A Trial of a Positive Psychology Intervention for Older Adults (RESET)

Summary

The heightened vulnerability to COVID-19 of African American older adults in Detroit, Michigan and other marginalized communities is linked to systemic racism experienced over the life course. Structural inequities also magnify the pandemic's impact on older adults' physical and psychosocial functioning. Many older adults in Detroit, burdened by poor health even before the pandemic, face a downward spiral of increased distress, reduced physical and social activity, and physical deconditioning. RESET (Re-Engaging in Self-care, Enjoying Today) is a self-management and resilience-building intervention led by community health workers (CHWs) at the Detroit Health Department (DHD). The central hypothesis of this study is that RESET, with components that include group telephone calls, a podcast series, and activity trackers, will improve psychosocial and physical functioning at 2 and 8 months. Specific aims are: 1) With input from a Community Advisory Board, modify RESET for group delivery and refine content after testing in a mini-pilot (n=10). 2) Conduct a randomized, controlled trial to assess the impact of RESET (compared to a one-time /telephone wellness check) on PROMIS-29 Psychosocial Score (a weighted combination of distress, fatigue, pain, social participation and sleep) among 456 primarily African American older adults age 50 and over who are at elevated risk of poor functioning. 3) Collect qualitative (interview) data from participants and other stakeholders, and use this data to better understand trial results, as well as to assess community impact and inform a dissemination toolkit.

Conditions

• Depressive Symptoms
• Anxiety
• Chronic Pain
• Fatigue
• Loneliness
• Stress, Psychological

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

RESET

RESET consists of 7 weekly group phone sessions led by Community Health Workers, along with an accompanying podcast series.Topics will include positive psychology, physical activity, social connection, eating well, relaxation, and more. There will be one individual session with the Community Health Worker to screen for unmet social needs and to offer connections to resources as needed. In the group sessions, participants will set goals incorporating positive activities and strategies to improve daily functioning. Up-to-date information related to COVID-19 prevention and treatment will be provided.

BEHAVIORAL

Wellness Check Control

After completing the baseline survey, control group participants will be mailed an educational packet consisting of information about COVID-19 prevention and treatment, as well as essential community resources. Control group participants will also be invited to take part in a "wellness check" telephone session with a Community Health Worker, about a half-hour long, at which a social needs screener will be administered, and any needed referrals will be made. After completing the 8-month follow up, they will have the opportunity to participate in the full intervention.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

  collaborator NIH

• Detroit Department of Health

  collaborator OTHER

• University of Michigan

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-03-01

Primary Completion

2026-06-30

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations