Adapting and Implementing Behavioral Activation Across Diverse Contexts

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Background

Behavioral activation (BA) represents a well-established, empirically supported intervention that has consistently demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of depression. Over recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to investigating the robustness of its effectiveness as an evidence-based approach for depression. The versatility of BA is further underscored by its ability to address not only depression but also a range of prevalent mental health disorders and/or health issues in various contexts. Beyond its theoretical underpinnings and empirical substantiation, BA has been recently adapted to a diverse spectrum of populations(e.g., schizophrenia negative symptoms, cancer patients, geriatric population, early onset psychosis, anxious and depressed youth) employing a variety of protocols and delivery modalities(e.g., mobile application, videoconference, phone calls). This aligns with the contemporary focus in psychotherapy research on the evaluation, adaptation, and dissemination of established interventions, aiming to extend their accessibility across a broader array of populations and contextual settings. Through this call, we seek to deepen and expand our understanding of BA, particularly as it is adapted and applied in and by different contexts, cultural settings and practitioners.

BA is an inherently structured, succinct and theoretically parsimonious treatment. Given the emergence of implementation and dissemination research across diverse contexts and populations, a deepened and more thorough examination of BA can help clarify several critical issues. First, the process of adapting BA for various contexts can clarify the challenges and nuanced considerations inherent to this implementation process. Second, adaptation inherently involves substantial modifications; therefore, it is imperative to understand the balance between flexibility and fidelity in the delivery of BA as well as those key factors that ensure its effectiveness. Beyond this, there is merit in further areas such as the training of therapists, including para-professionals in BA, and the development of minimal training requirements that also contribute towards therapeutic impact. These areas of inquiry hold significant promise for both research and clinical practice. Lastly, delving into the convergence of contemporary trends and tailoring BA to align with current needs presents an intriguing avenue for both research and practical application. As mental health awareness grows in socio-cultural and environmental issues, including climate anxiety refugee mental health, and social isolation among all age cohorts globally, this focus on the efficacy of BA principles will further build up our armamentarium of effective interventions to meet these growing needs.

This Research Topic will provide a forum for researchers interested in the effects and underlying mechanisms of the effects of behavioral activation for people with various health and mental health conditions across cultures. Contributions will include
but are not limited to papers dealing with outcome trials, mechanisms, cultural adaptations of behavioral activation, and new technology applications. This topic will consist of original research, systematic review and/or meta-analysis, but also of research protocols, and case reports to facilitate the development of culturally adapted versions.

Keywords: Behavioral activation, digital therapeutics, culture, context, adaptation, clinical outcome trial

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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