Predictors of response to emotional distress with Single session interventions: using Enhanced Psychoeducation in a crisis situation.

Abstract

Single-session interventions (SSI) are an effective strategy reducing emotional distress. Enhanced psychoeducation (EP), which includes empathic listening, risk stratification, symptom monitoring, and habit modification is particularly suitable for SSIs. We investigate predictors of response to an online EP intervention among essential service professionals during COVID-19 in Brazil. TELEPSI Project financed by the Ministry of Health of Brazil, nationwide initiative, which served more than 3,300 individuals in various psychotherapeutic modalities. Data from April 2020 to December 2021. We included all participants who received SSIs with high levels of emotional distress. Final sample: 460 subjects, 89.1% female, and 81.1% health professionals. 300 subjects underwent reassessment in one month. Participants with harmful use of social networks, spending time on social media, playing video games, smoking, drinking alcohol, spending time with pets had a less pronounced symptom decrease. Participants who played instruments or already received some psychological treatment showed a greater magnitude of symptom decrease. This highlighted the impact of lifestyle factors on the efficacy of SSIs. These results underscore the importance of considering individual lifestyle factors when implementing SSIs and contribute to growing body of evidence supporting the tailored application of psychoeducational strategies in mental health interventions, particularly in high-stress environments.