Examining the Effects of an Improvisation Group

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study is taking place to examine the preliminary effects of improvisational therapy (improv group) on social anxiety for youth at the Youth Wellness Centre (YWC). The improv group will run for 12-weeks as a drop-in group. A typical session will begin with stretching, simple breathing and an activity to promote group cohesion. Following this, improvisation games and activities will be introduced with the goal of promoting the following skills: assertiveness, acceptance, problem solving, co-operate skills, non-verbal communication, mindfulness, and memory. Youth who consent to the study will be asked to complete a set of brief questionnaires the first time they attend one of the sessions. Youth who have attended at least 3 sessions will be asked again to complete questionnaires following the completion of week 12 session. Youth will also rate their anxiety and distress on a simple rating scale at the beginning and end of each session. Additionally, all participants (who have attended three or more sessions) will be invited to complete a 30 to 45 minute qualitative interview following the 12 week session. Participants are predicted to show a decrease in social anxiety, generalized anxiety and depression symptoms, and an increase in self-esteem, and perceived social support.

Official Title
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Examining the Effects of an Improvisation Group on Social Anxiety Among Help-seeking Youth

Conditions
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Anxiety, Depression, Self Concept Alteration, Social Support

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Improvisation Group


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: help-seeking youth ages 17-25 Exclusion Criteria: will NOT be excluded on the basis of mental health or addiction concerns

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 17 Years
Maximum Age: 25 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Attending Improvisation Group<br>Attended 3 or more Improvisation Group sessions | Other: Improvisation Group<br>* The aim of this pilot study is to investigate the effects of improvisational comedy in a group of help-seeking youth at risk of developing a range of mental health disorders, including social anxiety.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) | A seven-item self-report anxiety questionnaire designed to monitor and assess the severity of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms. | Pre-group and 12-weeks later (post group) | 
| Change in Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) | A seventeen-item questionnaire used to measure the severity of social anxiety. | Pre-group and 12-weeks later (post group) | 
| Change in Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) | A thermometer scale used to track anxiety before and after each session | Pre and post every improv session for a duration of 12-weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) | A nine-item questionnaire used to measure depression | Pre-group and 12-weeks later (post group) | 
| Change in Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) | A 10-item questionnaire intended to measure distress based on questions about anxiety and depressive symptoms. | Pre-group and 12-weeks later (post group) | 
| Change in Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) | A 10-item questionnaire used to measure self-esteem. | Pre-group and 12-weeks later (post group) | 
| Change in Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) | A 12-item questionnaire designed to measure perception of support from 3 sources: family, friends and significant other | Pre-group and 12-weeks later (post group) |