Helping seniors with depression through community volunteers
3/3 Lay-delivered Behavioral Activation in Senior Centers
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-10990536
This study is looking at a program called 'Do More, Feel Better,' which trains volunteers to help older adults who are feeling down get involved in activities that can lift their spirits, and it will see if this volunteer support works as well as help from trained professionals.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10990536 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates a program called 'Do More, Feel Better' that trains community volunteers to help older adults engage in activities to combat depression. By simplifying Behavioral Activation, the program aims to provide support to seniors who may not have access to professional mental health services. The effectiveness of this volunteer-led approach will be compared to traditional methods delivered by trained professionals. The study will involve older adults who experience depressive symptoms, assessing whether increased activity can lead to improved mental health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults over 60 years old who are experiencing elevated depressive symptoms but are not diagnosed with psychosis or dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who are severely mentally ill or have significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a sustainable and accessible way for seniors to receive support for depression, improving their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions can effectively support mental health in older adults, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
TAMPA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA — TAMPA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GUM, AMBER M — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: GUM, AMBER M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.