Video therapy to reduce depression after elder abuse
Intervention to Reduce Depression Among Elder Abuse Victims: Type 1 Hybrid Trial of Tele-PROTECT
This program offers a video-based therapy called Tele-PROTECT to help older adults who have experienced abuse feel less depressed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11353857 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive Tele-PROTECT, a structured therapy delivered by video while you are getting services from elder abuse agencies. The therapy focuses on increasing pleasurable activities, setting clear goals, and taking steps to improve safety and empowerment. About 140 English- and Spanish-speaking participants will be randomly assigned to Tele-PROTECT or a video attention-control program called DepEd and followed over time. The approach was developed with local aging services and adapted for virtual delivery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults who have experienced elder abuse, speak English or Spanish, and are experiencing depressive symptoms are the ideal candidates for this program.
Not a fit: People who have not experienced elder abuse, younger adults, those unable to use video technology, or those with severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Tele-PROTECT could lower depression and suicidal thoughts and increase safety-related empowerment for older abuse victims.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier randomized pilot work and pandemic-era virtual delivery showed Tele-PROTECT reduced depressive symptoms and was feasible and effective.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sirey, Jo Anne — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Sirey, Jo Anne
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.