Feasibility Assessment of a Brief, Web-Based Behavioral Activation Intervention for Adolescents with Depressed Mood
Abstract
Objective: Adolescent depression is a major public health concern. Efficacious interventions exist, but are underutilized. Novel approaches to improving access are therefore a top priority. Web-based approaches offer a viable treatment delivery solution; this approach may reach adolescents who might not otherwise receive formal treatment. Behavioral activation (BA) approaches have had success in treatment of depressive symptoms in youth. The purpose of this article is to: (1) describe the development process of a web-based, behavioral activation intervention for adolescents; (2) summarize the preliminary feasibility data; and (3) discuss the benefits and challenges associated with development and evaluation of adolescent self-help resources. Methods: The current study is part of a larger NIMH funded study focusing on the development and evaluation of Bounce Back Now (BBN), an evidence-informed, web resource for disaster-affected adolescents and their families. This study is specifically on the development of the BA component of the mood module of BBN, which was evaluated more extensively than other components. We present data from a formal usability evaluation conducted with 24 adolescents, and preliminary usage data collected from 2,000 disaster affected adolescents recruited from the tornado-affected coordinates in Alabama and Joplin, MO. Results: Preliminary data supported the feasibility of this approach: qualitative data with the clinic-based sample revealed favorable reactions to the intervention, and preliminary data from the large ongoing randomized controlled trial have indicated moderate levels of access. Conclusions: Brief, web-based approaches may offer a promising alternative to address access barriers for adolescents with depressed mood.
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Four studies (40%) reported high helpfulness.
“Four studies (40%) reported high helpfulness [57,60-62]”
From eMental Healthcare Technologies for Anxiety and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence: Systematic Review of Studies Reporting Implementation Outcomes (2018) · cites this paper as [62]
Four studies examining fidelity reported mixed results, particularly healthcare provider adherence to the program.
“Four studies examining fidelity reported mixed results [62-65], particularly healthcare provider adherence to the program.”
From eMental Healthcare Technologies for Anxiety and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence: Systematic Review of Studies Reporting Implementation Outcomes (2018) · cites this paper as [62]
Of the 6 studies that investigated feasibility, 3 (50%) reported positive or high outcomes.
“Of the 6 studies that investigated feasibility, 3 (50%) reported positive or high outcomes [60,62,69]”
From eMental Healthcare Technologies for Anxiety and Depression in Childhood and Adolescence: Systematic Review of Studies Reporting Implementation Outcomes (2018) · cites this paper as [62]
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- Authors
- Davidson, T. M., Yuen, E. K., Felton, J. W., McCauley, J., Gros, K. S., & Ruggiero, K. J.
- Affiliations
- Medical University of South Carolina (US)
- University of Tampa (US)
- University of Maryland, College Park (US)
- Corresponding author
- Davidson, Tatiana M.
- Venue
- The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2014-07
- Volume
- 48
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 69-82
- ISSN
- 0033-278X (ISSN-L)
- 0091-2174
- 1541-3527
- OpenAlex
- W2005048561
- Cited by
- 24
- References
- 25
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 1 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 4
- FWCI
- 3.62
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH081056)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Digital Mental Health Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Keywords
- adolescent depression, behavioral activation, online intervention, self-help materials, feasibility, usability evaluation, access to mental health care, Joplin tornado
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Behavior Therapy, Child, Depression, Feasibility Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Psychotherapy, Brief, Patient Satisfaction, Telemedicine
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