This research study is designed to investigate the use of a simple cognitive task (a memory cue and 10 minute time gap, followed by playing the computer game "Tetris") for decreasing the number of intrusive memories of trauma among young refugees and asylum seekers. The design is a single case experimental AB design with optional replication (ABAB). Participants will aim to complete a no-intervention phase ('A': baseline phase) of one week followed by a one-week intervention phase ('B'), including a one-session intervention with a researcher comprising the simple cognitive task, followed by instructions to continue to use the technique self-guided in the subsequent week. Follow ups are conducted after each week to monitor the occurrence of intrusive memories of trauma in a pen-and-paper diary. It is predicted that participants will report fewer intrusive memories during the intervention phase than during the preceding baseline phase.
This research study follows from ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03525158, with a focus on the ABAB design and adding additional questions e.g. on concentration, emotion and functioning, and with the possibility of focusing on 1 intrusive memory at a time with associated distress ratings as part of the procedure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
5
A one-session intervention with a researcher including a simple cognitive task (a memory cue, 10 minutes time gap and ca. 20 minutes of Tetris game play) with instructions to engage in the task self-guided in the subsequent week.
Swedish Language Classes for Refugees, Clinics
Stockholm, Sweden
Change in number of intrusive memories of trauma
Number of intrusive memories of traumatic event recorded by participants in a diary daily (morning, afternoon, evening and night) over one week.
Time frame: Change between baseline week 1 and Intervention week 1
Feasibility and acceptability ratings for using a smartphone game-play intervention
Feasibility and Acceptability of the intervention assessed with 10 self-rated items, e.g. "Would you recommend playing Tetris to a friend?". Scores range from 0 - 10 with higher scores indicating greater acceptability/ feasibility.
Time frame: Intervention week 1
Feasibility and acceptability - open ended questions
Two items with open-ended follow-up questions: "How did you feel about playing Tetris after you had an intrusive memory?" and "Why"? or "How much would you prefer an intervention that is delivered by a computer/ smartphone compared to seeing a doctor/psychologist in person?" and "Why"?
Time frame: Intervention week 1
Self-guided intervention adherence - usage of the gameplay intervention in daily life
Usage of the gameplay intervention assessed with 4 self-rated items: 1. Did you play Tetris in the last week since the last meeting? (Yes/No). 2. If yes, how many days did you play Tetris in the last week since we first practiced the game together? 3. How long did you spend playing Tetris at a time? (\<10 min - \>30 min), 4. How often did you manage to play Tetris after you experienced an intrusive memory? (11-point scale; 0 = not at all; 10 = every time).
Time frame: Intervention week 1
Impact of intrusive memories on concentration, control, sleep and stress - ratings
A bespoke measure of 6 self-rated items to assess the impact of intrusive memories on concentration, control, sleep and stress (all rated on an 11-point scale): 2 items assessing experienced concentration difficulties due to intrusive memories and in general ( high scores indicating more concentration difficulties);1 item assessing feeling of control over intrusive memories (0 = no control; 10 = in full control); 2 items assessing sleep disturbances due to intrusive memories (higher scores indicating more sleep disturbance); and 1 item assessing to what degree intrusive memories affected stress levels (0 = not at all; 10 = affected very much).
Time frame: Baseline week 1 and Intervention week 1
Rating of how long intrusive memories disrupted concentration on average
1 item assessing for how long intrusive memories disrupted concentration on average (\<1 minute - \> 60 minutes)
Time frame: Baseline week 1 and Intervention week 1
Impact of intrusive memories - open ended questions
Two open-ended questions are included: "How do intrusive memories interfere with your concentration?" and "How do intrusive memories interfere with your ability to settle in to this country and learn new skills, e.g. a new language?"
Time frame: Baseline week 1 and Intervention week 1
Impact of the intervention on concentration, emotion and functioning - ratings
A bespoke measure comprising 3 self-rated items to assess the impact of the intervention on concentration, emotion and functioning at the time of playing (11-point scale, 0= not helpful, 10= very helpful).
Time frame: Intervention week 1
Subjective impact of the intervention - open ended questions
2 open ended questions about the subjective impact of the intervention in the shorter, and longer term: "How would you describe the impact of this intervention in the short term?"; "How would you describe the impact of this intervention in the longer term"?
Time frame: Intervention week 1
World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS)
A 12 item self-rated questionnaire asking about difficulties due to health conditions, including mental or emotional problems. Scores range from 1 to 5 where 1=none and 5=extreme or cannot do.
Time frame: Baseline week 1 and intervention week 1
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