Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2025
08:25
Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
536
Lessons Learned: Providing Supportive Accountability in an Online Anxiety Intervention
Alexandra Werntz1, Alexandra L Silverman1, Henry Behan1
1University of Virginia.
Behavior Therapy
|April 27, 2022
Summary
Adding coaching to digital mental health tools may improve engagement but requires user-centered design. This study explored coaching for anxious adults in a web-based intervention, finding mixed engagement results.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Digital Health
- Mental Healthcare
Background:
- Technology-delivered mental health interventions face high dropout rates.
- Coaching, a low-intensity provider contact, may improve engagement and scalability.
- Coaching's effectiveness in anxious populations within digital interventions is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a low-intensity coaching protocol for anxious adults at high risk of dropout.
- To assess participant engagement with coaching support in a web-based cognitive bias modification intervention.
Main Methods:
- A coaching protocol was developed for undergraduate research assistants.
- Coaching involved phone calls and synchronous text messaging with 282 anxious adults.
- Participants were identified as high risk for dropout from a web-based intervention.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of participants did not engage with coaching attempts.
- Around 30% of participants completed the full intervention with coaching support.
- Engagement varied, with some preferring minimal human contact.
Conclusions:
- Low-intensity coaching shows potential but faces engagement challenges in anxious populations.
- Future protocols should prioritize user-centered design and optional support.
- Clearer communication about coaching benefits is recommended to improve uptake.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
92
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
92
01:18Anxiety: Overview
405
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
405
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
228
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
228
01:26Modeling in Therapy
161
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
161
01:28Self-Help Support Groups
81
Self-help support groups are voluntary, community-based organizations that provide a platform for individuals with shared concerns to exchange support, insights, and practical strategies for coping with life challenges. Typically led by group members or paraprofessionals, these groups form a cornerstone of mental health care, especially in reaching populations that are underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
81
01:27Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
159
Coping strategies are methods people use to manage, tolerate, or reduce the effects of stressors. These strategies involve both behavioral and psychological actions to handle stressful situations. One common approach is problem-focused coping, which aims to change or eliminate the source of stress rather than merely addressing its consequences. This method involves taking direct action to resolve the issue causing stress.
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
159