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Using an app for suicide prevention amongst young Indigenous people: A randomised controlled trial

A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a self-managed acceptance and commitment therapy based app for Indigenous youths with suicidal ideation compared against wait list control.

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12614000686606
Enrollment
350
Registered
2014-06-30
Start date
2016-09-06
Completion date
Unknown
Last updated
2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

This project aims to investigate whether a self-help interactive program delivered via tablet devices can help Indigenous youth to reduce their suicidal ideation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which includes therapeutic activities grounded in acceptance and commitment therapy or a wait list control group. We predict those using the intervention program for 6 weeks will report reduced suicidal ideation, a reduction of reported suicide plans, and lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, hopelessness and impulsivity.

Interventions

The self-paced tablet app is largely based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It consists of several modules designed to help individuals become more aware of their unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and helps then identify guiding principles for their life. The time it takes to complete each module will differ for each person and is dependent on individual needs. Participants are given 6 weeks to complete the modules at their own pace. The app provides users with tools and strategies to bette

The self-paced tablet app is largely based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It consists of several modules designed to help individuals become more aware of their unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and helps then identify guiding principles for their life. The time it takes to complete each module will differ for each person and is dependent on individual needs. Participants are given 6 weeks to complete the modules at their own pace. The app provides users with tools and strategies to better manage their emotions and helps them to set goals in order to move their life in valued directions. The app collects data on overall usage and time spent in each module.

Sponsors

Black Dog Institute / University of New South Wales
Lead SponsorUniversity

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Primary purpose
Treatment

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
16 Years to 35 No limit
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Participants must: * Be at least 16 years of age * Be a resident of Australia * Be of Indigenous background * Have the ability to navigate a basic app * Give consent to take part in the trial * Be willing to make contact with Suicide Call Back Service (SCBS).

Exclusion criteria

Participants must not: *Be actively suicidal * Currently experiencing symptoms associated with a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Mar 3, 2026