Chatbot Intervention for Depression
(SMILEY Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Overseen byCandice Biernesser, PhD

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This feasibility pilot trial seeks to examine the feasibility and target engagement of a coping skills and psychoeducational intervention delivered via an automated conversational chatbot named SMILEY in reducing frequency and stress associated with online victimization among marginalized youth, including those who are Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+, and experiencing depression and online victimization. The primary inquiry of this study is whether SMILEY can enhance the safety and decrease stress levels in online environments for marginalized youth coping with depression and online victimization. Participants will engage with materials, including interactive web resources, to learn safe social media practices and provide coping skills for experiencing online victimization. These materials will cover topics such as managing online time, addressing negative comments, and fostering positive connections. Participants will interact with SMILEY at their own pace over 4 weeks. This interaction will provide information and guidance on dealing with online victimization and the associated stress.

Research Team

César G Escobar-Viera, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Candice Biernesser, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for marginalized youth, including Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ individuals who are dealing with depression and have been victimized online. Participants should be experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 12 and 18 years old.

I am currently experiencing moderate to severe depression.

Patients must screen positive for depression, PHQ-9-M score ≥ 11, and online victimization (OV). A positive screen will be OV that occurred 'a few times' for at least one type of OV or 'once' for at least two types of OV.

Exclusion Criteria

I am a teenager who can safely join without needing urgent medical or mental health care.

I do not have any mental health or severe medical conditions that would prevent me from following the study's procedures.

Treatment Details

Interventions

SMILEY (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe trial tests a chatbot named SMILEY that delivers coping skills and psychoeducation to help participants manage the stress of online victimization. Over 4 weeks, they'll learn safe social media practices through interactive materials.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: SMILEY + Brief PsychoeducationExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

SMILEY (Social Media Intervention for Online Victimized Youth): A self-paced HIPAA-compliant chatbot intervention administered through Facebook Messenger that delivers psychoeducational and coping skills content to improve social media self-efficacy and distress tolerance among Black, SGM and other minority youth with moderate to severe depression who experience online victimization.

Group II: Brief PsychoeducationActive Control1 Intervention

Research clinician will deliver psychoeducation for youth and caregivers supported by web-based resources. Content will introduce basic concepts of social media self-efficacy (screen time guidance, technological coping skills, and encouragement of positive online interactions) and guidance on how to respond to and cope with online victimization.