A memory-based digital intervention (MemFlex) for young people struggling with low mood

MemFlex; The MemFlex intervention aims to improve the ability to retrieve any autobiographical memory type on demand, using cued recall exercises. Participants are never asked to retrieve negative memories or trauma memories. In particular, the intervention trains three core skills: balancing, elaboration, and flexibility. Balancing aims to improve access to personally relevant memories that are emotionally positive. Improving ease of access to positive autobiographical information aims to balance against the negative self-appraisals that drive depression. Elaboration aims to increase the detail and vividness of these positive memories. Flexibility explicitly trains the ability to move between specific and general levels of memory representation. These skills are gradually introduced and built upon via ten online self-guided sessions. A 45 minute orientation Zoom call with a support worker introduces the intervention. Participants are emailed a link to access the online sessions, which involve an initial psychoeducation component, and memory recall exercises using memory cues. In the sessions, participants are trained to recall event memories and general memories, to elaborate memories with contextual, emotional and somatic details, and to flexibly move between memory types. Participants are encouraged to complete 2-3 online, self-guided sessions (~15 mins) per week for 4 weeks, and can contact their support worker via email or phone number with any questions. Treatment adherence is monitored by the support worker through website analytics. The support worker will check in with participants after 2 weeks, then after 4 weeks following orientation, by either email, text message, or phone call depending on participant preference. MemFlex participants will be able to continue any other offered activities (e.g., medication, psychological therapy). We will record access to services for each participant. That is, a MemFlex plus treatment as usual design will be used. As the intervention is entirely online, including contact with the support worker, participants can access the program when and where they feel comfortable to do so. After completing the final survey, participants will be offered access to the BrightMind program.