Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress

This study is being done to compare the effectiveness of three different skills trainings to cope with distress. These three trainings are: 1) an attention skills training, 2) an attention and reflective thought skills training, and 3) a health and wellness education training.

Adults living in New York City between the ages of 18-65 and experiencing elevated levels of worry, rumination, and/or self-criticism may be eligible to participate. After being informed about the study and potential risks, participants giving written informed consent will complete an online screening visit to determine full study eligibility. Eligible participant will then be randomized to complete 6-weeks of one of three self-directed, online skills training about coping with distress.

The present study is evaluating whether these skills trainings demonstrate efficacy in: 1) improving outcomes specific to an emotion regulation model of emotional distress (e.g., attentional control, decentering, reappraisal); 2) reducing symptoms of psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, worry, rumination). Primary assessment points will take place before and after the skills training, and will include self-report measures, brief surveys during daily life, as well as computer tasks and measures of brain and body activity (e.g., EEG).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between the ages of 18 and 65
• Fluent in English (and therefore able to provide consent)
• Currently living in New York City
• Access to a smartphone and the internet
• High self-reported worry, rumination, and/or self-criticism
• Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for at least one, current psychological disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active suicidal ideation or intent
• Substance dependence disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar-I disorder, or a primary DSM-5 diagnosis of borderline or narcissistic personality disorder
• Individuals currently receiving therapy or psychosocial treatment who do not plan to continue with the same treatment throughout the study period
• Individuals taking psychotropic mediation that has not been stabilized for a period of at least 3 months
• Current students at Teachers College, Columbia University
• Individuals with cardiac conditions, diagnosed hyperhidrosis, and traumatic brain injuries or other neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, Parkinson's, epilepsy)