Evaluation of the Feasibility and Efficacy of Computerized Anxiety Treatment in a Group Setting

Summary

* Statement of the Research Study. Participants are being invited to volunteer to take part in our research study. It is up to participants whether to choose to take part or not. There will be no penalty or loss of benefits to choosing not to take part or decide later not to take part.
* Purpose. The reason that the researchers are doing this research is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of administering a computerized anxiety intervention in a setting of five or more individuals. This intervention has already been tested and shown promise with individuals, and researchers want to see if it will function in a group setting as well.
* Duration. Researchers think that taking part in our study will last approximately two hours, with an additional follow-up survey one month later to be completed at home via computer or smartphone.
* Research Activities. Participants will first be asked to complete several questionnaires dealing with your thoughts and feelings. Once these questionnaires are completed, participants will be assigned to one of two groups, with each group viewing one of two computerized presentations and completing some group exercises afterward. Once participants have completed the designated intervention, participants will then be asked to fill out surveys once again, which will complete the study appointment. One month following the appointment, participants will be sent surveys once again and will be asked to complete them at home.

Risks: The risks or discomforts to participants while taking part in this research include temporary distress or anxiety pr potentially feeling mild discomfort answering questions about your thoughts and feelings.

Benefits: As a result of taking part in this research, participants may experience improvements in mental health.

Conditions

• Computerized Anxiety Sensitivity Treatment
• Health Education Treatment

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

CAST

CAST is a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based protocol designed to address elevated AS, particularly the amplification of cognitive stress symptoms including perceived confusion and memory problems. CAST is a fully computerized, 1-hour intervention. CAST contains video animation and audio narration throughout, as well as interactive features (e.g., brief quizzes to promote comprehension). Procedures draw heavily on standard CBT techniques; AS, a core vulnerability for anxiety and depression is targeted using these procedures. In this study, participants complete CAST as a group alongside other participants.

BEHAVIORAL

HET

The HET protocol covers standard healthy lifestyle behaviors as well as broad coping strategies to address stress. HET is a fully computerized 1-hour control condition focused on increasing healthy behaviors and decreasing unhealthy behaviors. Content includes healthy eating, hydration, sleep and rest, stress management as well as other healthy lifestyle tips. HET was administered in a group format for this study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Florida State University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-02-21

Primary Completion

2025-01-15

Completion

2025-01-15

Countries

• United States

Study Locations