For many, college marks a transition from adolescence to adulthood due to changes in social context, such as increased freedom and independence. College also defines a period of time during which mental illnesses present or worsen. Thus, there is a significant need for interventions that can alleviate stress, anxiety and depression starting at the time college. This study will evaluate the potential for 3 different interventions that vary in terms of cost, materials, and implementation challenges to quantify changes in behavior, health, and well-being in young adults using a biometric wearable. The interventions are a group therapy treatment, a physical activity regime, and increasing time in nature. The current study aims to determine the extent that these interventions improve functioning as measured by wearable sensors that provide a more ecologically valid assessment of such outcomes. This study is a continuation of a prior observational study on the use of wearables to quantify well-being using such wearables in young adults (18-24 years).

The VT HEALS initiative is a program dedicated to ensuring that all students in the Clinical Psychology PhD Program have the highest level of training in serving the mental health of rural Vermonters, especially those who have experienced substance use difficulties, trauma, or are of a young age.  It acknowledges and reflects on the challenges faced by society today by incorporating a multi-disciplinary and person-first approach to mental health services.  By integrating into primary care, incorporating Telehealth options, and bolstering expertise in diverse subject areas, VT HEALS seeks to prepare the next generation of skilled mental health clinicians to serve our community.  The program offers additional education to students, as well as to instructors, and fosters connections between the university and the providers in our state and nationwide.

A majority of individuals in the United States cannot read above a 6th grade level and a substantial portion are functionally illiterate. Those of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be among these struggling readers as well as those exposed to maltreatment and trauma in early life. By contrast, many measures of psychopathology and affect (including this paragraph) are written at 10th or above grade level. There is a need for tools to measure affect that do not rely on advanced literacy skills. This project aims to validate a scale of affect that does not require language. PI: Matt Price