Digital intervention for preventing suicide in cyberbullied teens
Development and Testing of imHere4U: A Digital Suicide Prevention Intervention for Cyberbullied Adolescents
This study is testing a digital program called Flourish to see if it can help teens aged 12-17 who have been bullied online feel better and prevent thoughts of suicide.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06002191 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of Flourish, a digital suicide prevention intervention designed for adolescents aged 12-17 who have experienced cyberbullying. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Flourish intervention, which includes interactive support, or a control group receiving questionnaires alone. The study will assess various outcomes, including problem-solving skills, distress tolerance, and suicidal ideation over a 6-month follow-up period. Participants will engage in assessments at baseline and at 4, 12, and 24 weeks to monitor their mental health and online experiences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adolescents aged 12-17 with a recent history of cyberbullying and suicidal risk.
Not a fit: Patients with intellectual challenges or those requiring a higher level of care may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicidal thoughts and improve coping mechanisms among cyberbullied adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for mental health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English-speaking * access to a phone or device capable of text messaging * past 3-month history of cyberbullying assessed by the cybervictimization subscale of the Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimization and Perpetration Scale and/or presence of online discrimination measured by a modified version of a discrimination measured developed as part of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study * past 3-month history of suicidal risk, including: psychological distress (\>13 on the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) and/or suicidal ideation or behavior (via the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale) Exclusion Criteria: * intellectual challenges, low literacy levels, or other conditions that might inhibit adolescents' ability to effectively engage with Flourish (reported by parents and, if needed, confirmed through the age-appropriate Wechsler Intelligence scale) * acuity levels suggesting need for a higher level of care (e.g., inpatient hospitalization) or referral for emergency services
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Candice L Biernesser, PhD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Candice L Biernesser, PhD
- Email: lubbertcl@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-586-9064
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.