Effectiveness of internet-based behavioral activation on quality of life among young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor: a randomized controlled trial

Research Objectives: To address diminished quality of life (QOL) among young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (SCBT), we evaluated the effectiveness of an Internet-based behavioral activation (BA) intervention.

Design: We implemented a true experimental pretest–posttest control-group design that involved random assignment of participants to two parallel groups to assess the effectiveness of the Internet-based BA intervention on QOL among young adult SCBT. Main outcomes were analyzed with two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Setting: Participants were recruited from the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation who distributed study information to young adult members that met the eligibility criteria. The intervention was delivered over the Internet via Qualtrics software.

Participants: Participants included 127 young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (SCBT) randomized into the experimental group (n = 64) or the waitlist control group (n = 63).

Interventions: The brief, Internet-based BA intervention was developed to promote QOL and incorporates values assessment, mindfulness exercises, and social skills education. It consisted of four modules based on core common components of BA. Each module was 30 minutes in duration. A printable activity schedule was included in each module with space to record daily mood ratings, with the goal of increasing awareness of how mood is affected by engaging in activities that lead to positive sources of reinforcement.

Main Outcome Measures: To measure QOL, the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LiSat-9) was used as the primary outcome variable. Stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). To assess activation, the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale – Short Form (BADS-SF) was used.

Results: Results revealed a significant interaction between the intervention and time on life satisfaction, F(1,125)=4.793, p=0.03. There were no significant main effects over time for perceived stress and activation.

Conclusions: Findings offer initial evidence that BA can be delivered over the internet and that Internet-delivered BA can have a positive effect on the QOL of young adult SCBT. Internet-based BA interventions can serve as a resource for young adult SCBT who desire to boost their mood and QOL.

Author(s) Disclosures: None.