Emotion Regulation Therapy for Clinical Worry and Rumination

Emotion Regulation Therapy for Young Adults With Clinical Worry and Rumination

The present project aims to broaden our understanding of neural mechanisms which may underlie change in symptoms occurring over the course of Emotion Regulation Therapy. Specifically, we aim to examine neural changes as a result of either an 8-session or 16-session version of the treatment.

This study aims to examine the utility of Emotion Regulation Training (ERT) in reducing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression in young adults aged 18 to 29 years old. Additionally, we are interested in assessing neural, cardiac, and immunological changes associated with psychological symptom reduction in these individuals. Lastly, we are interested in examining whether an abbreviated 8-session version of ERT produces similar results to a longer (16-session) version of ERT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-29 years during the time of participation
• Meets diagnostic criteria for an anxiety and/or depressive disorder
• Endorses significant worry and/or rumination

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active suicidal intent
• Current substance dependence disorder (within the past year)
• Current or past psychotic disorder, bipolar-I disorder, or dementia
• Not currently received any other form of psychosocial treatment
• Not being on a stabilized dose of medication (less than 3 months) during enrollment
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during active participation
• Irremovable metal objects in the body
• Neurological disorder, traumatic brain injury, or loss of consciousness
• Tattoos if/when posing risks for involvement in the MRI component of the study