Article2013

Manage Your Life Online (MYLO): A Pilot Trial of a Conversational Computer-Based Intervention for Problem Solving in a Student Sample

Hannah Gaffney · Warren Mansell · Rachel Edwards · Jason Wright

121 citations0/0 files storedBehavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy

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Digital Mental Health Interventions Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Computerized self-help that has an interactive, conversational format holds several advantages, such as flexibility across presenting problems and ease of use. We designed a new program called MYLO that utilizes the principles of METHOD of Levels (MOL) therapy--based upon Perceptual Control Theory (PCT). AIMS: We tested the efficacy of MYLO, tested whether the psychological change mechanisms described by PCT mediated its efficacy, and evaluated effects of client expectancy. METHOD: Forty-eight student participants were randomly assigned to MYLO or a comparison program ELIZA. Participants discussed a problem they were currently experiencing with their assigned program and completed measures of distress, resolution and expectancy preintervention, postintervention and at 2-week follow-up. RESULTS: MYLO and ELIZA were associated with reductions in distress, depression, anxiety and stress. MYLO was considered more helpful and led to greater problem resolution. The psychological change processes predicted higher ratings of MYLO's helpfulness and reductions in distress. Positive expectancies towards computer-based problem solving correlated with MYLO's perceived helpfulness and greater problem resolution, and this was partly mediated by the psychological change processes identified. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide provisional support for the acceptability of the MYLO program in a non-clinical sample although its efficacy as an innovative computer-based aid to problem solving remains unclear. Nevertheless, the findings provide tentative early support for the mechanisms of psychological change identified within PCT and highlight the importance of client expectations on predicting engagement in computer-based self-help.

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References

1982Asymptotic Confidence Intervals for Indirect Effects in Structural Equation Models 1957The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality change.2008Barriers to the uptake of computerized cognitive behavioural therapy: a systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative evidence 2003Computerized, interactive, multimedia cognitive-behavioural program for anxiety and depression in general practice 2004Computer-based treatment for anxiety and depression: is it feasible? Is it effective?

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