Activating Social Resources in Psychotherapy-Seeking Individuals: Effectiveness and Timing of a Social Support Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention
University of Zurich
120 participants
Apr 22, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study evaluates a Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) aiming to foster social support processes for adults with elevated depressive symptoms awaiting outpatient psychotherapy. Utilizing a daily-level micro-randomized trial (MRT) design conducted over 21 days, participants are assessed six times daily. Participants are randomized across four conditions: (1) vulnerability-triggered, (2) vulnerability and receptivity-triggered, (3) support-need-triggered, and (4) a no-intervention control. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the JITAI in reducing daily depressive symptoms and increasing received social support (primary outcomes), as well as reducing daily loneliness and enhancing perceived social support (secondary outcomes). Furthermore, the study aims to compare the relative efficacy of three distinct triggering strategies to identify the most effective timing for intervention delivery.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- indicating to seek outpatient psychotherapy
- elevated levels of self-reported depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI) score > 13 (out of 63); Kühner et al., 2007)
- owning a smartphone
- signing the informed consent form
Exclusion Criteria4
- first session for outpatient psychotherapy is scheduled within four weeks
- suicidal ideation (values > 2 in BDI item 9)
- presence of manic symptoms (Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) score > 7), - shift work
- age below 18 or above 70
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Interventions
The intervention is a smartphone-based system designed to encourage the activation of social support networks during critical moments. Triggers are based on real-time Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) data. When a condition is met, the app prompts participants to identify a specific type of support needed and a person from their social network to contact. It then provides one of three evidence-based recommendations to facilitate effective support-seeking behavior (direct communication, solution-focused discussion, and reframing the situation). If no social contact is available, the app suggests alternative self-help activities. Detailed information can be found on the OSF project page: https://osf.io/4e8gz
Locations(1)
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NCT07471529