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Life Experiences in Adolescents and the Development of Skills
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh
Summary
The primary objective of this study is to assess acquisition and retention of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based "cognitive restructuring" skill, among young adolescents (12-15 years of age) with elevated depression symptoms and with population-level variability in lifetime exposure to adverse childhood experiences. This study uses a repeated-measures, longitudinal design to investigate associations between adversity exposure and learning-related cognitive control processes in the context of elevated depression (Aim 1). Adversity exposure and cognitive control will be examined as direct predictors of cognitive restructuring skill acquisition and skill retention over six-months; an indirect pathway from adversity to skill acquisition through cognitive control will also be examined (Aim 2). The study also includes exploration of key characteristics of adversity, namely the type (threat of harm versus deprivation of resources) and developmental timing of exposure, as distinct predictors of skill acquisition (exploratory Aim 3).
Official title: Effects of Stressful Life Experiences on the Acquisition of a Coping Skill in Adolescents With Elevated Depression Symptoms
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
12 Years - 15 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
88
Start Date
2021-05-19
Completion Date
2025-10-10
Last Updated
2026-11-03
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
FIRST: Repairing Thoughts
This intervention uses the Repairing Thoughts cognitive restructuring module of the FIRST (Feeling Calm, Increasing Motivation, Repairing Thoughts, Solving Problems, Trying the Opposite) cognitive behavioral therapy protocol. This psychotherapy module teaches adolescents that thoughts are linked to feelings and behaviors, and that thoughts are often "guesses" to interpreting the world around us. Adolescents are taught to notice their thoughts in real-time and evaluate the evidence that supports or contradicts the thoughts and interpretation. Adolescents are then taught strategies to re-interpret thoughts in a more realistic manner and notice changes in emotional and behavioral responses. Clinicians are provided with examples to enhance learning, and between-session practice is assigned as "homework."
Locations (1)
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States