Feasibility and effectiveness of a web-based positive psychology program for youth mental health: Randomized controlled trial

Journal of Medical Internet Research

Volumn 16, Issue 6, 2014, Pages

  Manicavasagar, Vijaya ^a   Horswood, Deserae ^a   Burckhardt, Rowan ^a   Lum, Alistair ^a   Hadzi Pavlovic, Dusan ^b   Parker, Gordon ^b  

^a BLACK DOG INSTITUTE   (Australia)

^b UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES   (Australia)

Author keywords

Adolescent; Early medical intervention; Internet; Mental health; Psychological; Resilience

Indexed keywords

ADOLESCENT; ANXIETY; AUSTRALIA; CHILD; CHILD PSYCHOLOGY; CONTROLLED STUDY; DEPRESSION; FEASIBILITY STUDY; FEMALE; HUMAN; INTERNET; MALE; MENTAL HEALTH; PATIENT ATTITUDE; PATIENT DROPOUTS; RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL; TELEMEDICINE;

ADOLESCENT; ANXIETY; AUSTRALIA; CHILD; DEPRESSION; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; FEMALE; HUMANS; INTERNET; MALE; MENTAL HEALTH; PATIENT ACCEPTANCE OF HEALTH CARE; PATIENT DROPOUTS; PSYCHOLOGY, ADOLESCENT; TELEMEDICINE;

EID: 84906267715     PISSN: None     EISSN: 14388871     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.2196/jmir.3176     Document Type: Article

References (50)

1. Patel V, Flisher AJ, Hetrick S, McGorry P. Mental health of young people: a global public-health challenge. Lancet 2007 Apr 14;369(9569):1302-1313. [doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60368-7] [Medline: 17434406]
2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2011. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare; 2011. URL: http://www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737419259 [accessed 2014-05-15] [WebCite Cache ID 6PZljTuFs]
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia, cat.no.3303.0. 2011. URL: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@nsf/Lookup/3303. 0Main+Features12011?OpenDocument [accessed 2013-12-03] [WebCite Cache ID 6La8t1o04]
4. Burns JM, Patton GC. Preventive interventions for youth suicide: a risk factor-based approach. Aust NZ J Psychiat 2000 Jun;34(3):388-407. [Medline: 10881963]
5. Harrison J, Moller J, Bordeaux S. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 1997. Youth suicide and self-injury in Australia URL: http://www.nisu.flinders.edu.au/pubs/bulletin15/bulletin15sup.html/[accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiFupoTB]
6. Slade T, Johnston A, Teesson M, Whiteford H, Burgess P, Pirkis J, et al. The Mental Health of Australians 2: report on the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health & Wellbeing. 2009. URL: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/ publishing.nsf/Content/46AB7A3FEF9664E4CA2575D2000A6D09/File/mhaust2.pdf [accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiGy899V]
7. Campbell AJ, Robards F. Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre. 2013. Using technologies safely and effectively to promote young people's wellbeing: a better practice guide for services URL: http://www.youngandwellcrc.org.au/ knowledge-hub/publications/using-technologies-safely-effectively-promote-young- peoples-wellbeing/[accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiGYTzNK]
8. Booth M, Bernard D, Quine S, Kang M, Beasley L, Usherwood T, NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health, Westmead. Access study phase I - access to health care among NSW adolescents. 2002. URL: http://www.caah.chw.edu. au/resources/access-phase-1-report-final.pdf [accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiGq1UhR]
9. Kessler RC, Berglund P, Demler O, Jin R, Merikangas KR, Walters EE. Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2005 Jun;62(6):593-602. [doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593] [Medline: 15939837]
10. Eckersley R. National Centre for Epidemiology. Canberra: Population Health, ANU; 2008. Never better - or getting worse? The health and wellbeing of young Australians URL: http://www.australia21.org.au/product/never-better-or- getting-worse/[WebCite Cache ID 6JiHjWTAY]
11. Kirby M. Mental Health Commission of Canada: out of the shadows forever. Can Med Assoc J 2008;178(10):1320-1322. [doi: 10.1503/cmaj.071897]
12. Rickwood DJ, Deane FP, Wilson CJ. When and how do young people seek professional help for mental health problems? Med J Aust 2007 Oct 1;187(7):S35-S39. [Medline: 17908023]
13. Sheffield JK, Spence SH, Rapee RM, Kowalenko N, Wignall A, Davis A, et al. Evaluation of universal, indicated, and combined cognitive-behavioral approaches to the prevention of depression among adolescents. J Consult Clin Psychol 2006 Feb;74(1):66-79. [doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.74.1.66] [Medline: 16551144]
14. Mitchell J, Stanimirovic R, Klein B, Vella-Brodrick D. A randomised controlled trial of a self-guided internet intervention promoting well-being. Comput Hum Behav 2009 May;25(3):749-760. [doi: 10.1016/j.chb.2009.02.003]
15. Merry S, McDowell H, Wild CJ, Bir J, Cunliffe R. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of a school-based depression prevention program. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2004 May;43(5):538-547. [doi: 10.1097/00004583- 200405000-00007] [Medline: 15100560]
16. World Health Organization. 2011. Mental health: a state of wellbeing URL: http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental-health/en/[accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiII89oM]
17. Seligman M. Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being. New York: Free Press; 2011.
18. Lyubomirsky S, King L, Diener E. The benefits of frequent positive affect: does happiness lead to success? Psychol Bull 2005 Nov;131(6):803-855. [doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803] [Medline: 16351326]
19. Norrish J, Vella-Brodrick D. Positive psychology and adolescents: where are we now? Where to from here? Aus. Psychologist 2009 Dec 1;44(4):270-278. [doi: 10.1080/00050060902914103]
20. Carvajal SC, Clair SD, Nash SG, Evans RI. Relating optimism, hope, and self-esteem to social influences in deterring substance use in adolescents. J Soc Clin Psychol 1998 Dec;17(4):443-465. [doi: 10.1521/jscp.1998.17.4.443]
21. Ciarrochi J, Heaven PC, Davies F. The impact of hope, self-esteem, and attributional style on adolescents' school grades and emotional well-being: a longitudinal study. J Res Pers 2007 Dec;41(6):1161-1178. [doi: 10.1016/j.jrp.2007.02.001]
22. Li D, Zhang W, Li X, Li N, Ye B. Gratitude and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Chinese adolescents: direct, mediated, and moderated effects. J Adolesc 2012 Feb;35(1):55-66. [doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2011.06. 005] [Medline: 21774977]
23. Froh JJ, Yurkewicz C, Kashdan TB. Gratitude and subjective well-being in early adolescence: examining gender differences. J Adolesc 2009 Jun;32(3):633-650. [doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2008.06.006] [Medline: 18760465]
24. Chemers MM, Hu L, Garcia BF. Academic self-efficacy and first year college student performance and adjustment. J Educ Psychol 2001;93(1):55-64. [doi: 10.1037/0022-0663.93.1.55]
25. Nes LS, Evans DR, Segerstrom SC. Optimism and college retention: mediation by motivation, performance, and adjustment. J Appl Soc Psychol 2009 Aug;39(8):1887-1912. [doi: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2009.00508.x]
26. Ruthig JC, Haynes TL, Stupnisky RH, Perry RP. Perceived Academic Control: mediating the effects of optimism and social support on college students' psychological health. Soc Psychol Educ 2008 Nov 13;12(2):233-249. [doi: 10.1007/s11218-008-9079-6]
27. Aspinwall LG, Taylor SE. Modeling cognitive adaptation: a longitudinal investigation of the impact of individual differences and coping on college adjustment and performance. J Pers Soc Psychol 1992 Dec;63(6):989-1003. [Medline: 1460565]
28. Daukantaite D, Zukauskiene R. Optimism and subjective well-being: affectivity plays a secondary role in the relationship between optimism and global life satisfaction in the middle-Aged women. Longitudinal and cross-cultural findings. J Happiness Stud 2011 Jan 21;13(1):1-16. [doi: 10.1007/s10902-010-9246-2]
29. Sin NL, Lyubomirsky S. Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: a practice-friendly meta-Analysis. J Clin Psychol 2009 May;65(5):467-487. [doi: 10.1002/jclp.20593] [Medline: 19301241]
30. Seligman M, Ernst RM, Gillham J, Reivich K, Linkins M. Positive education: positive psychology and classroom interventions. Oxford Rev Educ 2009 Jun;35(3):293-311. [doi: 10.1080/03054980902934563]
31. McCrone P, Knapp M, Proudfoot J, Ryden C, Cavanagh K, Shapiro DA, et al. Cost-effectiveness of computerised cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression in primary care: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiat 2004 Jul;185:55-62 [FREE Full text] [Medline: 15231556]
32. Australian Communications and Media Authority. Internet use and social networking by young people. Report 1: Media and communications in Australian families series. 2008. URL: http://www.acma.gov.au/webwr/-Assets/main/lib310665/ no1-internet-use-social-networking-young-people.pdf [accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiIsDVxD]
33. National survey of young Australians 2011: key and emerging issues. Sydney: Mission Australia; 2011. URL: https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/2020- strategy-page/doc-download/65-national-survey-of-young-Australians-2011 [accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiId8PV8]
34. Metcalf A, Kauer S. National survey 2012. Camperdown, Australia: Inspire Foundation; 2013. URL: http://www.academia.edu/3550210/Metcalf-A-Kauer-S-2012- ReachOut.com-National-Survey-2012-Inspire-Foundation [accessed 2013-09-18] [WebCite Cache ID 6JiIkJlzw]
35. Khanna M, Aschenbrand SG, Kendall PC. New frontiers: computer technology in the treatment of anxious youth. Behav Therapist 2007 Jan;30:22-25.
36. Bite Back. URL: http://www.biteback.org.au/[accessed 2014-02-21] [WebCite Cache ID 6NXtFqiDS]
37. ABC3. URL: http://www.abc.net.au/abc3/[accessed 2014-02-21] [WebCite Cache ID 6NXtKaGrg]
38. The Fix. URL: http://thefix.ninemsn.com.au/[accessed 2014-02-21] [WebCite Cache ID 6NXtM7JrH]
39. Christensen H, Griffiths KM, Farrer L. Adherence in internet interventions for anxiety and depression. J Med Internet Res 2009 Apr;11(2):e13 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.2196/jmir.1194] [Medline: 19403466]
40. Szabó M. The short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21): factor structure in a young adolescent sample. J Adolesc 2010 Feb;33(1):1-8. [doi: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.05.014] [Medline: 19560196]
41. Antony MM, Bieling PJ, Cox BJ, Enns MW, Swinson RP. Psychometric properties of the 42-item and 21-item versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales in clinical groups and a community sample. Psychol Assessment 1998;10(2):176-181. [doi: 10.1037/1040-3590.10.2.176]
42. Brown TA, Chorpita BF, Korotitsch W, Barlow DH. Psychometric properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) in clinical samples. Behav Res Ther 1997 Jan;35(1):79-89. [Medline: 9009048]
43. Lovibond PF, Lovibond SH. The structure of negative emotional states: comparison of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) with the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories. Behav Res Ther 1995 Mar;33(3):335-343. [Medline: 7726811]
44. Stewart-Brown S, Tennant A, Tennant R, Platt S, Parkinson J, Weich S. Internal construct validity of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): a Rasch analysis using data from the Scottish Health Education Population Survey. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2009 Feb;7:15 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-7-15] [Medline: 19228398]
45. Clarke A, Friede T, Putz R, Ashdown J, Martin S, Blake A, et al. Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): validated for teenage school students in England and Scotland. A mixed methods assessment. BMC Public Health 2011;11:487 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-487] [Medline: 21693055]
46. Melville KM, Casey LM, Kavanagh DJ. Dropout from internet-based treatment for psychological disorders. Br J Clin Psychol 2010 Nov;49(Pt 4):455-471. [doi: 10.1348/014466509X472138] [Medline: 19799804]
47. Armijo-Olivo S, Warren S, Magee D. Intention to treat analysis, compliance, drop-outs and how to deal with missing data in clinical research: a review. Phys Ther Rev 2009 Feb 01;14(1):36-49. [doi: 10.1179/174328809X405928]
48. Sawyer MG, Baghurst P, Clark J. Differences between reports from children, parents and teachers: implications for epidemiological studies. Aust NZ J Psychiat 1992 Jan;26(4):652-660. [doi: 10.3109/00048679209072102]
49. Nisbett RE, Wilson TD. Telling more than we can know: verbal reports on mental processes. Psychol Rev 1977;84(3):231-259. [doi: 10.1037/0033-295X.84.3. 231]
50. Eysenbach G, CONSORT-EHEALTH Group. CONSORT-EHEALTH: improving and standardizing evaluation reports of Web-based and mobile health interventions. J Med Internet Res 2011;13(4):e126 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.2196/jmir.1923] [Medline: 22209829]