Study protocol: A multisite trial of Work-Related Cognitive behavioral therapy for unemployed persons with social anxiety

Joseph A. Himle; Richard T. LeBeau; Addie Weaver; Daphne M. Brydon; Deborah Bybee; Amy M. Kilbourne; Raphael D. Rose; Katherine M. Tucker; Richard Kim; Marcelina Perez; Fonda N. Smith; Brandy R. Sinco; Scott Levine; Nicole Hamameh; Zipora Golenberg; Monique McKiver; Paul T. Wierzbicki; Anni M. Hasratian; Michelle G. Craske

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications (Dec 2019)

Study protocol: A multisite trial of Work-Related Cognitive behavioral therapy for unemployed persons with social anxiety

Joseph A. Himle,
Richard T. LeBeau,
Addie Weaver,
Daphne M. Brydon,
Deborah Bybee,
Amy M. Kilbourne,
Raphael D. Rose,
Katherine M. Tucker,
Richard Kim,
Marcelina Perez,
Fonda N. Smith,
Brandy R. Sinco,
Scott Levine,
Nicole Hamameh,
Zipora Golenberg,
Monique McKiver,
Paul T. Wierzbicki,
Anni M. Hasratian,
Michelle G. Craske

Affiliations

Joseph A. Himle: School of Social Work, University of Michigan, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Michigan, USA; Corresponding author. University of Michigan, School of Social Work & Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
Richard T. LeBeau: Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, USA
Addie Weaver: School of Social Work, University of Michigan, USA
Daphne M. Brydon: Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, USA
Deborah Bybee: Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, USA
Amy M. Kilbourne: Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Michigan, USA; Department of Learning Health Sciences, Medical School, University of Michgan, USA
Raphael D. Rose: Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, USA
Katherine M. Tucker: School of Social Work, University of Michigan, USA
Richard Kim: Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, USA
Marcelina Perez: Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, USA
Fonda N. Smith: School of Social Work, University of Michigan, USA
Brandy R. Sinco: School of Social Work, University of Michigan, USA
Scott Levine: JVS SoCal (JVS), Los Angeles, USA
Nicole Hamameh: JVS Human Services (JVS), Detroit, USA
Zipora Golenberg: JVS Human Services (JVS), Detroit, USA
Monique McKiver: JVS SoCal (JVS), Los Angeles, USA
Paul T. Wierzbicki: JVS Human Services (JVS), Detroit, USA
Anni M. Hasratian: Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, USA
Michelle G. Craske: Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, USA

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 16

Abstract

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This paper provides a methodological description of a multi-site, randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for enhancing employment success among unemployed persons whose employment efforts have been undermined by social anxiety disorder (SAD). SAD is a common and impairing condition, with negative impacts on occupational functioning. In response to these documented employment-related impairments, in a previous project, we produced and tested an eight-session work-related group cognitive-behavioral therapy provided alongside vocational services as usual (WCBT + VSAU). WCBT is delivered by vocational service professionals and is designed in a context and style that overcomes accessibility and stigma-related obstacles with special focus on employment-related targets. Our previous project found that WCBT + VSAU significantly improved social anxiety, depression, and a range of employment-related outcomes compared to a control group of socially anxious job-seekers who received vocational services as usual without WCBT (VSAU-alone). Participants in this study were all homeless, primarily African American job-seekers with high levels of psychiatric comorbidity and limited education and employment histories. The present, two-region study addresses whether WCBT + VSAU enhances job placement, job retention and mental health outcomes in a larger sample assessed over an extended follow-up period. In addition, this trial evaluates whether the effects of WCBT + VSAU generalize to a new population of urban-based, racially diverse job-seekers with vocational and educational histories that differ from our original sample. This study also investigates the system-effects of WCBT + VSAU in a new site that will be informative for broad implementation of WCBT + VSAU. Finally, this project involves a refined, technology-assisted form of WCBT + VSAU designed to be delivered more easily by vocational services professionals. Keywords: Social anxiety, Unemployment, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Minorities

Published in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

ISSN: 2451-8654 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine: Medicine (General)
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/contemporary-clinical-trials-communications/

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