20 Participants NeededMy employer runs this trial

Flourish for Suicidal Ideation Due to Cyberbullying

Recruiting at 1 trial location
CL
Overseen ByCandice L Biernesser, PhD
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Candice Biernesser
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests Flourish, a digital program aimed at helping young people experiencing cyberbullying and suicidal thoughts. Delivered via phones or tablets, the program includes online support and brief sessions with a health coach. The researchers aim to determine if Flourish can effectively reduce psychological distress and suicidal thoughts among middle and high school students. Students who have faced cyberbullying and experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings in the past three months may be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, participants contribute to pioneering research that could lead to new support methods for those in need.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that the Flourish intervention is safe for youth?

Research has shown that digital programs like Flourish are generally safe and easy to use. Flourish aims to reduce suicidal thoughts and distress from cyberbullying. Studies of similar programs have shown no major side effects and suggest that participants often have positive experiences. Although direct data on Flourish's safety is limited, digital programs like it typically lack physical side effects due to their focus on online interaction and guidance. This makes them a low-risk option for managing emotional health challenges related to cyberbullying.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Flourish is unique because it offers a digital approach to addressing suicidal thoughts resulting from cyberbullying. Unlike traditional treatment options like therapy or medication, Flourish is a text and web-based program designed to be easily accessible and convenient. It also includes three brief sessions with a health coach, providing personalized support. This combination of accessibility, digital engagement, and human interaction is what excites researchers about its potential to effectively help those dealing with cyberbullying-related suicidal ideation.

What evidence suggests that Flourish is effective for suicidal ideation due to cyberbullying?

Research has shown that Flourish, a digital program tested in this trial, may lower the risk of suicide and improve coping skills in young people facing cyberbullying. One study found that Flourish can enhance problem-solving skills and stress management, both crucial for reducing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, understanding and managing emotions, known as emotional intelligence, links to a lower risk of suicide. Flourish aims to boost this by fostering a positive mental state. Early findings suggest that Flourish can genuinely help young people feel better and think more positively.12356

Who Is on the Research Team?

CL

Candice L Biernesser, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking students aged 11-21 who have experienced cyberbullying and/or suicidal thoughts or distress in the past 3 months, identified by school staff or screening. Participants need access to a phone or tablet that can send/receive text messages.

Inclusion Criteria

* identified as a student who could benefit from the program by a school staff member - OR - screened eligible based on experiencing cyberbullying and suicide risk factors in the past 3 months
* past 3-month history of cyberbullying assessed by the cybervictimization subscale of the Traditional Bullying and Cyberbullying Victimization Scale and/or presence of online discrimination as measured by a modified measure from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD study)
* past 3-month history of suicide risk factors, assessed by: psychological distress (\>13 on the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) and/or suicidal ideation or behavior (via the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale)
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Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Onboarding

Participants complete a brief text-based survey and meet with a health coach to personalize the Flourish program and identify key social supports.

1 week
1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants engage with the Flourish program, a text and web-based intervention, designed to improve coping strategies and reduce suicidal risk.

4 weeks
3 sessions with a health coach (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for psychological distress and suicidal ideation at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after onboarding.

12 weeks
3 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Flourish

Trial Overview

The study is testing 'Flourish,' a digital program delivered via schools to help reduce suicidal thoughts and psychological distress among youth affected by cyberbullying. The program's use and effectiveness will be tracked over three months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

1

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: FlourishExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Candice Biernesser

Lead Sponsor

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials
3,007
Recruited
2,852,000+

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Collaborator

Trials
8
Recruited
470+

Citations

Flourish for Suicidal Ideation Due to Cyberbullying

This study will test Flourish, a digital suicide prevention intervention for cyberbullied youth, within schools.

Development and codesign of flourish: A digital suicide ... - PMC

This study aims to develop Flourish, a digital suicide prevention intervention for LGBTQ+ youth who have experienced OV.

Flourish in Schools Pilot Study

Flourish is a text messaging and web-based program that aims to improve coping following cyberbullying and reduce suicide risk among youth.

When and How Do Emotional Intelligence and Flourishing ...

The main results showed EI to be linked to decreased suicide risk through levels of flourishing. Moreover, EI buffered the relationship between low flourishing ...

Digital Intervention for Suicide Prevention in Cyberbullied ...

The researchers aim to determine if Flourish can enhance problem-solving skills, manage distress, and reduce suicidal thoughts more effectively than completing ...

Validation and Testing of a Suicide Prevention Program in ...

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