SibChat: Evaluation of a Resiliency Intervention for Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
The proposed research has the following objectives:
Based off findings from the "Development of a Resiliency Program for Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder" qualitative focus group study (protocol 2019P002284), the aim is to determine the feasibility and acceptability, of an 8-session Relaxation Response Resiliency (SibChat) program for siblings of children with ASD.
We primarily aim to test the preliminary effectiveness of a pilot waitlist controlled trial on improving resiliency and stress coping, This will be assessed by comparing Baseline-3 mo. scores on primary and secondary outcome measures between the Immediate and Waitlist control groups.
Among participants randomized to both conditions, we secondarily aim to investigate the extent of pre-post changes in primary and secondary outcomes. Among immediate condition group only, we also aim to assess whether end-of-treatment (3 mo. post enrollment) improvements will be sustained at 6-mo. post enrollment.
Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
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N/A |
Detailed Description
This intervention will be a modified version of Dr. Elyse Park's evidence-based 8-week multimodal treatment which is designed to promote adaptation to stress and promotion of resiliency. The program is an 8 session, 1 hour a week multi modal intervention that incorporates relaxation techniques, stress awareness discussion, and adaptive strategies for coping with stress. This study will refine an 8-session group virtual-delivered resiliency treatment program consisting of 8 virtual group 1-1 ½ hour sessions. The goal of this study would be to advance our ultimate objective to implement a national sibling resiliency program.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
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Experimental: Experimental: 3RP treatment An adapted version of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP) for siblings of children with ASD. The adapted program incorporates the three prongs of the 3RP: RR elicitation, stress awareness, and adaptive strategies. |
Behavioral: Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for Siblings of Children with ASD
Virtually delivered psycho-educational resiliency training program for teenage siblings of children with ASD.
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Active Comparator: Active Comparator: Waitlist control An adapted version of the Relaxation Response Resiliency Program (3RP) for siblings of children with ASD. The adapted program incorporates the three prongs of the 3RP: RR elicitation, stress awareness, and adaptive strategies. |
Behavioral: Relaxation Response Resiliency Program for Siblings of Children with ASD
Virtually delivered psycho-educational resiliency training program for teenage siblings of children with ASD.
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Feasibility assessed by the number participants enrolled. [6 months]
We will assess study feasibility based on number of participants enrolled in the study (target N=40)
- Feasibility assessed by the number SibChat-3RP of sessions attended [8 weeks]
Whether youth attended at least 5 out of 8 total program sessions.
- Feasibility assessed by the survey retention post intervention. [6 months]
Among participants randomized to both conditions, feasibility is assessed by the number of participants who completed the T2 and T3 surveys, 3 months and 6 months post baseline, respectively.
- Acceptability assessed using the participant feedback survey [3 months]
The participant feedback survey is a questionnaire made up of likert scales and open ended questions designed to record acceptability of the SibChat-3RP program on topics including length of sessions, number of sessions, and virtual delivery.
- Acceptability assessed by relaxation response adherence [3 months]
Among participants randomized to both conditions, relaxation response adherence is measured at T1, T2 and T3. Relaxation response adherence is a 1-item likert scale that indicates how often participants practice relaxation response exercises. Acceptability is determined based on whether participants indicate that they practice relaxation response exercises at least bimonthly 3 months post intervention.
- Effectiveness of trial on improving stress coping ability (assessed using Measure of Current Status-A) [3 months]
Measure of Current Status-A is a questionnaire - the score on the questionnaire is used to indicate stress coping ability. A change in score indicates a change in indicated stress coping ability. Comparison of intervention and wait list control 3 months after baseline (T1).
- Effectiveness of trial on improving resiliency (assessed using Current Experiences Scale) [3 months]
Current experiences Scale is a questionnaire. Improved resiliency is measured base upon change in questionnaire score. Comparison of intervention and wait list control 3 months after baseline (T1).
Secondary Outcome Measures
- Pre-post intervention changes as measured by change in primary outcome scores of resiliency and stress coping. [3 months]
Among participants randomized to both conditions, pre-post intervention changes in primary outcome scores of resiliency and stress coping will be assessed using the scores from the questionnaire (includes all primary outcome scores indicated above).
- Sustained improvements in primary outcomes of resiliency and stress coping as measured by sustained change in primary outcome scores. [3 months]
Among immediate condition group only, assess whether end-of-treatment (3 mo. post enrollment) improvements in primary outcome scores (resiliency and stress coping indicated above; collected using a questionnaire) will be sustained at 6-mo. post enrollment.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Age 14-17 years (inclusive of ages 14 and 17)
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Being the sibling of at least one individual with ASD
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Access to internet or smart phone
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English speaking
Exclusion Criteria:
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Diagnosis of ASD
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Past year psychiatric hospitalization
There are no exclusion criteria with respect to ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Massachusetts General Hospital | Boston | Massachusetts | United States | 02215 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Karen A Kuhlthau, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 2019P003218