None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to test the efficacy of the Reframe-IT program in reducing suicidal ideation, hopelessness and depression in school students. The study also aims to determine if the program leads to increased confidence and perceived skill, and / or changes in practice among school wellbeing staff who are implementing the program. The program is a personalised and interactive website which delivers 8 modules of cognitive behavioural therapy over approximately 8 weeks. The program is delivered via a series of videos depicting an adult 'host' and 4 young people who post a weekly video diary reflecting on their experiences. There are weekly activities, a message board and adjunctive therapist involvement. The program differs from existing Internet-based programs in that it: has been purpose-designed for young people; is interactive rather than text-based; and is designed to be a tool for student wellbeing staff to use specifically with suicidal students. The program has been subject to a pilot study (ACTRN12611000866909) which used a before-and-after design. Findings have shown an overall reduction in suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms and hopelessness among participants over the course of the program. We will now test its efficacy in a randomised controlled trial with 170 students from up to 28 Melbourne high schools. Participants will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (10 weeks) and 12-week follow-up. Hypotheses are that, when compared to treatment as usual, the program will lead to: 1. Reduced suicidal ideation 2. Reduced depressive symptoms 3. Reduced hopelessness 4. Reduced symptoms of anxiety 5. Increased problem solving skills
Interventions
The intervention comprises 8 modules of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to be delivered weekly online PLUS treatment as usual. Each module takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
The 8 CBT modules incorporate standard CBT approaches commonly used with young people: engagement and agenda setting; emotional recognition and distress tolerance; identification of negative automatic thinking; behavioural activation - help-seeking and activity scheduling (including relaxation techniques);
The intervention comprises 8 modules of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to be delivered weekly online PLUS treatment as usual. Each module takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The 8 CBT modules incorporate standard CBT approaches commonly used with young people: engagement and agenda setting; emotional recognition and distress tolerance; identification of negative automatic thinking; behavioural activation - help-seeking and activity scheduling (including relaxation techniques); problem solving, with a specific focus on managing suicidal ideation; detecting and challenging problematic thinking, and cognitive restructuring. The website also comprises: 2 activities per week (for example completing a mood or activity diary), a message board via which the participant can communicate with the research-therapist; a series of factsheets covering a range of related topics; plus downloadable MP3s. In addition the website lists a range of local and national helplines and services that the participant can access if in crisis. Practitioner involvement is two-fold. First, the school counsellor will facilitate delivery of the program and will check responses to a weekly 'suicide screen'. Second, there will be involvement from a research-therapist who will remain un-blinded. She will check completed activities and respond with personalised but standardised messages. She will also check the message board and respond accordingly.
Sponsors
Orygen Youth Health Research Centre
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
14 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1. Suicidal ideation in the past month 2. Aged 14-18
Exclusion criteria
1. Intellectual disability 2. Psychotic symptoms 3. An inability to speak English
Outcome results
None listed