ERIC Number: EJ754374
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006-Feb
Pages: 8
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0890-8567
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Available Date: N/A
Depression Experience Journal: A Computer-Based Intervention For Families Facing Childhood Depression
Demaso, David Ray; Marcus, Nicole Eldridge; Kinnamon, Carolyn; Gonzalez-Heydrich, Joseph
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, v45 n2 p158-165 Feb 2006
Objective: This study tested the feasibility and safety of a computer-based application for families facing childhood depression. The Depression Experience Journal (EJ) is a psychoeducational intervention based on a narrative model involving the sharing of personal stories about childhood depression. Method: Semistructured interviews assessed Depression EJ feasibility and safety. Thirty-eight primary caretakers of children with depression (one caretaker per patient) used the EJ during a psychiatric hospitalization. Assessment of feasibility and safety was measured before EJ use and 2 to 4 weeks afterward. Results: Results revealed that the EJ was safe and useful for decreasing social isolation, increasing hope, increasing understanding of familial feelings about childhood depression, and fostering positive reactions in caretakers. Conclusions: Computer-based interventions hold significant promise in providing a new manner of psychosocial support to families facing child and adolescent psychiatric illnesses. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Psychoeducational Methods, Personal Narratives, Intervention, Social Isolation, Children, Depression (Psychology), Journal Writing, Psychological Patterns, Parents, Parent Child Relationship, Computer Mediated Communication, Internet, Social Support Groups, Outcomes of Treatment
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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Authoring Institution: N/A
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