Adolescence is a time of trials and tribulations. Teens are dealing with the formation of self and identifying who they are in the world. They are also experiencing biological changes that create mood
Discussion 1: Online Interventions
Adolescence is a time of trials and tribulations. Teens are dealing with the formation of self and identifying who they are in the world. They are also experiencing biological changes that create mood swings and at times emotional outbursts. Interventions for this group can be challenging, as adolescents often avoid asking for assistance. This avoidance is due to their desire to look normal and fit in. Online interventions might be one way to reach adolescents who need help.
For this Discussion, choose a concern that adolescents face, such as depression, suicide, self-esteem, eating disorders, substance abuse, or family dynamics and family conflict. Conduct research to find an online intervention that addresses this concern.
Provide Responses to the Colleague Posts below:
Provide feedback and/or expand on their post in some way.
Support your responses with specific references to the Learning Resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.
Kelsi Blue-Jean Bass Hunter
RE: Discussion 1 - Week 9
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Hello class,
Internet-based intervention used with adolescents to address the concern of sexting
The internet-based intervention I chose is the better lives, through better choices. Sexting laws are rather new phenomena in the law. Through specific teen sexting laws are not present in a majority of states, the trend appears to be towards more widespread adoption of sexting laws (Theoharis, 2017).
In Florida consenting adults do not typically commit crimes when they set, but teens who do so face significant potential consequences. Because most teens are children, Florida uses to consider teen sexting as a child pornography offense. However, Florida has changed its laws to address teens and sexting specifically. Minors are committing a sexting violation to determine either a non-criminal assault, a misdemeanor for the first degree, or a felony of the third degree, depending on the circumstances (Theoharis, 2017).
Depending on the circumstances, sexting may also be a crime under federal law - a juvenile convicted of a first time sexting offense faces a fine or community hours. For second texting, the battery would be a first-degree misdemeanor, by facing more significant penalties that can include fines, probation, or placement in a juvenile detention facility (Theoharis, 2017).
Describe the intervention and the underlying theory
A multisystemic intervention, such as Multisystemic Therapy for Problematic Sexual Behavior (MST-PSB) is an evidence-based approach that could be considered for youth with conduct problems. Effective treatment planning requires an initial assessment to ensure safety and identify risk and protective factors, interventions needs, and treatment responsivity requirements. Interventions are most likely to be effective when individual and family treatment needs are matched with high-quality services in a seamless and flexible continuum of care. Ongoing and timely reassessment is necessary to facilitate effective treatment plans over time (Silovsky et al., 2019).
Identify the target behaviors that this intervention is used to address
Problematic sexual behavior is not a diagnosable condition; these actions are clinically concerning acts. At times, the problematic sexual behaviors represent an isolated or transitory problem of a teen who is otherwise functioning well. Sexual behaviors may be part of a pattern of criminal activities or one of several symptoms of a disruptive behavior disorder (Silovsky et al., 2019).
Understanding how problematic sexual behaviors fit within the context of other behaviors, mental health difficulties, environment, and additional risk and protective factors serves to inform treatment and case planning decisions. Consideration should be given to whether the teen has evidence problematic sexual behaviors as a function of transitory personal, situational or contextual factors; demonstrates problematic sexual behaviors as part of a larger pattern of conduct problems and delinquent behaviors; has atypical sexual interests; or has atypical sexual interests, antisocial attitudes, and delinquent behaviors (Silovsky et al., 2019).
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the intervention
Research suggests that while youth in this program demonstrate positive gains, these gains often are lost once youth are back in the community. Studies suggest, however, that the effectiveness of the treatment may be enhanced and improvements may be maintained by, using intensive, evidence-based interventions, family involvement and participation in services, interpersonal and pro-social skill development, stable aftercare settings, and ongoing supports following discharge (Silovsky et al., 2019).
A weakness in sexting among adolescents can be confusing for them. Some are the language that is used during studies such as what the adolescents feel what a nude or nearly-nude means to them versus the survey. Another weakness is the studies do not separate the focuses. Images and written sexting are different when it comes to what is legal and what is not, such as sexual photographs of minors are illegal, while sexual text messages between minors are generally not (Silovsky et al., 2019).
Reference
Silovsky, J.F., BigFoot, D.S., Bonner, B.L., Braden, J., Fowlers, S., Jones, J., … Sigel, B. (2019). Clinical decision-making and case planning for teens. National Center of the Sexual Behavior of Youth. Retrieved on April 23, 2019, from http://www.ncsby.org/content/adolescent-0
Theoharis, M. (2017, March 22). Teen Sexting in Florida. Retrieved April 23, 2019, from https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/teen-sexting-florida.htm
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Maralyce Tatas
RE: Discussion 1 - Week 9
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Post a description of an Internet-based intervention used with adolescents to address the concern you identified.
Eating disorders are the third most common chronic illness in adolescent females (Paediatr Child Health, 1998). There are two major subgroups: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Both can be associated with severe biological, psychological, and sociological morbidity, and significant morbidity (Paediatr Child Health, 1998). Internet-based interventions for symptoms of eating disorders provide a more individualized approach. They can consist of psychoeducation, fully automated monitoring and feedback systems, and support from a coach (Aardoom, Dingemans, Spinhoven, Hakkaart-van Roijen, & Van Furth, 2013). Adolescents use the internet and social media daily, which can assist adolescents by being able to seek peer support, treatment options, and other information quickly (Kass et al. 2014).
An internet-based intervention that can be used for adolescents that struggle with eating disorders is Student Bodies. Student Bodies-Eating Disorders (SB-ED) is an eight-week long mobile program that focuses on reducing weight/shape concerns, enhancing body esteem, and reducing disordered eating behaviors such as binge eating (Fitzsimmons-Craft et al. 2019).
Describe the intervention and the underlying theory. Identify the target behaviors that this intervention is used to address.
SB-ED incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques and includes a weekly journal entry along with weekly exercises for individuals. The SB-ED intervention is offered in five to ten-minute sessions that have a total of 40 core sessions. The 40 core sessions and supplemented by an additional 23 sessions that address comorbidities and relapse prevention. When individuals complete their eight weeks, they will have access to SB-ED for an additional eight months to review the materials and sessions. SB-ED was designed to help individuals create healthier eating patterns, positive self-talk, appropriate coping strategies for negative emotions, additional social support, and relapse prevention strategies (Fitzsimmons-Craft et al. 2019).
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the intervention.
The strengths associated with using SB-ED are that it allows individuals to create a positive, healthy environment, learn from others, peer support groups, and connect with others who are similar and experiencing the same concerns. Another strength is the reduction of eating disorder symptoms associated with SB-ED. Additionally, having access to SB-ED through an app on the phone 24 hours a day has been associated with higher participation (Kass et al. 2014). The weaknesses associated with utilizing SB-ED is that individuals are only encouraged to post once a week. Personally, if someone is not required to post weekly, then they will not be getting as much out of the interventions that they could if they were to post weekly. I believe an individual should participate as it allows for connections to be formed and can provide additional motivation. Another weakness could be that SB-ED is entirely virtual and is currently only available to those with iPhones, not Androids.
References
Aardoom, J., Dingemans, A., Spinhoven, P., Hakkaart-van Roijen, L., & Van Furth, E. (2013). An internet-based intervention for eating disorders consisting of automated computer-tailored feedback with or without supplemented frequent or infrequent support from a coach: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3853403/
Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., Firebaugh, M.-L., Graham, A. K., Eichen, D. M., Monterubio, G. E., Balantekin, K. N., Karam, A. M., Seal, A., Funk, B., Taylor, C. B., & Wilfley, D. E. (2019). State-wide university implementation of an online platform for eating disorders screening and intervention. Psychological Services, 16(2), 239-249. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1037/ser0000264
Kass, A., Trockel, M., Safer, D., Sinton, M., Cunning, D., Rizk, M., . . . Taylor, C. (2014). Internet-based prevention intervention for reducing eating disorder risk: A randomized controlled trial comparing guided with unguided self-help. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4383716/
Paediatr Child Health. (1998). Eating disorders in adolescents: Principles of diagnosis and treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851329/
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Kevin Price-is-Right
RE: Discussion 1 - Week 9
COLLAPSE
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Hello Class
Post a description of an Internet-based intervention used with adolescents to address the concern you identified.
Teen suicide is a serious problem and a growing health concern for adolescents and young adults. Mental illness is the leading risk factor for suicide. Suicide risk factors vary with age, gender, ethnic group, family dynamics, and stressful life events (APA, 2008). Digital interventions that deliver psychological self-help provide the opportunity to reach individuals at risk of suicide who do not access traditional health services (Torok, Han, Baker, Seidler, Wong & Larsen, 2019).
The CATCH-IT program is an Internet-based depression prevention intervention on risk factors for suicide (i.e., suicidal ideation, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and social isolation). Internet interventions use digital and electronic technology to address cognitions and behaviors in an effort to improve mental and physical functioning and wellness. Competent Adulthood Transition with Cognitive-behavioral and Interpersonal Training (CATCH-IT) is an internet-based and minimally supported depression prevention program that aims to provide a selective preventative intervention for adolescents with subclinical depression. CATCH-IT has been found to effectively reduce depressive symptoms at post-intervention and one-year follow-up (Dickter, Bunge, Brown, Leykin, Soares, Van Voorhees, Holguin, & Gladstone, 2019).
Describe the intervention and the underlying theory.
The CATCH-IT program consists of 14 self-guided, online modules that use techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy to teach skills for increasing resiliency against depressive disorders and decreasing vulnerability to depression. The program did not specifically target aspects of depression or suicidality, instead focusing on CBT and interpersonal factors related to depression (e.g., pessimism, indirect communication) (Dickter, et al, 2019).
Identify the target behaviors that this intervention is used to address.
CATCH-IT program targets adolescents aged 14-21 that suffer from suicide ideation, depression, hopelessness, low self-esteem, and social isolation.
Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the intervention.
CATCH-IT has been found to effectively reduce depressive symptoms at post-intervention and one-year follow-up and yield high parental approval for the intervention. Additionally, it has been found to be cost-effective, costing about one-third of comparable CBT groups targeting adolescent depression per client (Dickter, et al, 2019).
Adolescents expressing frequent or severe suicidal ideation or intent were excluded from the original CATCH-IT study. With a sample size of 83, only 24 participants completed all 14 modules of CATCH-IT, meaning unusual reactions to the program could have drastically affected the results (Dickter, et al, 2019).
Reference
American Psychological Association. (2008). Teen Suicide is Preventable. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/research/action/suicide
Torok, M., Han, J., Baker, S., Werner-Seidler, A., Wong, I., & Larsen. M. (2019). Suicide Prevention Using Self-Guided Digital Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(19)30199-2/fulltext
Dickter, B., Bunge, E., Brown, L., Leykin, Y., Soares, E., Van Voorhees, B., Marko-Holguin, M., & Gladstone, T. (2019). Impact of An Online Depression Prevention Intervention on Suicide Risk Factors for Adolescents and Young Adults. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6556694/
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