A Pilot Study to Examine the Efficacy of Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) for Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsyndromal Depression
Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) for Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsyndromal Depression: A Pilot Study
Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
150 participants
Oct 31, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The present study aims to pilot internet-delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) as a transdiagnostic emotion dysregulation intervention to prevent progression to depression in individuals with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subsyndromal depression. The aims of the study are: (i) to examine the effectiveness of i-STAIR on emotion dysregulation, interpersonal skills, depressive and PTSD symptoms at post-intervention i.e. on completion of the intervention (8 weeks); (ii) to examine if gains were maintained at 3 month post- intervention follow-up.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Exposed to mild, moderate or severe adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Screened positive for subsyndromal depression
- Singapore citizens or permanent residents (PRs)
- Aged 21 years to 65 years
- Able to speak and understand English
- Willing and able to undergo intervention and assessment online
Exclusion Criteria4
- Currently diagnosed with any mental disorder diagnoses;
- Experience cognitive impairment as determined by attending physician
- Have received or currently receiving dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) due to similarities with i-STAIR
- Female participants who are pregnant
Interventions
Internet-Delivered Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (i-STAIR) is a psychological intervention that is focused on applying skills to improve emotion regulation difficulties and reduce interpersonal problems over two months (eight sessions; one session per week). i-STAIR also significantly reduces PTSD symptoms without direct discussion of the trauma and may be used alone or adjunctively to boost the effects of trauma-focused therapies.
Online general psychoeducation will focus on the teaching the link between adverse childhood experiences and depression, as well as teaching healthy lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, and sleep. The online general psychoeducation will involve engaging presentations, active discussions, and self-directed homework activities.
Locations(1)
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NCT07118072