Coping Skills Training for Self-Harm
(RESCUE Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to explore how teaching two coping skills can help adolescents who have harmed themselves at least three times and attempted suicide at least once. Researchers seek to understand how often and effectively these skills are used in daily life and whether life stress or family dynamics influence this. Participants will practice these skills with a parent, and some will undergo brain scans to detect changes in brain activity related to skill use. Adolescents who have self-harmed multiple times and have access to a smartphone are suitable candidates for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding and improving mental health support for adolescents.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial excludes participants who are taking medications that affect psychophysiological responses, so you may need to stop certain medications. However, the protocol does not specify which medications these are, so it's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team.
What prior data suggests that these coping skills are safe for adolescents with self-harm history?
Research has shown that the GIVE and Opposite to Emotion Action skills, part of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), are promising for safety and effectiveness. GIVE helps reduce self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Studies have found that people using DBT often experience fewer suicide attempts and less self-harming behavior.
Opposite to Emotion Action is another DBT skill that helps manage strong emotions by encouraging individuals to act contrary to their emotional urges. For instance, facing a feared object or situation can help reduce fear over time. Reports suggest this approach can help break negative behavior patterns and improve emotional management.
Overall, DBT skills like GIVE and Opposite to Emotion Action are well-tolerated and have been used safely in various settings, showing positive effects for those dealing with self-harm and intense emotions.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the coping skills training methods, GIVE and Opposite to Emotion Action, because they offer new approaches to managing self-harm, which is often addressed with therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medication. Unlike traditional treatments that might focus on altering thoughts or using medication, GIVE emphasizes enhancing interpersonal effectiveness and relationship skills, which can foster emotional resilience. Opposite to Emotion Action, on the other hand, encourages individuals to act contrary to their harmful urges, providing a practical strategy to counteract negative emotions. These innovative techniques could empower individuals with self-directed tools for immediate emotional regulation, potentially reducing the risk of self-harm with a more hands-on, experiential approach.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for self-harm?
Studies have shown that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps reduce self-harm and suicidal behaviors in teenagers. One important skill in DBT, "Opposite to Emotion Action," teaches individuals to manage strong emotions by acting contrary to their immediate feelings. This skill has proven effective in helping people better control their emotions and reduce self-harm. Additionally, DBT overall has been linked to significant improvements in lowering self-harm and suicidal thoughts. In this trial, participants will experience both the GIVE and Opposite to Emotion Action skills, which are being tested for their effectiveness in helping teenagers manage self-harm behaviors.23467
Who Is on the Research Team?
Erin Kaufman, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Utah
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for teens who have self-harmed at least three times, including one suicide attempt with serious intent. They must be willing to use a phone app for surveys, practice skills with a parent during arguments, and possibly undergo brain scans.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete interviews and questionnaires assessing psychiatric diagnoses, SII, and life stress, and 50 participants complete fMRI paradigms.
Pre-Intervention EMA
Participants complete a 2-week EMA protocol to measure daily affect, perceived stressors, SII, and suicidal thoughts.
Skills Training and Assessment
Participants learn and practice either GIVE or opposite-to-emotion action skills, with assessments of behavioral, affective, and physiological regulatory processes.
Post-Intervention EMA
Participants complete two 10-day EMA periods to assess skill use and related variables.
Follow-up
Participants complete a remote follow-up visit 6 months post-EMA3 to reassess SII, symptom severity, and life stressors.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- GIVE
- Opposite to emotion action
GIVE is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Suicidal Ideation
- Self-Harm Behaviors
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Suicidal Ideation
- Self-Harm Behaviors
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Utah
Lead Sponsor
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborator