Single-Session Digital Intervention for Adolescent Depression, Anxiety and Well-being: Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial with Kenyan Adolescents
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Date
2020-03-24
Authors
Osborn, Tom L.
Rodriguez, Micaela
Wasil, Akash R.
Venturo-Conerly, Katherine E.
Gan, Jenny
Alemu, Rediet G.
Roe, Elizabeth
G, Susana Arango
Otieno, Benny H.
Wasanga, Christine M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
Abstract
Background: Adolescent depression and anxiety symptoms are prevalent in Sub-Saharan
African countries, yet treatment options are scarce, and stigma limits help-seeking. Brief,
computerized single-session interventions (SSIs) that contain empirically supported stigmareducing elements may help expand access to treatment. We developed and evaluated such an
intervention for Kenyan adolescents.
Method: High school students (N=103, age 13-18) were randomized to a digital SSI ShamiriDigital (Shamiri means “thrive” in Kiswahili) or a study-skills control intervention. ShamiriDigital consisted of reading and writing activities about three concepts: growth mindset,
gratitude, and value affirmation. Both Shamiri-Digital and the study-skills control condition
were delivered electronically in schools.
Results: Compared to the control, Shamiri-Digital produced greater reduction in adolescent
depression symptoms in both the full sample (p = 0.028, d = 0.50) and a sub-sample of youths
with moderate-to-severe depression symptoms (p = 0.010, d = 0.83) from baseline to two-week
follow-up. The effects exceed the mean effects reported in meta-analyses of full-length, face-toface psychotherapy for youth depression. There were no significant effects on anxiety symptoms,
well-being, or happiness.
Conclusion: This is the first report that a brief, computerized SSI may reduce depressive
symptoms in adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. Replication trials with extended follow-ups will
help gauge the strength and durability of these effects.
Trial Registration Number: PACTR201906810558181. Pan African Clinical Trials Registry
(PACTR).
Public Health Significance: This study provides evidence that a brief single-session positivepsychology intervention may help reduce depressive symptoms of adolescents living in Sub
Saharan Africa, where there are few mental health professionals, and stigma limits help-seeking
Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Adolescents, Global Mental Health, Digital Mental
Health, Sub-Saharan Africa, Growth Mindset, Gratitude, Value Affirmation
Description
A Research Article in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
Keywords
Depression, Anxiety, Adolescents, Global Mental Health, Digital Mental Health, Sub-Saharan Africa, Growth Mindset, Gratitude, Value Affirmation
Citation
Osborn, T.L, Rodriguez, M., Wasil, A., Venturo-Conerly, K.E., Gan, J., Alemu, R.G., Roe, E., Arango G., S., Otieno, B.H., Wasanga, C.M., Shingleton, R., & Weisz, J.R. (2020).. Single-session digital intervention for adolescent depression, anxiety and well-being: Outcomes of a randomized controlled trial with Kenyan adolescents. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Advance of Print. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000505