Counselor-assisted problem solving improves caregiver efficacy following adolescent brain injury.

ABSTRACT: The purpose of the current study is to examine the efficacy of Counselor-Assisted Problem Solving (CAPS) in improving caregiver adaptation following traumatic brain injury (TBI).In a randomized clinical trial comparing CAPS (n = 65), an online problem-solving intervention with accompanying Web-based counseling sessions, with an information-based Internet Resource Comparison (IRC; n = 67) program, participants included families of 12- to 17-year-olds who had sustained a TBI in the past 6 months. Linear regression analyses were used to identify main effects and to examine whether caregiver education, race, or prior computer use moderated treatment efficacy.Computer experience moderated postintervention improvements in caregiving self-efficacy following CAPS, Specifically, parents in CAPS with low levels of prior use reporting the greatest improvements. CAPS participants who completed 5 or more sessions reported greater reductions in depression than did the IRC; however, the groups did not differ on global distress.Findings support the potential utility of counselor-supported Web-based interventions particularly for individuals with limited computer expertise following adolescent TBI.

SUBMITTER: Wade SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4461433 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature