This clinical trial is a sub-study to treat participants that were not eligible in the main study (HUM00152509/NCT03874793) to receive MBCT or MRT in hard hit COVID-19 areas with trauma history and current COVID-related distress. The purpose of this treatment-only sub-study is to see how eligible participants with life history of any trauma and are currently experiencing elevated COVID-related stress are affected by two different PTSD therapies involving Mind-Body practices; Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Muscle Relaxation Therapy. The targeted individuals will reside in areas (Washtenaw, Wayne, and Oakland counties in Michigan, etc.) that have been affected by COVID-19. Participants will have assessments before and after 8 weeks of therapy (remote MBCT or MRT).
Behavioral: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
There will be 8 sessions and these will be approximately 2 hours long. Over the 8-weeks participants will learn several mindfulness meditation techniques. Each session will involve group discussion and feedback. Participants will be asked to practice these techniques at home, and keep a log of mood, and stress ratings.
Audio files with exercises will be given to participants so that they can practice at home between sessions.
Behavioral: Muscle Relaxation Therapy
Each MR session is approximately 2 hours. Over the 8-weeks you will learn how to relax your body using a step-by-step process in which you alternate between squeezing and relaxing your muscles. You will learn about your body's natural response to stress and how to use muscle relaxation during your everyday life. Each session will also involve group discussion and feedback. You will be asked to practice these techniques at home, and keep a log of your mood, and stress ratings. You will receive audio files with exercises so you can practice at home between sessions.
Inclusion Criteria:
- COVID distress sample: resides in geographical area heavily impacted by COVID-19 have
a history of trauma
- Has current elevated levels of COVID related stress and/or distress (worry, repetitive
negative thinking) (COVID stress scale score > 15, worry / repetitive negative
thinking, Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) score >35 ).
Exclusion Criteria:
- PTSD
- Suicide risk
- Psychosis
- Life history of schizophrenia
- Current substance dependence
- Other factors that preclude safe and meaningful participation in the study, at
discretion of the PI and study team
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Jung Park, BS
734-615-5249
jungp@med.umich.edu
Anthony King, Ph.D.
614-688-9537
anthony.king@osumc.edu