Implementation and feasibility considerations of an avatar‐based intervention for military family caregivers

Abstract

Objective: Military family caregivers (MFCGs) are a growing population with well-being and quality of life (QOL) challenges. New technologies can help meet their needs while minimizing disruption to caregiving responsibilities. Preliminary research needs to address intervention implementation challenges before larger-scale efficacy studies are conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing an avatar-based intervention and preliminarily investigate outcomes. Methods: One-hundred twenty-four MFCGs were recruited to participate in this feasibility study. Sixty-four MFCGs completed the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance to assess 3-and 6month differences. Results: Meeting the a priori goal of 50 MFCGs completing the program supported feasibility. Preliminary results indicated significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, and significant improvements in physical health and overall QOL.Conclusions: Findings support for the feasibility of implementing an avatar-based intervention for MFCGs and present promising findings related to improving caregiver well-being and overall QOL. K E Y W O R D S feasibility, high-risk populations, intervention implementation, quality of life, well-being

Rapid telepsychology deployment during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A special issue commentary and lessons from primary care psychology training

“…Ironically, telepsychological approaches such as wearable devices may actually be more appealing to people holding negative views toward psychological treatment and who have less experience in help‐seeking (Hunkin, King, & Zajac, 2020). Other extremely promising web‐based approaches that have the potential to reach individuals not entering traditional treatment, or as a supplement to traditional treatment, are showcased in this special issue, including Acceptance and Commitment therapy for college students (Viskovich & Pakenham, 2020), an avatar‐based intervention for military family caregivers (Wilcox, 2020), and a self‐management positive psychology intervention (Görges, Oehler, von Hirschhausen, Hegerl, & Rummel‐Kluge, 2020). As Heesacker et al (2020) note, web‐based interventions such as these are showing respectable levels of feasibility and efficacy, although treatment computerization represents an extension of traditional mental health care providers, not a replacement.…”

Mediating role of dyadic satisfaction on social support and health outcomes in a sample of military family care-givers

“…Strategies for implementing such interventions for MFCs in military service and other communitybased organizations are discussed elsewhere. 25 Limitations A number of interpretive caveats to this study warrant further consideration. First is the cross-sectional nature of the study; it is unclear whether social support is causally related to DS or HOs.…”

Guest editorial: Introduction to the special issue on telepsychology: Research, training, practice, and policy

“…Other studies in this section explore issues using telepsychology with unique groups. The preliminary study of an avatar‐based intervention for military family caregivers suggests this innovative approach may be useful to meet the needs of these individuals (Wilcox, 2020). The paper by Tarlow et al analyzed service utilization behaviors and client distance from an access point where telepsychology services were provided in a “hub and spoke” model of service delivery (Tarlow, McCord, Du, Hammett, & Wills, 2020; Timothy Elliott served as the action editor for this submission).…”