Using behavioral activation to boost community participation for people with serious mental illness

Getting Out of the House: A Behavioral Activation Approach to Support Community Participation With Individuals With Serious Mental Illness

This study is testing a program that helps people with serious mental illnesses get more involved in their communities and do meaningful activities to see if it improves their overall well-being.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Temple University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Trial ID: NCT06336616 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a behavioral activation intervention aimed at increasing meaningful activities and community participation among individuals with serious mental illnesses such as major depressive disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Participants will engage in a 2-hour weekly online session for 10 weeks, followed by a 1-hour monthly maintenance session for three months. The study will assess changes in activity frequency, community mobility, and overall well-being, while also examining demographic and environmental factors that may influence the intervention's effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a history of serious mental illness who express a desire to participate more in their communities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to the internet or are unable to communicate in English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance the quality of life and community engagement for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using behavioral activation to improve engagement in activities for individuals with mental health conditions, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. must respond yes to three questions related to their history with serious mental illness (see below);
2. a score of 8 or higher on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale - Revised -10 (CES-D-R-10)
3. have Internet access;
4. be willing to carry a cell phone with a GPS tracking application;
5. indicate that they would like to participate more in the community;
6. be able to communicate in English;
7. be over the age of 18; and
8. and be available on for the day and time (i.e., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday) the intervention is scheduled for each cohort.

Questions related to history with serious mental illness:

1. "Have you ever been told by a psychiatrist or other mental health professional that you have major depression, bipolar disorder, manic depression, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder?",
2. "Have you ever been hospitalized for this mental health or emotional problem?", and
3. "Has this mental health or emotional problem substantially interfered with or limited your ability to participate in any major life activities such as work, school, recreation, social activities, religious activities, family relationships, or caring for yourself?" Answering yes to these 3 questions would be indicative of a lifetime serious mental illness.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. those who are unable to give informed consent
2. those who report having a legal guardian -

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• Temple University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Crystal Slanzi, PhD

Conditions Major Depressive Disorder; Schizo Affective Disorder; Schizophrenia; Bipolar Disorder; serious mental illness