Strategies for Coping With Negative Thoughts

The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of two strategies for coping with negative automatic thoughts (positive thinking and cognitive restructuring) on one's belief in negative thoughts and one's affect. Another main objective is to assess whether participating in a positive mood induction (versus no mood induction) prior to using one of the two coping strategies impacts belief in negative thoughts and affect. We will also explore the interaction between strategy condition and mood induction condition. As secondary outcomes, we will evaluate whether there are changes in positive thinking skills and cognitive restructuring skills and depressive symptoms after one week of using the strategy.

Participants will be randomized to learn about positive thinking or cognitive restructuring, which will involve watching brief videos, being presented with examples of how one might apply the strategy when experiencing negative thoughts, and practicing with a personal example using a worksheet. Participants will also be randomized to positive mood induction, which is comprised of an autobiographical recall exercise in which participants are asked to recall a pleasant memory before filling out the worksheet. Participants will be asked to use the strategy and complete a worksheet online once per day for six days. Participants will respond to questionnaires at baseline and after 6 days of strategy use.