A piece of news caught my attention last year. Jay Buckey,, Jr an American NASA astronaut and surgeon who also holds a degree in electrical engineering and who was in a 16 day Spacelab flight having done 381 hours in space, launched an online self-help toolkit based on his experience of being isolated with a small group of people in space. It is free. Yes, it is free.
My (short) trial went like this:
After you fill up your information online (name, password, country, reCAPTCHA), it takes you to a page where you can choose any one of four options (1) conflict (2) mood (3) guided self-assessment (4) stress. At the end of the page is a crisis hotline number (1-800). I selected “conflict” and was led to a page that asked for my informed consent to participate in a study. I’m always up to participate in studies. It then took me to an introductory video with clear subtitles being delivered by a Prof of management and psychology. Next, there is a video introducing you to conflict simulation. An actor in the video gives you a situation and you have to choose how you would respond. Based on your response, the simulation proceeds. If you choose mood, it asks you to take an assessment and depending on your level of assessment suggests six sessions of a web-based training and treatment program. Exercises that are interactive and use the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy, an evidence-based treatment are demonstrated. Another cool feature is an evidence-based downloadable PDF document that gives you a detailed blueprint and sequence of the treatment plan, with detailed instructions. In order to keep track of progress I was prompted to take guided self assessments. I also had free access to resources and material under the “E-library” and “other material” tabs.
Tech Specs
Where
Available on www (the net)
Available on www (the net)
By whom
Developed by Dartmouth
Developed by Dartmouth
Language
Only in English
Only in English
Costs
Free
Free
Other cool stuff
The program is being tested in research stations within extreme environments such as the Antarctica and space. It is rare to find randomised controlled studies on effectiveness especially with mobile applications. This one however has a few and is therefore quite credible.
My concerns
Cannot be used with children.
The videos did not have racial, ethnic or gender diverse actors
The videos did not have racial, ethnic or gender diverse actors
My Recommendations
I would definitely recommend this as an adjunct to therapy especially for stress, depression and conflict.
