A Pilot Study to Examine the Efficacy of Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) for Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsyndromal Depression

Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) for Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsyndromal Depression: A Pilot Study

The present study aims to pilot internet-delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) as a transdiagnostic emotion dysregulation intervention to prevent progression to depression in individuals with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subsyndromal depression. The aims of the study are: (i) to examine the effectiveness of i-STAIR on emotion dysregulation, interpersonal skills, depressive and PTSD symptoms at post-intervention i.e. on completion of the intervention (8 weeks); (ii) to examine if gains were maintained at 3 month post- intervention follow-up.

Internet-delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) will be an effective intervention for preventing depression among those with adverse childhood experiences and subsyndromal depression. In contrast to the control group (i.e., individuals who received online general psychoeducation), we hypothesize that participants who receive i-STAIR will experience a significant reduction of depressive/PTSD symptoms and emotion dysregulation, as well as experience significant positive increases in interpersonal skills and perceptions of social support at post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Exposed to mild, moderate or severe adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Screened positive for subsyndromal depression
• Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PRs)
• Aged 21 years to 65 years
• Able to speak and understand English
• Willing and able to undergo intervention and assessment online

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently diagnosed with any mental disorder diagnoses;
• Experience cognitive impairment as determined by attending physician
• Have received or currently receiving dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) due to similarities with i-STAIR
• Female participants who are pregnant