MindCast: A randomised controlled trial of a podcast intervention for relationship separation

A 2-arm randomised waitlist-controlled trial with a primary endpoint at 3 weeks and a 3-month follow-up, testing the effectiveness of a web-based, audio podcast (using computer, smartphone or tablet) program to improve adjustment following an intimate partner relationship separation. The purpose of this intervention is to target individuals who have separated from a romantic relationship in the past six months, and use Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B) strategies to promote active coping and positive adjustment and decrease suicidal ideation and symptoms of depression. The podcast episodes are developed, written and narrated by a Clinical Psychologist. The podcast content is based on Brief Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-B; Swartz et al., 2014), which is an eight session intervention adapted from the original evidence-based psychotherapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT). The rationale for IPT-B is to provide an opportunity for individuals to be able to access the benefits of traditional IPT and who may not necessarily have the time or resources to be able to commit to a full 16 session intervention. Following clinical guidelines suggested by Stuart and Robertson (2012), relationship separation can be covered under the ‘role transition’ interpersonal problem area. It was determined that by focusing on one specific interpersonal problem area, the content of the podcast can be personalised to reflect on common aspects of a separation while allowing participants to experience the tactics and techniques specific to IPT delivery. Content specific to the intervention includes: episode one – introduction to IPT, episode two – role transitions, episode three – interpersonal inventory, episode four – life events timeline, episode five – cons and pros of moving on, episode six – self-concept. Each podcast episode will run for a maximum of 15 minutes. Only the Clinical Psychologist will be heard on each episode. Once the initial survey is completed, and following randomisation, participants will be invited to access each podcast episode via a link sent through to their email accounts. The link will redirect participants to an audio file embedded in a website (hosted by the Australian National University) where they can immediately listen to the podcast episode. Podcast episodes will be made available every three days in a sequential order. Participants will be emailed a new link every three days. The remotely delivered trial will be advertised nationwide using social media and by approaching relevant mental health organisations. Three-week and three-month assessments will collect self-report measures of suicidal ideation and depression, as well as secondary outcomes (interpersonal needs, benefit-finding, adjustment, self-hate, and help-seeking ) and potential mediators (demographics) via online surveys. Fidelity and adherence will be assessed and reported as part of a process evaluation. The podcasts are informed by interpersonal psychotherapy and social theories informing suicidal ideation and behaviours.