The overall purpose of the proposed exploratory intervention development application, is to conduct research that will inform the adaptation and preliminary testing of NECT modified for youth (aged 15-24) with first episode psychosis (FEP), targeting self-concept and illness conceptions to increase treatment engagement. The specific aims of the project are to: 1) adapt NECT to be responsive to the needs and preferences of youth with FEP, and 2) Assess the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the modified intervention (NECT-YA) combined with coordinated specialty care (CSC) services, compared to CSC services alone, in a small (n = 40) RCT.
The investigators will conduct a small RCT of the modified intervention (NECT-YA), combined with CSC, in comparison with CSC alone, with 40 persons recruited from three FEP programs, assessing acceptability and feasibility, and collecting data on primary outcome (service engagement and therapeutic alliance), related outcomes (self-esteem, hopelessness, and social functioning) and mechanisms of action (self-stigma, illness conceptions and coping). The investigators will also collect qualitative data on participants' impressions of NECT-YA, which will inform additional revisions of the manual.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
NECT is a psychosocial intervention focused on addressing the effects of self-stigma on individuals diagnosed with severe mental illnesses. For the present study, the intervention has been modified to address the needs of youth who have recently experienced a first episode of psychosis.
Coordinated Specialty Care is an evidence-based, multimodal intervention for persons who have experienced a first episode of psychosis.
Eskenazi Health, PARC Program
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
RECRUITINGTreatment Engagement
Quantity of service use will be measured using attendance records for groups collected by facilitators, as well as administrative data on total service use within the FEP programs.
Time frame: 0 minutes
Working Alliance Inventory Short Form-Client Version
A 12-item self-report measure of perception of relationship with the treatment team. Higher scores indicate better working alliance.
Time frame: 2 minutes
Coping with Symptoms Checklist
Assesses the use of problem-centered, neutral and avoidant coping strategies to deal with a variety of psychiatric symptoms commonly experienced by people with severe mental illnesses. Higher scores in each subscale indicate more use of that type of coping strategy.
Time frame: 15 minutes
Beck Hopelessness Scale
The Beck Hopelessness Scale is a well-established 20-item scale that will be used to measure pessimistic expectations of the future. Individual items are summed to provide an overall index of hope or its absence. Higher scores indicate less hope.
Time frame: 3 minutes
Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale
The Rosenberg Self Esteem Schedule will be used to measure self-esteem and self-deprecation. Higher scores indicate more self-esteem.
Time frame: 2 minutes
Quality of Life Scale
The Quality of Life Scale is a 21-item scale completed by clinically trained research staff following a semi-structured interview that assesses social functioning in multiple domains. Higher scores indicate great social functioning.
Time frame: 20 minutes
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