Young adults' change talk within brief motivational intervention in the emergency department and booster sessions is associated with a decrease in heavy drinking over 1 year.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effect of change talk (CT) within successive brief motivational interventions (BMIs) as a mechanism of change for alcohol use. METHOD: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial in which 344 young adults (18-35 years old) admitted to a Swiss emergency department with alcohol intoxication received either BMI (N = 171) or brief advice (N = 173). Participants with a baseline audio-recorded BMI were included (N = 140; median age 23 [Q1-Q3: 20-27], 72.9% men). Up to three booster sessions by phone were offered at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Percent CT and CT Average Strength were used as predictor variables. The outcome was the number of heavy drinking days (HDD) over the 30 days prior to research assessments at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. A latent growth curve modeling framework was first used to estimate predictor and outcome variable growth parameters (i.e., intercept and slope) over time, and then to regress HDD growth parameters on CT growth parameters. RESULTS: CT increased specifically from baseline to the 1-week booster session and thereafter remained stable. Higher baseline CT was associated with lower HDD at 1 month (Percent CT: b = -0.04, 95% confidence interval [-0.06, -0.01]; Average Strength: b = -0.99 [-1.67, -0.31]). An increase in CT from baseline to the 1-week booster session was related to a decrease in HDD from 1 month to 12 months (Percent CT: b = -0.08 [-0.14, -0.03]; Average Strength: b = -2.29 [-3.52, -1.07]). CONCLUSIONS: Both baseline CT and CT trajectory over the first week are meaningful predictors of HDD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Testing the efficacy of narrator empathy, self-disclosure, gender, and use of brief motivational interviewing techniques in a brief internet-based intervention for alcohol use.

OBJECTIVE: Nonspecific relational factors, such as therapist empathy, play an important role in therapy effectiveness. Building on this literature, some researchers have attempted to incorporate relational factors into electronic brief interventions (e-BIs) by using interactive narrators to guide participants through the intervention. However, few studies have examined which characteristics of these interactive narrators increase intervention acceptability and efficacy. The present study sought to systematically manipulate animated narrator characteristics in an e-BI and to examine their effects on respondents' alcohol use and subjective reactions. METHOD: Participants (N = 348) were randomly assigned to 1-16 possible combinations of four narrator-level characteristics in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial trial evaluating narrator empathy, self-disclosure, gender, and the use of brief motivational interviewing (BMI) techniques. We measured main and interaction effects of these characteristics on the primary outcome of typical drinks per week at 1-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included maximum drinks, alcohol consequences, and subjective reactions to the intervention, with additional secondary analyses evaluating moderation by participant gender. RESULTS: Participants showed reductions in all alcohol outcomes. These reductions were stronger for participants exposed to either narrator disclosure or BMI techniques (vs. neither). Participants in the high empathy condition rated the intervention as more supportive, while those exposed to BMI techniques reported feeling more criticized by the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Specific narrator-level characteristics, such as narrator self-disclosure and empathy, may improve the efficacy or acceptability of e-BIs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Effectiveness of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy for Tension-Type Headache (TTH): A randomized controlled trial of effects on emotion regulation, anger, anxiety, and TTH symptom severity.

Research has demonstrated the potential efficacy of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) in addressing medically unexplained symptoms (MUS). However, the specific application of ISTDP for tension-type headache (TTH), a prevalent and common MUS, has not been extensively studied. In light of this gap in the literature, the current study investigated the effectiveness of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) in treating TTH. The study assessed ISTDP's impact on emotion regulation (ER) capacities, levels of anxiety and anger, and TTH symptoms. 30 patients from the neurology clinic at Hazrat Rasool Hospital in Tehran were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 15) or control (n = 15) group. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations were conducted, followed by a ten-week follow-up assessment. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analyses of variance. The results indicated that ISTDP led to significant improvements in ER, reductions in anxiety and anger levels, and a significant decrease in TTH symptoms (ps < 0.001). Findings underscore the effectiveness of ISTDP as a valuable therapeutic approach for addressing TTH.

A pilot trial of a brief intervention for cannabis use supplemented with a substance-free activity session or relaxation training.

OBJECTIVE: Cannabis use is increasing among college students and commonly co-occurs with anxiety symptoms in this age group. Interventions that reduce anxiety may also reduce cannabis use. Behavioral economic theory suggests that substance use reductions are most likely when there is an increase in substance-free reinforcement. This randomized pilot trial evaluated the efficacy of a brief motivational intervention (BMI) for cannabis supplemented by either a substance-free activity session (SFAS) or a relaxation training (RT) session for reducing cannabis use, problems, craving, and anxiety symptoms. METHOD: One hundred thirty-two college students (Mage = 19.9; 54% female; 67% White, 31% Black) who reported five or more past-month cannabis use days were randomized to: (a) assessment-only (AO); (b) BMI plus SFAS; or (c) BMI plus RT. Participants in the BMI conditions received two individual counselor-administered sessions plus a brief phone booster session. Outcomes were evaluated 1- and 6-months postintervention. RESULTS: Relative to assessment, both BMI + SFAS and BMI + RT were associated with significant reductions in cannabis problems and craving at 1-month follow-up, and significant reductions in anxiety at 6-month follow-up. Relative to AO, BMI + RT was associated with significant reductions in cannabis use at 1-month follow-up. There were no differences between BMI conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot trial was not adequately powered to conclusively evaluate relative efficacy but provides preliminary support for the short-term efficacy of both two-session interventions for reducing anxiety and cannabis-related risk among nontreatment seeking emerging adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The effect of mechanical feedback on outcome in self-care support tool based on solution-focused brief therapy.

Little is known about the impact of mechanical feedback in self-care support tools. Technically, natural language processing and machine learning can provide mechanical feedback in self-care support tools. This study compared the differences between mechanical feedback and no feedback conditions in a self-care support tool based on solution-focused brief therapy. In the feedback condition, feedback was provided by mechanically determining the probability that the goal answered in goal setting was concrete or realistic.A total of 501 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the feedback (n = 268) or no feedback (n = 233) condition.The results showed that the mechanical feedback increased the probability of problem-solving. In contrast, solution-building, positive and negative affect, and the probability of living an ideal life increased when using the self-care support tool based on solution-focused brief therapy, regardless of the feedback. In addition, the higher the probability of goal concreteness and reality, the greater the improvement in solution-building and positive affect.This study suggests that self-care support tools based on solution-focused brief therapy with feedback are more effective than those without feedback. Self-care support tools based on solution-focused brief therapy with feedback can be used as an easily accessible tool to maintain and promote mental health.

The effects of intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy on depressive symptoms, negative affect, and emotional repression in single treatment-resistant depression: A randomized controlled trial.

Intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP) is theorized to reduce negative affect by challenging patients' defense mechanisms so that they can experience and work through attachment-trauma-related emotions. While ISTDP has been shown to decrease depressive symptoms in single treatment-resistant depression (TRD), it has not been established whether negative affect and emotional repression are reduced, as theorized. Next to depressive symptoms, this retrospectively registered (https://osf.io/v46gy) randomized controlled trial, therefore, examined the effects of ISTDP on emotional repression and negative affect in adults with TRD. Eighty-six adults with major depressive disorder, who had not responded to at least one trial of antidepressants were randomized to 20 sessions of ISTDP (N = 43) or a waitlist control condition (N = 43). Mixed-effect models on the intention-to-treat sample showed that compared to the control condition, ISTDP resulted in significantly lower posttreatment levels of depressive symptoms (d = -1.73), emotional repression (d = -1.91), and negative affect (d = -1.45). Similarly, ISTDP resulted in significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms (d = -2.67), emotional repression (d = -2.69), and negative affect (d = -1.85) at the 3-month follow-up. These results support the evidence base of ISTDP by showing that it can decrease depressive symptoms, emotional repression, and negative affect in TRD. Future studies should assess whether these effects are specific to ISTDP. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Intensive and Brief Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Severely Depressed Inpatients: A Case Study and Thematic Analysis.

Introduction: Psychotherapy added to usual hospital care is beneficial. This study reports on two contrasting cases, one responder and one nonresponder, from a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of intensive and brief psychodynamic psychotherapy (IBPP) for depressed inpatients, in which reduction in depressive severity was maintained for up to 1 year after completion of IBPP. We aimed to explore how the psychotherapist and patient interacted to work through the themes of focalization (described in the IBPP manual) and how their work was part of a potential process of change. Methods: This case study is part of the general framework of mixed methods in psychotherapy combining quantitative analysis of data collected in a randomized controlled trial with a qualitative case study. Results: Two general categories emerged-(1) becoming the subject of one's depression and (2) regaining a sense of support-which combine specific functions. In the first, the functions relate to interactions in line with the psychoanalytic work of mourning, which aims for an appropriation of depressive symptoms. In the second, interactions have as their functions the construction of a therapeutic space and the restoration of an epistemic trust by acknowledging the patient's melancholic state and maintaining emotional contact. Work related to regaining a sense of support was observed in both cases, whereas work related to becoming the subject of one's depression was more specific to the responder case. Discussion: These results highlight the importance of interventions that help generate a sense of support and mobilize the internal processes of symbolization, understanding, and appropriation, leading patients to develop the capacity to give meaning to their symptoms and to understand the personal psychological factors related to the depressive episode.

An online solution focused brief therapy for adolescent anxiety : A randomized controlled trial.

In this randomized clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of an online solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) for adolescents' anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 period. Eligible participants were between the ages of 11 and 18 years, scored a 10 or above on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The results found that compared to adolescents who did not receive any treatment, the intervention yielded significant results in alleviating adolescents' anxiety and depressive symptoms while promoting problem oriented coping strategies at immediate post-intervention. The therapeutic benefit has persisted, as shown in our results from the 1-month follow-up.

Efficacy and moderators of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data.

BACKGROUND: Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) is frequently used to treat depression, but it is unclear which patients might benefit specifically. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analyses can provide more precise effect estimates than conventional meta-analyses and identify patient-level moderators. This IPD meta-analysis examined the efficacy and moderators of STPP for depression compared to control conditions. METHODS: PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched September 1st, 2022, to identify randomized trials comparing STPP to control conditions for adults with depression. IPD were requested and analyzed using mixed-effects models. RESULTS: IPD were obtained from 11 of the 13 (84.6%) studies identified (n = 771/837, 92.1%; mean age = 40.8, SD = 13.3; 79.3% female). STPP resulted in significantly lower depressive symptom levels than control conditions at post-treatment (d = -0.62, 95%CI [-0.76, -0.47], p < .001). At post-treatment, STPP was more efficacious for participants with longer rather than shorter current depressive episode durations. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the evidence base of STPP for depression and indicate episode duration as an effect modifier. This moderator finding, however, is observational and requires prospective validation in future large-scale trials.

Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) associated with healthcare reductions in patients with functional seizures.

Intensive Short-Term Psychodynamic Therapy (ISTDP) has demonstrated promising evidence for the treatment of Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) including functional seizures. This paper aimed to further examine the therapeutic effects of a 3-session course of this treatment focusing on its potential to maintain reduced healthcare utility within a group of patients with complex difficulties, across an extended time period, post-therapy. The original study followed a mixed methods case series design and recruited 18 patients from secondary adult mental health care and specialist neurology services. Seventeen participants completed the intervention and attendance rates were very high (95%). In this follow-up study, which was solely focused on the utilization of healthcare resources, results showed decreases when comparing 12 months prior and 12 months post three sessions of ISTDP. The results provide further support for the use of ISTDP in this group of participants with complex clinical presentations, specifically, its capacity to reduce healthcare usage over 12 months post-therapy. Further evidence from controlled and randomized studies with larger sample sizes is warranted.

Efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is one of the leading diseases globally. It can severely interfere with daily and occupational functioning of people affected. Both pharmacological interventions and psychotherapy are used for adult depression. The aim of the review is to evaluate the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) by comparing STPP with different types of interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis on the efficacy of STPP in depressive disorders was performed. RESULTS: Meta-analysis findings confirm the superiority of STPP versus no interventions. The average effect size of depressive symptoms severity at the end of the treatment is -0.91 (95% CI: -1.49 - -0.33) in favor of STPP, while for clinical improvement of depressive symptoms is -0.78 (95% CI: -1.56 - 0.01). Results confirm a clear superiority of STPP to usual treatments unstructured. A mild superiority of efficacy of STPP on support psychotherapy emerged. Comparison of the efficacy of STPP vs cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CBT) shows little superior in case of STPP. No substantial differences in efficacy in case of STPP than control interventions emerged. Antidepressant therapy is resulted to be slightly more effective to STPP. DISCUSSION: While all the other results confirm current literature, this review shows no superiority of combined treatment than STPP only. LIMITATIONS: The review has some limitations such as the lack of moderation analysis and the high heterogenicity of the type of the studies. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the efficacy of STPP in depressive disorders and endorse the guidelines of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Epistemología, historia y fundamentos de la Terapia Breve Estratégica. El Modelo de Giorgio Nardone / Epistemology, history and foundations of Brief Strategic Therapy. Giorgio Nardone´s Mode

La terapia breve estratégica modelo evolucionado de Giorgio Nardone, está considerada en la actualidad como una psicoterapia que evidencia una alta eficacia y eficiencia, en una variedad de trastornos emocionales. En este artículo se presenta la historia y los fundamentos epistemológicos de la terapia breve estratégica, fundamentadas en el pensamiento sistémico, la cibernética, la teoría general de los sistemas y el constructivismo. Se analiza la evolución y desarrollo histórico desde el Mental Research Institute en Palo Alto hasta la creación del Centro en Arezzo Italia. Se presentan las bases teóricas de la terapia breve estratégica centrada en el presente y en las soluciones, partiendo de la premisa de que los intentos de solución mantienen el problema y planteando que desde la lógica estratégica siempre la solución se adapta al problema y a su objeto de estudio.(AU)

Giorgio Nardone's evolved model of brief strategic therapy is a psychotherapy that is currently considered to demonstrate high efficacy and efficiency for a variety of emotional disorders. This article presents the history and epistemological foundations of brief strategic therapy, based on systems thinking, cybernetics, general systems theory, and constructivism. The evolution and historical development are analyzed, from the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto to the creation of the Strategic Therapy Center in Arezzo Italy. The theoretical foundations of brief strategic therapy focused on the present and solutions are presented, starting from the premise that attempts at solution actually maintain the problem and proposing that based on strategic logic the solution always adapts to the problem and its object of study.(AU)

Which patients benefit from adding short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy to antidepressants in the treatment of depression? A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data.

BACKGROUND: Adding short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) to antidepressants increases treatment efficacy, but it is unclear which patients benefit specifically. This study examined efficacy moderators of combined treatment (STPP + antidepressants) v. antidepressants for adults with depression. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42017056029), we searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase.com, and the Cochrane Library from inception to 1 January 2022. We included randomized clinical trials comparing combined treatment (antidepressants + individual outpatient STPP) v. antidepressants in the acute-phase treatment of depression in adults. Individual participant data were requested and analyzed combinedly using mixed-effects models (adding Cochrane risk of bias items as covariates) and an exploratory machine learning technique. The primary outcome was post-treatment depression symptom level. RESULTS: Data were obtained for all seven trials identified (100%, n = 482, combined: n = 238, antidepressants: n = 244). Adding STPP to antidepressants was more efficacious for patients with high rather than low baseline depression levels [B = -0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.61 to -0.37, p < 0.0001] and for patients with a depressive episode duration of >2 years rather than <1 year (B = -0.68, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.05, p = 0.03) and than 1-2 years (B = -0.86, 95% CI -1.66 to -0.06, p = 0.04). Heterogeneity was low. Effects were replicated in analyses controlling for risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study that examines moderators across trials assessing the addition of STPP to antidepressants. These findings need validation but suggest that depression severity and episode duration are factors to consider when adding STPP to antidepressants and might contribute to personalizing treatment selection for depression.

A Psychoanalytic-Derived Brief Psychotherapeutic Approach in the Treatment of Major Depression: Monotherapy Studies.

Over the years, short term psychodynamic therapy (STPP) has been broadly researched in order to evaluate its efficacy in the treatment of major psychiatric disorders. In particular, a consistent number of studies focused on assessing clinical outcomes of the principal psychodynamic techniques in treating depressive disorders. We conducted a narrative review in which we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of STPP in monotherapy in major depressive disorder and to assess possible features that may correlate with its clinical use. Databases searched were PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, PsycINFO and Cochrane Libraries from inception to July 2022. Our research underlined that STPP in monotherapy is particularly effective in moderately severe depression and in preventing depressive relapses. Moreover, a case-by-case evaluation of its efficacy should be performed when considering STPP for the treatment of major depression with other comorbid psychiatric conditions. Although such key points emerged from scientific evidence, STPP should be better studied in the long-term perspective; further research is needed to define the clinical scenarios in which STPP can be considered a first-line approach as monotherapy in major depressive disorder compared to medications or other types of psychotherapy.

[Short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy].

There are different types of psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, and personality disorders with comparable effect. This review describes the theory, methods, and evidence of psychodynamic short-term therapy. After a description of nuances in the dominant tendencies, the common elements of the therapy are summarised. The therapeutic question is which treatment works best for which patient under which circumstances. In this context, psychodynamic short-term therapy must be part of a continuum of treatment options, adapted to the patients' personal characteristics, needs, and wishes.

Terapia sistémica breve en personas expuestas a un evento altamente estresante reciente: Un ensayo controlado aleatorizado / Brief systemic therapy in people exposed to a recent highly stressful event: A randomised controlled trial

Resumen: Antecedentes: Los eventos altamente estresantes pueden tener efectos nocivos en el bienestar y salud mental en las personas. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de un protocolo de intervención preventiva basado en la Terapia Sistémica Breve orientado a personas que vivenciaron de manera reciente un evento altamente estresante. Método: Participaron 75 personas, 39 conformaron el grupo experimental y 36 el grupo control. Para el análisis de los datos se siguió un diseño cuantitativo con dos grupos (experimental y control) y con dos puntos temporales (pre y post-intervención). Al grupo experimental se añadió un seguimiento a los seis meses. El protocolo estuvo estructurado en cuatro sesiones y apuntaba a incidir sobre los síntomas postraumáticos, el crecimiento postraumático, la respuesta rumiativa y las estrategias de afrontamiento. Resultados: Se observó un aumento del crecimiento postraumático, de la rumiación deliberada, del afrontamiento centrado en el problema y de la reinterpretación positiva en el grupo experimental. En cambio, solo hubo una tendencia no significativa en la reducción de la sintomatología postraumática y en la búsqueda de apoyo social. Conclusiones: Estos resultados contribuyen al desarrollo de la Terapia Sistémica Breve y apoyan su utilidad en la intervención preventiva con personas expuestas a un evento altamente estresante.

Abstract: Background: Highly stressful events can have harmful effects on people's well-being and mental health. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a preventive intervention protocol based on Brief Systemic Therapy oriented to people who recently experienced a highly stressful event. Method: Seventy-five people participated, 39 were in the experimental group and 36 in the control group. A quantitative design with two groups (experimental and control) and two time points (pre- and post-intervention) was used for data analysis. A six-month follow-up was added to the experimental group. The protocol was structured in four sessions and aimed to impact on posttraumatic symptoms, posttraumatic growth, ruminative response and coping strategies. Results: An increase in posttraumatic growth, deliberate rumination, problem-focused coping, and positive reinterpretation was observed in the experimental group. In contrast, there was only a nonsignificant trend in reduced posttraumatic symptomatology and in seeking social support. Conclusions: These results contribute to the development of Brief Systemic Therapy and support its usefulness in preventive intervention with people exposed to a highly stressful event.

Supportive Evidence: Brief Supportive Psychotherapy as Active Control and Clinical Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Supportive psychotherapy has long had an undeservedly weak reputation. This review aims to describe the use of manualized, time-limited brief supportive psychotherapy (BSP) and its testing in clinical trials across three decades. Although numerous clinical descriptions of supportive psychotherapy exist, its use is reportedly widespread, and several supportive psychotherapies have been used in psychotherapy trials, BSP is the first and sole supportive psychotherapy manualized for research. BSP was designed as a nondirective, affect-focused, bare-bones common-factors treatment. METHODS: Collecting data from the nine randomized controlled trials involving BSP, eight of them published, the author presents a narrative summary of findings. RESULTS: Eight trials addressed mood disorders and one addressed social anxiety disorder. Sample size varied. Most BSP trials resulted in "dead heat" comparable outcomes. BSP generally showed large effect sizes for improvement on the primary outcome variable (range d=0.62-1.01). Delivering it won over some therapists from exposure-based backgrounds. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its perennial role as an unfavored control condition, BSP held its own in competition with more symptom-focused therapies, usually producing a dead-heat outcome. The findings indicate the importance of psychotherapeutic common factors and the potency of BSP as an active treatment condition.

Ego Impairment Index (EII-2) as a predictor of outcome in short- and long-term psychotherapy during a 5-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the predictive ability of the Rorschach-based Ego Impairment Index (EII-2) on outcome of psychotherapy in different types and durations of therapy. METHOD: A total of 326 outpatients suffering from depressive or anxiety disorders were randomized into receiving solution-focused (n = 97), short-term psychodynamic (n = 101), or long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (n = 128). Psychotherapy outcome assessments during the 5-year follow-up period covered psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, and work ability. RESULTS: Lower EII-2 values, which indicate less problematic ego functioning, were found to predict faster improvement in both short-term therapies as compared to long-term psychotherapy. CONCLUSION: The results provide preliminary support for the utility of EII-2 as a complementary measure to interview-based methods for selecting between short- and long-term therapies.

A comparison of online and in-person counseling outcomes using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with anxiety.

ObjectiveThis study compared online, synchronous video counseling to in-person counseling using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with mild to moderate anxiety. Participants: Participants were 49 undergraduate students who were seeking counseling for mild to moderate anxiety. The study was conducted from November, 2017 to December 2018. Methods: In a randomized, non-inferiority design, undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to online, synchronous video counseling or in-person treatment for anxiety using solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). Participants completed the Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and College Counseling Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) to assess outcomes. Results: The results showed significant changes in scores on the BAI and the CCAPS Generalized Anxiety and Social Anxiety subscales for participants in both study conditions, and no significant differences in effectiveness of the two delivery methods. Conclusions: The findings provide support for the treatment of college students with anxiety with SFBT through online, synchronous video counseling. Limitations related to sample size and diversity are discussed.

Solution-focused brief therapy for adolescent and young adult cancer patients in China: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This pilot clinical trial investigated solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) for psychological distress among adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer in China. METHODS: Fifty Chinese AYA patients diagnosed with cancer were randomized into the treatment group (SFBT) and control group (active control). Psychological distress was measured by the brief symptom inventory and hope was measured by the Herth-Hope-Index. Treatment effects were analyzed using analysis-of-covariance and between-group small-sample-size corrected Hedges' g. RESULTS: The results indicated that SFBT resulted in a significant reduction in the psychological distress and improvement in hope of AYA patients with cancer. Analyses of the 4-week posttreatment score suggest the short-term sustainability of SFBT for psychological distress among AYAs diagnosed with cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study has demonstrated that SFBT's impact is statistically significant and clinically meaningful. The inclusion of positive emotions, i.e., hope, as part of the investigation also highlighted the significance of promoting positive emotions among AYA patients with cancer.