As practitioners dedicated to the mental well-being of school students, it is imperative to continually improve our approaches based on the latest research. A recent study titled The development of a randomised controlled trial testing the effects of an online intervention among school students at risk of suicide provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for suicidal youth. This blog will delve into the key findings of the study and offer practical recommendations for implementing these insights in your practice.
Study Overview
The study, conducted by Robinson et al. (2014), aimed to test the efficacy of an online CBT program, Reframe-IT, designed specifically for high school students at risk of suicide. The randomized controlled trial involved 170 students aged 14-18, recruited over a two-year period. Participants were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and 12 weeks later.
Key Findings
- Reduction in Suicidal Ideation: The primary outcome was a significant reduction in suicidal ideation among participants who completed the Reframe-IT program.
- Improvement in Depressive Symptoms: The study also found a reduction in depressive symptoms, as measured by standardized tools such as the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) and the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale-2 (RADS-2).
- Increased Problem-Solving Skills: Participants showed an increase in problem-solving skills, which are crucial for managing stressful situations and reducing suicidal thoughts.
- Enhanced Coping Mechanisms: The program helped students develop better coping mechanisms, contributing to their overall mental resilience.
Practical Recommendations
Based on the study's findings, here are some actionable steps practitioners can take to enhance their online therapy services:
1. Integrate Structured CBT Modules
The Reframe-IT program's success underscores the importance of structured CBT modules. Ensure that your online therapy platform includes modules that cover:
- Emotional recognition and distress tolerance
- Identification of negative automatic thinking
- Behavioral activation and problem-solving
- Cognitive restructuring
2. Utilize Video Diaries
The study highlighted the effectiveness of video diaries in engaging students. Incorporate video content where students can see relatable characters discussing their experiences and coping strategies.
3. Ensure Practitioner Involvement
Practitioner involvement was crucial for the program's success. Make sure that school wellbeing staff or therapists are actively involved in administering the program, checking responses, and providing personalized feedback.
4. Monitor and Evaluate Outcomes
Regularly assess students' progress using validated tools like the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. This will help you make data-driven decisions to tailor interventions effectively.
5. Foster a Supportive Environment
Ensure that the online therapy environment is secure, confidential, and supportive. Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings openly, and provide them with resources for additional help if needed.
Encouraging Further Research
While the Reframe-IT program shows promising results, further research is needed to validate its effectiveness across different populations and settings. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting their own studies and sharing their findings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The development of a randomised controlled trial testing the effects of an online intervention among school students at risk of suicide.
