Amplification of Positivity to Enhance Social Connections in Anxiety and Depression
Primary Purpose
Depression, Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms
Status
Active
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Amplification of Positivity Training (6 Sessions)
Stress Management Training (6 Sessions)
Sponsored by
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Depression
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Score on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 is 10 or higher and/or score on the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) is 8 or higher.
- Social Connectedness Scale Revised (SCSR) < 90
- Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) - Social Domain ≥ 5
- Between the ages of 18-55, inclusive.
- Have signed informed consent document(s) indicating that the participant understands the purpose of and procedures required for the study and is willing to participate in the study.
- Have sufficient proficiency in English language to understand and complete interviews, questionnaires, and all other study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
- No telephone or easy access to telephone.
- Any substance use disorder in the past 6 months except subjects with mild alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and marijuana use disorders will be permitted in the study, and given referrals for substance use treatment which may occur concurrently.
- Bipolar I or Psychotic disorders.
- Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury with evidence of neurological deficits, neurological disorders, or severe or unstable medical conditions that might be compromised by participation in the study.
- Current and regular use (more days than not during the past 30 days) of a medication that could affect brain functioning, such as anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, beta-blockers, sleep medications, opioids/codeine, migraine medications.
- MRI contraindications including: cardiac pacemaker, metal fragments in eyes/skin/body (shrapnel), aortic/aneurysm clips, prosthesis, by-pass surgery/coronary artery clips, hearing aid, heart valve replacement, shunt (ventricular or spinal), electrodes, metal plates/pins/screws/wires, or neuro/bio-stimulators (TENS unit), persons who have ever been a metal worker/welder, history of eye surgery/eyes washed out because of metal, vision problems uncorrectable with lenses, inability to lie still on one's back for 60 minutes; prior neurosurgery; tattoos with metal dyes, unwillingness to remove body piercings, and pregnancy.
- Non-correctable vision or hearing problems, as some tests require intact sensory functioning.
- Concurrent psychosocial treatment: Participants completing ongoing empirically supported treatments, e.g., Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targeting the presenting problem will be required to meet 12-week stability criteria so that symptom changes as a result of other psychosocial treatments are not confounded with changes due to the research.
- Inability to complete the initial assessment battery or treatment sessions.
- Clinical conditions assessed by the interviewer that necessitate more imminent clinical care (e.g., active suicidal ideation): These criteria are in place so participants with these other, more several symptoms can be referred for appropriate mental health services.
Sites / Locations
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm Type
Experimental
Active Comparator
Arm Label
Amplification of Positivity Training (6 Sessions)
Stress Management Training (6 Sessions)
Arm Description
Outcomes
Primary Outcome Measures
Change from baseline in neural activation during social reward processing
Change from pre- to post-assessment in neural activation in the striatum measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during reward anticipation trials of the social incentive delay (SID) task. This is the primary target engagement outcome.
Change from baseline in social functioning as measured by the NIH Toolbox Companionship (Friendship and Loneliness) Surveys
Composite score of the NIH Toolbox Friendship and Loneliness surveys. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The NIH Toolbox Friendship survey ranges from 8-40 and higher scores indicate greater perceived availability of friends or companions with whom to interact or affiliate. The NIH Toolbox Loneliness survey ranges from 5-25 and higher scores indicate greater social isolation and feelings of loneliness. The composite score will be the average of the standardized scores on the Friendship and Loneliness surveys. The composite index is the primary clinical outcome.
Secondary Outcome Measures
Change from baseline in positive affect in response to a social interaction task
The state version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) will be used to measure current ("right now") positive affect in anticipation of and following the social affiliation task. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Very slightly or not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The positive affect scale ranges from 10-50; higher scores indicate greater levels of positive affect.
Change from baseline in positive facial expressions in response to a social interaction task
Production of positive facial expressions will be coded offline using the Computer Expression Recognition Toolbox (CERT), software that objectively codes action units (AUs) according to the Facial Action Coding System (FACS). AU12 (zygomatic major) reflects positive emotional expressions. Intensity of positive expressions will be measured by the average of AU12 values greater than zero, which identifies when an action unit is more likely to be present than absent.
Change from baseline in social approach behavior in response to a social interaction task
Observers will rate participant behavior on self-disclosure (the degree of personal information, thoughts, and feelings revealed) and responsiveness (verbal and nonverbal displays reflecting understanding, engagement, and validation). Items are answered on a 7 point scale, 1 (not at all) to 7(very much) with higher scores indicating greater levels of social approach behavior.
Change from baseline in future approach motivation in response to a social interaction task
The Desire for Future Interaction Scale (DFI) measures the degree to which respondents would be willing to affiliate with their conversation partner again. Items are answered on a 7 point scale, 1 (not at all) to 7 (very much) with higher scores indicating higher levels of future approach motivation.
Change from baseline in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in response to a social interaction task
RSA will be obtained during a resting baseline and throughout the social interaction task using the MP150 data acquisition and analysis systems. RSA is an index of parasympathetic activation and will be computed from the R-wave to R-wave interbeat interval series in the frequency range of spontaneous breathing. Higher levels of RSA indicate higher levels of parasympathetic activation. RSA reactivity will be computed by subtracting RSA during baseline from RSA during the social interaction.
Full Information
NCT ID
NCT04945239
First Posted
June 14, 2021
Last Updated
October 6, 2023
Sponsor
University of California, San Diego
1. Study Identification
Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT04945239
Brief Title
Amplification of Positivity to Enhance Social Connections in Anxiety and Depression
Official Title
Novel Behavioral Intervention to Target Social Reward Sensitivity and Attachment
Study Type
Interventional
2. Study Status
Record Verification Date
September 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Active, not recruiting
Study Start Date
March 29, 2021 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
December 20, 2023 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
March 20, 2024 (Anticipated)
3. Sponsor/Collaborators
Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
University of California, San Diego
4. Oversight
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes
5. Study Description
Brief Summary
The overall goal of this project is to develop a novel transdiagnostic behavioral treatment -- Amplification of Positivity (AMP) -- intended to enhance positive social connections in individuals with elevated anxiety and/or depression. Social relationship impairments are common and debilitating consequences of anxiety and depression. Existing treatments have some beneficial impact on social functioning; however, many people continue to have few and/or poor quality relationships following treatment, even after experiencing symptom relief. This study will evaluate the effects of AMP on the brain systems that have been shown to be important for establishing positive connections with others. Approximately 100 individuals (ages 18-55) seeking treatment for anxiety or depression will participate in this study. Participants will be randomly assigned with equal probability to either AMP or stress management training (SMT) (6 sessions each). Participants will be assessed at baseline and post-treatment and compared on measures assessing brain responses to social reward (primary outcome), as well as physiological, behavioral, and emotional responses to social reward (secondary outcomes). It is hypothesized that the AMP group will experience greater increases from pre- to post-treatment in activity in brain systems that regulate the processing of social reward cues (e.g., striatum) relative to participants in the SMT group. It is also hypothesized that changes in brain activation to social reward from pre- to post-treatment will be correlated with the degree of improvement in social connectedness.
6. Conditions and Keywords
Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Depression, Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms
7. Study Design
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Parallel Assignment
Masking
Outcomes Assessor
Allocation
Randomized
Enrollment
134 (Actual)
8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions
Arm Title
Amplification of Positivity Training (6 Sessions)
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Title
Stress Management Training (6 Sessions)
Arm Type
Active Comparator
Intervention Type
Behavioral
Intervention Name(s)
Amplification of Positivity Training (6 Sessions)
Intervention Description
6 one-hour, clinician-administered treatment sessions focused on presenting rationale and instructions for completing positive activity exercises (e.g., gratitude, acts of kindness) designed to increase positive emotions, cognitions, and behaviors.
Intervention Type
Behavioral
Intervention Name(s)
Stress Management Training (6 Sessions)
Intervention Description
6 one-hour, clinician-administered treatment sessions focused on presenting rationale and instructions for activity exercises designed to decrease stress.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change from baseline in neural activation during social reward processing
Description
Change from pre- to post-assessment in neural activation in the striatum measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during reward anticipation trials of the social incentive delay (SID) task. This is the primary target engagement outcome.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social functioning as measured by the NIH Toolbox Companionship (Friendship and Loneliness) Surveys
Description
Composite score of the NIH Toolbox Friendship and Loneliness surveys. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The NIH Toolbox Friendship survey ranges from 8-40 and higher scores indicate greater perceived availability of friends or companions with whom to interact or affiliate. The NIH Toolbox Loneliness survey ranges from 5-25 and higher scores indicate greater social isolation and feelings of loneliness. The composite score will be the average of the standardized scores on the Friendship and Loneliness surveys. The composite index is the primary clinical outcome.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change from baseline in positive affect in response to a social interaction task
Description
The state version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) will be used to measure current ("right now") positive affect in anticipation of and following the social affiliation task. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Very slightly or not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The positive affect scale ranges from 10-50; higher scores indicate greater levels of positive affect.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in positive facial expressions in response to a social interaction task
Description
Production of positive facial expressions will be coded offline using the Computer Expression Recognition Toolbox (CERT), software that objectively codes action units (AUs) according to the Facial Action Coding System (FACS). AU12 (zygomatic major) reflects positive emotional expressions. Intensity of positive expressions will be measured by the average of AU12 values greater than zero, which identifies when an action unit is more likely to be present than absent.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social approach behavior in response to a social interaction task
Description
Observers will rate participant behavior on self-disclosure (the degree of personal information, thoughts, and feelings revealed) and responsiveness (verbal and nonverbal displays reflecting understanding, engagement, and validation). Items are answered on a 7 point scale, 1 (not at all) to 7(very much) with higher scores indicating greater levels of social approach behavior.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in future approach motivation in response to a social interaction task
Description
The Desire for Future Interaction Scale (DFI) measures the degree to which respondents would be willing to affiliate with their conversation partner again. Items are answered on a 7 point scale, 1 (not at all) to 7 (very much) with higher scores indicating higher levels of future approach motivation.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in response to a social interaction task
Description
RSA will be obtained during a resting baseline and throughout the social interaction task using the MP150 data acquisition and analysis systems. RSA is an index of parasympathetic activation and will be computed from the R-wave to R-wave interbeat interval series in the frequency range of spontaneous breathing. Higher levels of RSA indicate higher levels of parasympathetic activation. RSA reactivity will be computed by subtracting RSA during baseline from RSA during the social interaction.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures:
Title
Change from baseline in social functioning as measured by the NIH Toolbox Friendship Survey
Description
NIH Toolbox Friendship survey. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The NIH Toolbox Friendship survey ranges from 8-40 and higher scores indicate greater perceived availability of friends or companions with whom to interact or affiliate.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social functioning as measured by the NIH Toolbox Loneliness Survey
Description
NIH Toolbox Loneliness survey. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The NIH Toolbox Loneliness survey ranges from 5-25 and higher scores indicate greater social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social functioning as measured by the Social Network Survey
Description
The Social Network Survey measures social functioning by looking at the size and density of a participants social network. Higher scores indicate larger social networks.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social connectedness as measured by the Social Connectedness Scale Revised (SCSR)
Description
The SCSR measures social connectedness. Items are answered on a 6 point scale, 1 (Strongly disagree) to 6 (Strongly agree). The SCSR ranges from 20-120 and higher scores indicate greater levels of social connectedness.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in functional impairment as measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale
Description
The Sheehan Disability Scale measures functional impairment. Items are rated on a 11 point scale, 0 (Not at all) to 10 (Extremely). The scale ranges from 0-30 and higher scores indicate higher levels of functional impairment.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in positive affect as measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Positive Affect - Short Form 15a survey
Description
The PROMIS Positive Affect - Short Form 15a survey measures positive affect. Items are answered in a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Very much). The PROMIS Positive Affect - Short Form 15a survey ranges from 15-75 and higher scores indicate higher levels of positive affect.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in positive affect as measured by Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Description
The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) measures positive affect. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Very slightly or not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The positive affect scale ranges from 10-50 and higher scores indicate greater levels of positive affect.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in positive affect as measured by Modified Differential Emotions Scale
Description
The Modified Differential Emotions Scale (mDES) measures positive emotions. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 0 (Never/Not at all) to 4 (Most of the time/Extremely). Higher scores on the positive emotions sub-scale indicate higher levels of positive emotion.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in psychological well-being as measured by PROMIS General Life Satisfaction - Short Form 5a survey
Description
The PROMIS General Life Satisfaction - Short Form 5a survey measures psychological well-being. The PROMIS General Life Satisfaction items are answered on a 7 point scale, 1 (Strongly disagree) to 7 (Strongly agree). The PROMIS General Life Satisfaction survey ranges from 5-25 and higher scores indicate higher levels of life satisfaction.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in psychological well-being as measured by PROMIS Meaning and Purpose - Short Form 6a survey
Description
The PROMIS Meaning and Purpose - Short Form 6a survey measure psychological well-being. The PROMIS Meaning and Purpose items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Very much). The PROMIS Meaning and Purpose survey ranges from 6-30 and higher scores indicate higher levels of self reported meaning and purpose in ones life.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in negative affect as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
Description
The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) measures negative affect. Items are answered on a 5 point scale, 1 (Very slightly or not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The negative affect scale ranges from 10-50 and lower scores indicate lower levels of negative affect.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in anxiety as measured by PROMIS Anxiety 7a survey
Description
The PROMIS Anxiety 7a survey measures symptoms of anxiety. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The scale ranges from 7-35 and higher scores indicate higher levels of anxiety.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in depression as measured by PROMIS Depression 8b survey
Description
The PROMIS Depression 8b survey measures symptoms of depression. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The scale ranges from 8-45 and higher scores indicate higher levels of depression.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in perceived emotional support as measured by the NIH Toolbox Emotional Support
Description
The NIH Toolbox Emotional Support measures perceived emotional support from others. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The scale ranges from 8-40 and higher scores indicate greater perceived emotional support.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social activity satisfaction as measured by the PROMIS Satisfaction with Participation in Discretionary Social Activities - Short Form 7a
Description
The PROMIS Satisfaction with Participation in Discretionary Social Activities measures perceived satisfaction with one's discretionary social activities such as leisure activity and relationships with friends. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The scale ranges from 7-35 and higher scores indicate greater perceived emotional support.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social activity satisfaction as measured by the PROMIS Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities
Description
The PROMIS Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities measures perceived satisfaction with one's social roles such as work and family responsibilities. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). The scale ranges from 8-40 and higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with social roles.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social anxiety symptoms as measured by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS)
Description
The LSAS measures level of fear/anxiety and avoidance of social situations. Items are rated on a 4 point scale, 0 (None/Never) to 3 (Severe/Usually). The Fear subscale and the Avoidance subscale both range from 0-72 (total LSAS score range 0-144), with higher scores indicating greater fear and avoidance of social situations.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in social anhedonia as measured by the Specific Loss of Interest and Pleasure Scale (SLIPS)
Description
The SLIPS measures changes in anhedonic symptoms independent of broader depressive symptoms. Items are rated on a 4 point scale, 0 to 3, representing a range of anhedonia in various social situations. The scale ranges from 0-69 and higher scores indicate higher levels of social anhedonia.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in anxiety-related general distress as measured by Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire - Short Form (MASQ-SF)
Description
The MASQ-SF measures mood and anxiety symptoms with 4 subscales. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The General Distress Anxiety subscale ranges from 11-55 and higher scores indicate greater anxiety-related distress.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in depression-related general distress as measured by Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire - Short Form (MASQ-SF)
Description
The MASQ-SF measures mood and anxiety symptoms with 4 subscales. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The General Distress Depression subscale ranges from 12-60 and higher scores indicate greater depression-related distress.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in anxious arousal as measured by Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire - Short Form (MASQ-SF)
Description
The MASQ-SF measures mood and anxiety symptoms with 4 subscales. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The Anxious Arousal subscale ranges from 17-85 and higher scores indicate greater anxious arousal.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in anhedonic depressive symptoms as measured by Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire - Short Form (MASQ-SF)
Description
The MASQ-SF measures mood and anxiety symptoms with 4 subscales. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The Anhedonic Depression subscale ranges from 22-110 and higher scores indicate higher levels of anhedonia.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in emotion regulation strategies as measured by Emotion Regulation Questionnaire
Description
The ERQ measures habitual use of the emotion regulation strategies expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal. Items are rated on a 7 point scale, 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 7 (Strongly Agree). The Expressive Suppression subscale ranges from 1-28 and the Cognitive Reappraisal subscale ranges from 1-42, with higher scores indicating greater use of each respective emotion regulation strategy.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in regulation of positive emotional experiences as measured by Responses to Positive Affect Questionnaire (RPA)
Description
The RPA measures how individuals regulate positive emotional experiences. Items are rated on a 4 point scale, 1 (Almost never) to 4 (Almost always). The Emotion-Focused Positive Rumination subscale ranges from 5-20. The Self-Focused Positive Rumination subscale ranges from 4-16. The Dampening subscale ranges from 8-40. Higher scores on each subscale indicate greater use of each respective positive emotion regulation strategy.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in capacity to cope with adversity as measured by Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10)
Description
The CD-RISC-10 measures an individual's capacity to cope with adversity. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 0 (Not true at all) to 4 (True nearly all the time). The scale ranges from 0-40 and higher scores indicate greater capacity to cope with adversity.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in trait anxious and avoidant attachment as measured by the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R)
Description
The ECR-R measures an individual's attachment style and experiences in close relationships. Items are rated on a 7 point scale, 1 (Disagree) to 7 (Agree). The Attachment Anxiety and the Attachment Avoidance subscales both range from 8-56, and higher scores indicate greater attachment insecurity.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in self-efficacy beliefs in the domain of emotion regulation as measured by the Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale (RESE)
Description
The RESE measures emotion regulation self-efficacy beliefs. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not well at all) to 5 (Very well). The scale ranges from 1-60 and higher scores indicate greater emotion regulation self-efficacy beliefs.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in perceived self-efficacy as measured by the PROMIS Self-Efficacy (General; 4 item)
Description
The PROMIS Self-Efficacy - General measures an individual's perceived capacity to handle difficult problems and unexpected events. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (I am not at all confident) to 5 (I am very confident). The scale ranges from 4-20 and higher scores indicate greater perceived self-efficacy.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in trait mindfulness as measured by the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (FFMQ-SF) - 15 item
Description
The FFMQ-SF measures trait mindfulness by assessing 5 separate facets of mindfulness, including acting with awareness, observing, describing, non-judging, and non-reacting. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Never or very rarely true) to 5 (Very often or always true). Each subscale ranges from 3-15, with higher scores indicating greater mindfulness.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in interpersonal difficulties based on a circumplex model of personality as measured by the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-32 (IIP-32)
Description
The IIP-32 measures interpersonal difficulties with 8 subscales: Domineering/Controlling, Vindictive/Self-Centered, Cold/Distant, Socially Inhibited, Nonassertive, Overly Accommodating, Self-Sacrificing, and Intrusive/Needy. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 0 (Not at all) to 4 (Extremely). Each subscale ranges from 0-20, and higher scores indicate greater interpersonal difficulties.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in low arousal positive affect experienced during the past week as measured by the Relaxed and Safe/Content Scales on the Types of Positive Affect Scale (TPAS)
Description
The TPAS measures levels of low arousal positive emotion, such as "calm" or "at ease" during the past week. Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Very slightly or not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The scale ranges from 10-50 and higher scores indicate higher levels of low arousal positive emotion.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in mood during a social interaction task as measured by Subjective Mood Ratings
Description
Subjective Mood ratings measure levels of anxiety, positive and negative mood, connectedness, and emotion suppression throughout a social interaction task. Each emotion is rated with a single-item, 0 (Not at all) to 100 (Extremely). Greater scores on each subscale indicate higher levels of each respective emotion or emotion suppression.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in behavior during a social interaction task as measured by the Social Judgment Questionnaire (SJQ)
Description
The SJQ measures two dimensions of behavior: Anxiety-Related Behavior and Social Approach Behavior. Each item is rated on a 7 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 7 (Very much). The Anxiety-Related Behavior subscale ranges from 6-42, and the Approach-Related Behavior subscale ranges from 5-35, with higher scores on each subscale indicating more anxiety- and approach-related behavior, respectively.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in perceived connectedness to an interaction partner during a social interaction task as measured by the Inclusion of Other in the Self (IOS)
Description
The IOS measures how close or interconnected the respondent feels with a conversation partner, with respondents choosing from 7 pairs of circles representing "Self" and "Other" that range from barely touching to almost completely overlapping. The single item is rated on a 7 point scale, 1 (No overlap) to 7 (most overlap), which higher scores indicating greater perceived closeness.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in safety behaviors during a social interaction task as measured by the Safety Behaviors Questionnaire (SBQ)
Description
The SBQ uses self-report to measure the use of safety behaviors intended to minimize or eliminate anticipated feared social outcomes. Items are rated on a 9 point scale, 0 (Not at all) to 8 (All the time). The scale ranges from 0-208 and higher scores indicate greater use of safety behaviors.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in suicidal ideation as measured by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS)
Description
The CSSRS is a measure of suicidal ideation that asks about thoughts and feelings relating to suicide since the participant's last visit. Items are rated with a binary yes/no response, and are ordered to assess suicidal ideation with increasing risk of suicidal behavior, from Item 1 (Wish to be Dead) to Item 5 (Active Suicidal Ideation with Specific Plan and Intent). The score ranges from 0-5, based on the highest item rated yes.
Time Frame
Baseline, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in state positive affect, measured via Ecological Momentary Assessment
Description
The EMA state positive emotion scale measures momentary positive affect at the time of the survey prompt. Sample items include "content" and "enthusiastic." Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The scale ranges from 4-20, and higher scores indicate greater momentary positive affect.
Time Frame
Baseline 5-day period to Post-Intervention 5-day period, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in state negative affect, measured via Ecological Momentary Assessment
Description
The EMA state negative emotion scale measures momentary negative affect at the time of the survey prompt. Sample items include "anxious/nervous" and "sluggish." Items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). The scale ranges from 4-20, and higher scores indicate greater momentary negative affect.
Time Frame
Baseline 5-day period to Post-Intervention 5-day period, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in perceived quality of social interactions, measured via Ecological Momentary Assessment
Description
Perceived quality of social interactions measures the perceived acceptance, connectedness, and satisfaction during a reported social interaction. The items are rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 7 (Extremely). The scale ranges from 3-21, and higher scores indicate greater perceived quality of a social interaction.
Time Frame
Baseline 5-day period to Post-Intervention 5-day period, 10 weeks
Title
Change from baseline in perceived social connectedness/loneliness, measured via Ecological Momentary Assessment
Description
Throughout the day, connectedness and loneliness are each measured with a single item rated on a 5 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). During reported interactions, connectedness is measured with a single item rated on a 7 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 7 (Extremely). At the end of the day, perceived social connectedness and loneliness are each rated with a single item rated on a 7 point scale, 1 (Not at all) to 7 (Very).
Time Frame
Baseline 5-day period to Post-Intervention 5-day period, 10 weeks
Title
Proportion of times engaged in social interaction, measured via Ecological Momentary Assessment
Time Frame
Baseline 5-day period to Post-Intervention 5-day period, 10 weeks
Title
Number of social interactions per day, measured via Ecological Momentary Assessment
Time Frame
Baseline 5-day period to Post-Intervention 5-day period, 10 weeks
10. Eligibility
Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Maximum Age & Unit of Time
55 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Score on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 is 10 or higher and/or score on the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS) is 8 or higher.
Social Connectedness Scale Revised (SCSR) < 90
Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) - Social Domain ≥ 5
Between the ages of 18-55, inclusive.
Have signed informed consent document(s) indicating that the participant understands the purpose of and procedures required for the study and is willing to participate in the study.
Have sufficient proficiency in English language to understand and complete interviews, questionnaires, and all other study procedures.
Exclusion Criteria:
No telephone or easy access to telephone.
Any substance use disorder in the past 6 months except subjects with mild alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and marijuana use disorders will be permitted in the study, and given referrals for substance use treatment which may occur concurrently.
Bipolar I or Psychotic disorders.
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury with evidence of neurological deficits, neurological disorders, or severe or unstable medical conditions that might be compromised by participation in the study.
Current and regular use (more days than not during the past 30 days) of a medication that could affect brain functioning, such as anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, beta-blockers, sleep medications, opioids/codeine, migraine medications.
MRI contraindications including: cardiac pacemaker, metal fragments in eyes/skin/body (shrapnel), aortic/aneurysm clips, prosthesis, by-pass surgery/coronary artery clips, hearing aid, heart valve replacement, shunt (ventricular or spinal), electrodes, metal plates/pins/screws/wires, or neuro/bio-stimulators (TENS unit), persons who have ever been a metal worker/welder, history of eye surgery/eyes washed out because of metal, vision problems uncorrectable with lenses, inability to lie still on one's back for 60 minutes; prior neurosurgery; tattoos with metal dyes, unwillingness to remove body piercings, and pregnancy.
Non-correctable vision or hearing problems, as some tests require intact sensory functioning.
Concurrent psychosocial treatment: Participants completing ongoing empirically supported treatments, e.g., Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targeting the presenting problem will be required to meet 12-week stability criteria so that symptom changes as a result of other psychosocial treatments are not confounded with changes due to the research.
Inability to complete the initial assessment battery or treatment sessions.
Clinical conditions assessed by the interviewer that necessitate more imminent clinical care (e.g., active suicidal ideation): These criteria are in place so participants with these other, more several symptoms can be referred for appropriate mental health services.
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
City
La Jolla
State/Province
California
ZIP/Postal Code
92037
Country
United States
12. IPD Sharing Statement
Plan to Share IPD
Yes
Citations:
PubMed Identifier
28060463
Citation
Taylor CT, Lyubomirsky S, Stein MB. Upregulating the positive affect system in anxiety and depression: Outcomes of a positive activity intervention. Depress Anxiety. 2017 Mar;34(3):267-280. doi: 10.1002/da.22593. Epub 2017 Jan 6.
Results Reference
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Learn more about this trial
Amplification of Positivity to Enhance Social Connections in Anxiety and Depression
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