Advances in Treatment: Examining the Effectiveness of a Behavioral Intervention.
- Conditions
- Psychosocial Problems
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
- Registration Number
- NCT03282500
- Lead Sponsor
- Kessler Foundation
- Brief Summary
The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence a mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) intervention will have on internalizing and externalizing problems in children and adolescents that have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). MBCT is a manualized intervention developed to increase social-emotional resiliency through mindful attention. Internalizing problems refer to a set of symptoms in which a person over-controls their emotions and results in social withdrawal, feelings of worthlessness, depression, and anxiety (Bloom et al., 2001). In contrast, externalizing problems refer to an under-control of emotions which results in conduct problems, impulsive behavior, and aggression. Social and emotional difficulties are prominent consequences of childhood TBI. Left untreated or undertreated, these problems often persist into adulthood, producing a wide range of challenges adapting in personal and vocational domains. At present, there are minimal non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches that effectively treat psychosocial deficits unique to TBI. Developing innovative, evidence based methods is essential in helping children recover from the injury.
- Detailed Description
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) represents a significant, adverse life event. Among the estimated 634,000 pediatric TBI cases occurring annually in the United States (Langlois, Rutlan-Brown, \& Thomas, 2006), some reports suggest that approximately 50% of these children and adolescents will develop emotional and behavioral problems. For example, pediatric TBI is associated with negative psychosocial health outcomes including symptoms of internalizing such as depression, (Bloom et al., 2001; Fann, Hart, \& Schomer, 2009), withdrawal, and anxiety, and symptoms of externalizing such as impulsivity and aggression (Iversion, 2005; Cole et al., 2008). These maladaptive symptoms are typically correlated with problems in interpersonal relationships and overall social adjustment, contributing to further detriment to social and emotional development (Ganesalingam et al., 2011).
Despite these statistics, our understanding of how to best treat problematic psychosocial sequelae that follow pediatric TBI is largely uncertain and remains an understudied area in the literature. Indeed, relatively few empirically rigorous studies have been conducted examining effective treatment methods targeting internalizing and externalizing symptoms among youth with a TBI; yet, this is an essential area of study that needs to be a priority in research efforts (Semrud-Clikeman, 2010).
Given the beneficial outcomes found with other pediatric populations, it is expected that the MBCT intervention would have a similar, positive impact on adjustment among children and adolescents post TBI. Problems in impulsivity, emotional lability, and anxiety are experienced by many children and adolescents with a TBI, suggesting that a MBCT intervention, which focuses on improving attention, regulatory processes, and reducing stress, would be particularly advantageous for this population.
Youth that meet the inclusion / exclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to either the control group (arts and crafts activities group) or the MBCT experimental condition. The treatments will be 75 minute, weekly sessions for 8 weeks.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- UNKNOWN
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 46
- Moderate or severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- TBI occurred at least 6 months prior
- Age at enrollment: 9 to 17 years.
- Elevated internalizing or externalizing symptoms
- Substantial impairment in language ability
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy In the experimental condition, participants will receive 12 sessions including the instruction of mindfulness skills and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Externalizing Symptoms 8 weeks We will examine the extent to which participants that have completed the experimental condition demonstrate a decrease in Externalizing symptoms (i.e., under-controlling emotions resulting in symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and aggression).
Internalizing Symptoms 8 weeks We will examine the extent to which participants that have completed the experimental condition demonstrate a decrease in Internalizing symptoms (i.e., over-controlling emotions resulting in symptoms of depression and anxiety).
Adaptive Functioning 8 weeks We will examine the extent to which participants that have completed the experimental condition demonstrate an increase in adaptive functioning (i.e., resilience, social skills, leadership, activities of daily living, and functional communication).
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Attention 8 weeks We will examine the extent to which participants that have completed the experimental condition demonstrate a decrease in attention problems.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Kessler Foundation
🇺🇸East Hanover, New Jersey, United States