Skills training for coping with emotional distress
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress
This study is testing three different online programs to see which one helps adults in New York City better manage their emotional distress and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Teachers College, Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05779761 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effectiveness of three different online skills training programs designed to help adults cope with emotional distress, including attention skills training, attention and reflective thought skills training, and health and wellness education training. Participants aged 18-65 living in New York City and experiencing high levels of worry, rumination, or self-criticism will be randomly assigned to one of the training programs for six weeks. The study aims to evaluate improvements in emotion regulation and reductions in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and worry through self-report measures and assessments of brain and body activity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 living in New York City who experience elevated levels of worry, rumination, or self-criticism.
Not a fit: Patients with active suicidal ideation, severe mental health disorders, or those currently receiving therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective coping strategies for individuals struggling with emotional distress.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using skills training for emotional distress, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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)
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Teachers College, Columbia University — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Douglas S Mennin, PhD — Teachers College, Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Douglas S Mennin, PhD
- Email: mennin@tc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212-678-6609
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.