Bay Village

Researchers are evaluating Flourish, a digital program designed to help middle and high school students who are experiencing cyberbullying and suicide risk factors. The study aims to see if Flourish can be effectively and feasibly delivered within schools, with goals including high recruitment and retention rates and regular use of the program by youth. The study also seeks to understand what helps or hinders Flourish's adoption in school settings by gathering feedback from school personnel. Flourish is a text messaging and web-based intervention that supports adolescents in coping with cyberbullying and reducing suicidal risk through strategies like distress tolerance, social problem-solving, and motivation for help-seeking. The program lasts 4 weeks and is mostly automated with personalized, self-paced text messages and a supporting website for teens, parents, and educators. Before starting, youth complete a survey and meet with a health coach who helps set goals and provides support through calls at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the program. Schools refer students and receive reports on their engagement, while school staff encourage participation and provide input on the program's fit within their environment. Participants take part in four assessment visits at baseline and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after starting Flourish. These visits include surveys, questionnaires, and clinical interviews to assess mood, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and social media experiences. Researchers measure recruitment and retention rates, how often participants use Flourish, and changes in psychological distress and suicidal thoughts over 3 months. School staff also participate in interviews and surveys at the end to share insights on implementing Flourish in schools.