Effects of a Single-Session Online Therapy Program for Family and Friends of Long-Term Care Residents

This study explores the experiences of family members and friends of long-term care residents and evaluates the effectiveness of an online therapy program designed to support them. If you choose to take part, you will complete online questionnaires about your experiences and well-being, including symptoms of anxiety, burden, and depression. You will then be randomly assigned to either a self-guided online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) session or online educational materials focused on managing stress and burden. You will also be asked to complete brief follow-up questionnaires 2 weeks and 3 months later, which will be emailed to you. As a thank you for your time, you may enter a draw to win one of five $100 gift cards. You can join the study by following this link: https://uregina.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rdshQCOjY9uBcG

REB # 1542

Live in Canada At least 18 years old Spend time with a family member or friend who resides in a long-term care home Not currently receiving psychological treatment

If you choose to take part, you will first complete a short eligibility screening and a brief enrolment meeting with the study lead over Zoom (about 10 minutes). This meeting is used to confirm that you meet the study eligibility criteria. If you are eligible, you will be asked to complete online questionnaires about your caregiving experiences, including stress, burden, and social support. These questionnaires take about 15–30 minutes. After completing the questionnaires, you will be randomly assigned to one of two options: A single, self-guided online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) session, or Online educational materials about managing stress and burden The session or materials take about 45 minutes and are best completed in one sitting. You will be asked to complete follow-up questionnaires 2 weeks and 3 months later, which will be sent to you by email.

By taking part in this study, you may experience personal benefits from the therapy program if it is found to be effective. Your participation will also help advance meaningful research aimed at improving mental health supports and making evidence-based interventions more accessible to others who may be facing similar challenges.

Participants will have the opportunity to enter a draw for a change to win 1 of 5 $100 e-gift cards!