The Effects of Behavioral Activation and Physical Exercise on Depression

Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare an internet-based behavioral activation program with a physical activation program, as treatments for mild to moderate depression. The added effect of rationale and motivational interviewing will also be studied, as well as the effects of relapse prevention program.

Conditions

• Depression

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Physical activity without motivational interviewing

Focus is on physical exercise, motivated by research findings that it has a positive effect on depressive symptoms. An individualized exercise program is constructed, to be followed by the respective participant. A user-friendly pulse watch will be mailed to participants. Exercise is monitored through online self-registration with automated feedback.

BEHAVIORAL

Physical exercise with motivational interviewing

Focus is on physical exercise, motivated by research findings that it has a positive effect on depressive symptoms. An individualized exercise program is constructed, to be followed by the respective participant. A user-friendly pulse watch will be mailed to participants. Exercise is monitored through online self-registration with automated feedback. An initial motivational interview (MI) per telephone is also conducted, to explore the intrinsic motivation to change in participants.

BEHAVIORAL

Behavioral activation with rationale

A behavioral activation program, based on the TRAP-TRAC model according to which suffering individuals are trapped in a vicious circle of avoidance and ever fewer reinforcers, leading to increasing discomfort. To break free of this vicious circle, patients have to replace avoidance patterns with alternative coping strategies. Unlike previous applications of this program done in the U.S., this study will feature an internet-based administration. Approximately 15 minutes of electronic therapist support will be included per week.

BEHAVIORAL

Behavioral activation without rationale

A behavioral activation program without TRAP-TRAC rationale, but with some encouragement provided ("Activate yourself and feel better!"). Approximately 15 minutes of electronic therapist support will be included per week.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Umeå University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Per Carlbring, Professor · Department of Psychology, Umeå University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2012-08-31

Primary Completion

2017-01-31

Completion

2018-05-31

Countries

• Sweden

Study Locations