A Randomized Controlled Trial of Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare the effectiveness of three different online skills trainings designed to help adults cope with distress, such as elevated worry, rumination, and self-criticism. The study focuses on adults aged 18 to 65 living in New York City who meet criteria for at least one current psychological disorder. It evaluates how these trainings impact emotional regulation and reduce symptoms of psychological distress including anxiety and depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three 6-week self-directed, online training programs: Attention Skills Training, Attention and Reflective Thought Skills Training, or Health and Wellness Education Training. Each program includes weekly modules with narrated videos lasting 10 to 15 minutes, along with suggested activities and skills practice. Weekly 5-10 minute coaching calls with a trained student coach will support participant engagement and clarify concepts. Throughout the study, participants will complete assessments before and after the training, as well as a 3-month follow-up. These assessments include self-report questionnaires, daily life surveys, computer tasks, and measures of brain and body activity such as EEG. Researchers will measure changes in emotion regulation, attention control, motivation, mood, anxiety, rumination, self-criticism, and life satisfaction. The study is sponsored by Teachers College, Columbia University and runs until December 2025.

Brief Interventions for Coping with Distress