Optimizing ASCENT: A Digital Intervention Trial for Depression in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a digital tool called the AYA Survivors Coping and Emotional Needs Toolkit (ASCENT) designed to help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors manage depression symptoms. This study aims to identify which parts or combinations of ASCENT's components contribute most to reducing depressive symptoms in young people who have completed cancer treatment. The study focuses on adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 39 who have finished cancer therapy within the past five years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of sixteen conditions, each providing access to different combinations of ASCENT's components. All participants receive the core psychoeducation module about cancer survivorship and depression, plus daily mood tracking. Additional modules include positive psychology techniques, mindfulness training, cognitive restructuring, and behavioral activation. Each module contains micro-lessons with videos, stories, quizzes, open-ended questions, and practice activities, delivered digitally via smartphone. During the six-week intervention, participants complete mood tracking and engage with their assigned modules. Researchers measure changes in depressive symptoms from the start to week six, with a follow-up assessment at week twelve. Participants must have access to a smartphone and be fluent in English. Safety is monitored by excluding those with severe mental illness or suicidal intent. The study is sponsored by East Carolina University and aims to optimize depression support for young cancer survivors.

Optimizing the AYA Survivors' Coping and Emotional Needs Toolkit