Readiness and Progress in Emotion Regulation Therapy

BEHAVIORAL

Emotion Regulation Therapy via Telehealth

The initial stage of treatment focuses on psychoeducation about anxiety/depression, the impact that these cognitions/behaviors/emotions have on recent situations, and self-monitoring of worry/anxiety/depression. The sessions focus on the development of skills that help understand and regulate one's emotional experience (i.e., recognizing emotions when they are happening, identifying the meaning of a given emotion experience, soothing oneself in the context of negative emotional experiences). Following the development of these skills, sessions focus on the application of somatic awareness and emotion regulation skills while imagining emotionally evocative themes. The remaining session focuses on terminating therapy, relapse prevention, and future goals. An Internet-based online platform will be used to promote engagement with and increase accessibility to between-session skills practice and treatment-related activities (e.g., self-monitoring, session summaries, worksheets).

Weekly Assessment of Change in Attentional Control

Time frame: Weekly from Baseline (2 weeks) through Treatment (12-22 weeks) and Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The Attentional Control Scale (ACS) is a 21-item measure used to measure difficulties with concentration associated with problems regulating emotions. The focusing and shifting subscales of the ACS align with the two attention emotion regulation (ER) skills taught in ERT.

Weekly Assessment of Change in Decentering

Time frame: Weekly from Baseline (2 weeks) through Treatment (12-22 weeks) and Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The decentering subscale of the Experiences Questionnaire (EQ-D) is an 11-item subscale assessing one's ability to distance themselves from their emotional experience, which is one metacognitive ER skill taught during ERT. Higher scores on this subscale indicate better ability to distancing oneself from one's emotional experience.

Weekly Assessment of Change in Reappraisal

Time frame: Weekly from Baseline (2 weeks) through Treatment (12-22 weeks) and Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The reappraisal subscale of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) is a 6-item measure of the ability to regulate emotions, using the strategy of reappraisal. Higher scores on this subscale indicate a better ability to regulate emotions using the strategy of reappraisal.

Weekly Assessment of Change in Valued Living/Action

Time frame: Baseline, 1st Treatment Session, Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The Valuing Questionnaire (VQ) is a 10-item measure of the degree to which patients live by their values in daily life. It uses a 7-point Likert scale (0-6) to assess progress and obstructions to valued living. Higher scores on this measure indicate more valued living.

Weekly Assessment of Change in Clarity of Approach-Avoidance Motivation

Time frame: Baseline, 1st Treatment Session, Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The Mental Representation of Approach Avoidance Questionnaire (MRAAQ) is a 42-item self-report assessment designed to capture the mental representation of approach-avoidance motivation.

Weekly Assessment of Change in Rumination

Time frame: Weekly from Baseline (2 weeks) through Treatment (12-22 weeks) and Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) is a 12-item measure that assesses past-focused rumination with specificity regarding the types of rumination that people may experience. Higher scores on this measure indicate greater rumination.

Weekly Assessment of Change in Worry

Time frame: Weekly from Baseline (2 weeks) through Treatment (12-22 weeks) and Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The Penn State Worry Questionnaire - Past Week (PSWQ-PW) is an adapted version of the original PSWQ, contains 15 items (rated on a 0-6 scale), and assesses the extent to which worry has been excessive, uncontrollable, and pervasive in the past week. Higher scores on this measure indicate greater worry in the past week.

Weekly Assessment of Change in Self-Criticism

Time frame: Weekly from Baseline (2 weeks) through Treatment (12-22 weeks) and Follow-Up (4 weeks)

The self-judgment subscale of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) contains 5-items and assesses the tendency to self-criticize. Higher scores on this measure indicate greater self-criticism.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.