ERIC Number: EJ1419080
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Available Date: N/A
The Emotional Support Plan: Feasibility Trials of a Brief, Telehealth-Based Mobile Intervention to Support Coping for Autistic Adults
Vanessa H. Bal; Annabelle M. Mournet; Tori Glascock; Jacqueline Shinall; Gabrielle Gunin; Nikita Jadav; Henry Zhang; Emily Brennan; Emily Istvan; Evan M. Kleiman
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v28 n4 p932-944 2024
Difficulties regulating emotions during periods of distress may contribute to the high rates of co-occurring depression and anxiety in autistic adults. The emotional support plan (ESP) is a brief intervention designed to support autistic adults to use positive coping skills during periods of distress. Thirty-six autistic adults participated in studies to assess the acceptability of the ESP intervention to cope with stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic and postsecondary education and feasibility of the study design elements to inform future trials. Most participants reported using strategies from their ESP; 86%-89% reported the intervention had a positive impact on them and 67%-71% would recommend it to another person. Completion of weekly monitoring and outcome assessments were high; ecological momentary assessment was more variable. The current results provide preliminary support for the acceptability of the ESP intervention. Important insights were also gained to inform feasibility of the design to assess its potential efficacy in future studies. While further research is clearly needed, the brief nature of the ESP may provide benefit as a starting point for those who may be proactively seeking support to cope with anticipated stressors or those who would benefit from guidance to promote emotion regulation during stressful life events.
Descriptors: Emotional Response, Self Control, Intervention, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Adults, Coping, Stress Management, COVID-19, Pandemics, College Students, Program Effectiveness, Student Attitudes, Student Characteristics
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Jersey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A