Clinical Research Directory

Trauma Informed Goal Management Training With a "Support Person" Module for Individuals Impacted by Post-Traumatic Stress

The purpose of this study is to determine whether adding a Support-Person Module to Trauma-Informed Goal Management Training (TIGMT) can improve engagement and recovery among individuals who have experienced traumatic events and are currently experiencing post-traumatic stress. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and symptoms of trauma-related stress can occur following traumatic events such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, car accidents, or working in public safety roles. Individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress may feel overwhelmed by memories of traumatic events, avoid trauma reminders, remain on high alert for danger, and experience difficulties managing emotions. Cognitive difficulties, including problems with memory, attention, and planning, are also common and can interfere with everyday functioning. There has been limited research examining how best to address these cognitive challenges. This study will compare two versions of a program designed to improve daily functioning and reduce trauma-related distress by strengthening cognitive skills. Trauma-Informed Goal Management Training (TIGMT) is a 9-week, trauma-informed adaptation of Goal Management Training (GMT). GMT is designed to improve cognitive skills, including attention, multitasking, mental flexibility, planning, and problem-solving, as well as the ability to achieve goals in everyday life. TIGMT adapts GMT by incorporating education about trauma-related symptoms and their effects on cognitive functioning, as well as mindfulness and strategies targeting emotional regulation. Trauma-Informed Goal Management Training-Assist (TIGMT-Assist) builds on TIGMT by adding a Support-Person Module. Each participant selects a trusted adult, such as a family member, partner, or friend, to serve as a support person. Participants complete the full 9-week TIGMT program and attend three additional Support-Person Module sessions with their selected support person. Support persons attend only these three additional sessions. The sessions are designed to increase understanding of the program and provide strategies for reinforcing skills learned during TIGMT. By comparing TIGMT with TIGMT-Assist, the study aims to determine whether involving a support person improves program engagement, retention and use of learned skills, cognitive functioning, trauma-related symptoms, and quality of life. Findings may help inform future approaches to trauma-informed cognitive training for individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress.

Psychosocial Correlates of Trait Emotional Intelligence and Psychosomatic Symptoms Among Adolescents Exposed to Bullying and the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

This study examines the psychosocial correlates of trait emotional intelligence and psychosomatic symptoms among adolescents exposed to bullying and analyzes the effetiveness of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program through a randomized controlled trial. The study is two phased, in which the Phase 1 includes a cross sectional correlational survey that was administered to 403 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years studying in secondary schools and colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan to analyze the relationships among childhood traumatic experiences, mindfulness, and level of bullying exposure with trait emotional intelligence and psychosomatic symptoms to identify eligible participants for Phase 2. In Phase 2, about 44 adolescents meeting eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to either an intervention group that received the 8 week MBSR intervention (n=22) or waitlist control group (n=22). Pre and post assessments were done to examine changes in trait emotional intelligence and psychosomatic symptoms, following the mbsr intervention.