Mindfulness-Based Interventions + CCT for Traumatic Stress
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
In the last four years alone, residents of Puerto Rico have experienced a slew of natural disasters including Hurricane Maria in 2017, earthquakes in 2019 and 2020, the continued COVID-19 pandemic from 2020-2022, and most recently Hurricane Fiona. This series of distressing events can lead to an increased need for mental health resources and trauma treatment. Furthermore, the unique single-district structure of the Puerto Rican education system allows for the efficient dissemination of potential interventions and treatment to all students.The purpose of this study is to examine two treatment conditions for educators and school-aged children in Puerto Rico experiencing burnout, fatigue, and high stress: delivery of a mindfulness-based educator curriculum and, for children who report Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology, delivery of the mindfulness curriculum with the additional intervention of Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT). The study has two aims: 1) To assess the efficacy of the mindfulness curriculum and of CCT in a population of students, counselors, and teachers, characterized by high stress over the last few years of natural disasters and pandemic challenges and 2) To identify genetic contributions to resilience by analyzing gene expression in students before and after the intervention.The overarching goals of the investigators' research collaboration are to improve educators' psychological well-being and children's socioemotional development when faced with high stress and adversity and to improve mental health clinicians' competence and confidence in treating children exposed to trauma by training them in CCT. The investigators' research will identify critical biopsychosocial components responsible for the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional improvement and effective implementation strategies in a large but geographically dispersed school district. The knowledge base that will result from this study will inform the implementation of trauma-informed care in school settings and with populations experiencing stress and adversity, and contribute to the investigators' understanding of the underlying biology of these interventions to provide a rationale for further development and dissemination.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have a clinically significant medical illness or substance dependence, you may not be eligible to participate.
Is Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT) safe for treating traumatic stress in humans?
Research on Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT) for youth exposed to trauma shows it is feasible and effective, with no specific safety concerns reported in the studies. It has been used successfully in school settings for children who have experienced violence, suggesting it is generally safe for this population.12345
How is the Mindfulness-Based Interventions + CCT treatment for traumatic stress different from other treatments?
This treatment is unique because it combines mindfulness-based techniques with Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT), which is specifically designed to address complex developmental trauma by integrating neuroscience principles and client empowerment. Unlike other treatments, it offers a flexible and insight-oriented approach to reduce posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, particularly in children exposed to violence.12367
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Mindfulness-Based Interventions + CCT for Traumatic Stress?
Research shows that Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT) is effective in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety in children exposed to violence. This therapy combines different approaches to help children understand and manage their trauma, making it a promising option for treating traumatic stress.12489
Who Is on the Research Team?
Alexander Urban, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor
Victor Carrion, M.D.
Principal Investigator
John A. Turner, M.D. Professor and Vice-Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and Director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Resilience Program
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for teachers and students in Puerto Rico's schools who are dealing with stress or burnout, especially those aged 11-17 with PTSD symptoms from recent traumatic events. Participants must be willing to undergo therapy, but can't join if they're already in trauma-focused treatment, have low IQ, substance dependence, serious medical issues, or autism/schizophrenia.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Mindfulness Curriculum
Participants undergo a mindfulness curriculum in the classroom for 6-8 weeks and complete surveys before and after the intervention
Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT)
Participants with PTSD symptomatology receive Cue-Centered Therapy treatment for 15-18 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in anxiety, depression, and other psychological measures after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cue Centered Therapy Counselors
- Cue Centered Therapy Students
- iSWAB-DNA
- Start with the Heart Students
- Start with the Heart Teachers
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
Albizu University
Collaborator
University of Iowa
Collaborator
Ponce Health Sciences University
Collaborator
Pure Edge Inc.
Collaborator
Iowa State University
Collaborator
Ponce Health Sciences University
Collaborator