediating effect of resilience in this process. Methods: : A survey was administered to 137 high school students. Data were analyzed using the SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 4) with 10,000 bootstrap samples. Results: Significant strong positive correlations were found among solution-focused thinking and resilience, resilience and school adjustment, and solution-focused thinking and school adjustment. Furthermore, it was confirmed that solution-focused thinking has a direct effect on school adjustment, and that resilience also has a mediating effect. Conclusions: Based on these findings, this study provides theoretical implications by empirically clarifying the psychological pathway between solution-focused thinking and school adjustment, and suggests the application of solution-focused therapy that incorporates resilience in school and youth shelter.

This case study examines the relationship between depression and basic needs deprivation, while also evaluating the effectiveness of short-term Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Participants met criteria for severe depressive symptoms, assessed through clinical interviews and the PHQ-9 questionnaire (≥15 points). The study utilized the Basic Needs Scale, based on William Glasser’s Choice Theory (Glasser,1998), to measure five fundamental needs: survival, love and belonging, power and control, freedom, and fun. Participants rated their need satisfaction on a 10-point scale before and after a five-session SFBT intervention. Therapy followed the Solution-Focused Art Gallery model (George, Iveson, &amp; Ratner, 1999) and the Solution-focused therapy Plus model (Hjerth, 2008). Sessions were conducted both online and in person. Results were analyzed to assess symptom improvement and changes in need satisfaction. Findings provide promising preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of SFBT in addressing depression, though further research with larger samples is needed for generalization.

Although organization development (OD) is grounded in behavioral science, there remains a persistent gap between abstract behavioral concepts and applied, psychologically precise tools for navigating change at individual, relational, and systemic levels. This paper introduces Behaviorally Informed Organization Development (BIOD), a conceptual framework that integrates three evidence-based counseling models: Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Family Systems Therapy (FST); each contributes distinct mechanisms: MI deepens readiness for change and values alignment, SFT accelerates strengths-based goal pursuit and forward momentum, and FST reveals insights into group dynamics and legacy patterns that sustain behaviors over time. Together, these approaches enrich core OD processes such as action research, appreciative inquiry, team development, and culture transformation by providing psychologically grounded interventions that foster trust, reduce resistance, and support sustainable human-centered change. The article offers theoretical justification and practical implications for applying BIOD across diverse organizational contexts.

Purpose Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) can offer timely and cost-effective alternatives to traditional in-person interventions. They are effective for addressing common adult mental health difficulties. This paper aims to examine their overall effectiveness as well as the impact of intervention elements (e.g. therapeutic approach, content formats, tailoring) on their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach This systematic review summarizes current evidence on the short- and long-term effectiveness of brief (one session; ≤3 h in total) DMHIs for adults (≥25 years) with emerging mental health concerns. All digital interventions and therapeutic frameworks were included as long as the intervention was partially or entirely human guided. Searches of published and unpublished literature revealed 13,963 records of which 22 records have been retained. Findings DMHIs showed short-time effects (≤ four weeks post-completion) on depression, anxiety, stress, psychological distress, negative affect and knowledge/skill development. DMHIs are less effective or ineffective for anger management and positive affect. Mixed short-term evidence was found for loneliness and well-being. Sustained benefits (≥ three months post-completion) were noted for depression, loneliness and anxiety. Regarding the impact of DMHI elements, personalization of DMHIs and mindfulness-based approaches demonstrated broad efficacy, while cognitive behavioral therapy approaches enhanced positive and reduced negative affect. Co-designed interventions, solution-focused therapy and anonymity were associated with reduced psychological distress. Incorporating safety/stabilization and action planning were associated with reduced anxiety. Originality/value Results underscore the emerging potential of brief digital interventions to impact adult socioemotional health, particularly when tailored and at least partially facilitated.

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial examined Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) effectiveness for reducing adolescent cybervictimization and psychological symptoms. Method: Twenty-eight high school students with above-average cybervictimization and psychological symptom scores were randomly assigned to experimental ( n = 14) or control ( n = 14) groups. The experimental group received an 8-session SFBT-oriented psychoeducational program. Self-report measures were administered at pretest, post-test, and two-month follow-up. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant group × time interactions for both outcomes. The SFBT program produced large effect sizes (partial η² = 0.72–0.96) with significant reductions maintained at follow-up. Control group showed no significant changes. Discussion: Findings demonstrate that SFBT-oriented interventions offer effective tools for school social workers addressing cyberbullying victimization, showing both statistical and clinical significance for school-based implementation.