Eve Alexandra Rosenfeld

All Publications

• Development of an mHealth App-Based Intervention for Depressive Rumination (RuminAid): Mixed Methods Focus Group Evaluation. JMIR formative research Rosenfeld, E. A., Lyman, C., Roberts, J. E. 2022; 6 (12): e40045

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Depression is a common mental health condition that poses a significant public health burden. Effective treatments for depression exist; however, access to evidence-based care remains limited. Mobile health (mHealth) apps offer an avenue for improving access. However, few mHealth apps are informed by evidence-based treatments and even fewer are empirically evaluated before dissemination. To address this gap, we developed RuminAid, an mHealth app that uses evidence-based treatment components to reduce depression by targeting a single key depressogenic process-rumination.OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to collect qualitative and quantitative feedback that could be used to improve the design of RuminAid before the software development phase.METHODS: We reviewed empirically supported interventions for depression and rumination and used the key aspects of each to create a storyboard version of RuminAid. We distributed an audio-guided presentation of the RuminAid storyboard to 22 individuals for viewing and solicited user feedback on app content, design, and perceived functionality across 7 focus group sessions.RESULTS: The consumer-rated quality of the storyboard version of RuminAid was in the acceptable to good range. Indeed, most participants reported that they thought RuminAid would be an engaging, functional, and informational app. Likewise, they endorsed overwhelming positive beliefs about the perceived impact of RuminAid; specifically, 96% (21/22) believed that RuminAid will help depressed ruminators with depression and rumination. Nevertheless, the results highlighted the need for improved app aesthetics (eg, a more appealing color scheme and modern design).CONCLUSIONS: Focus group members reported that the quality of information was quite good and had the potential to help adults who struggle with depression and rumination but expressed concern that poor aesthetics would interfere with users' desire to continue using the app. To address these comments, we hired a graphic designer and redesigned each screen to improve visual appeal. We also removed time gating from the app based on participant feedback and findings from related research. These changes helped elevate RuminAid and informed its initial software build for a pilot trial that focused on evaluating its feasibility and acceptability.

  View details for DOI 10.2196/40045

  View details for PubMedID 36512400

• Response styles to sad mood and self-esteem as predictors of autobiographical memory: Distinctions between memory specificity and detail PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES Roberts, J. E., Kyung, Y., Koscinski, B., Rosenfeld, E., Lee, H. 2021; 169

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110142

  View details for Web of Science ID 000600676300052

• Cleansing the Attentional Palate: A Preliminary Test of a Novel Approach to Facilitate Disengagement From Rumination JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY Rosenfeld, E. A., Kennedy, K., Farchione, T. J., Roberts, J. E. 2019; 33 (2): 128-139

  Abstract

  Resource allocation theory suggests that rumination depletes cognitive resources that could be directed toward task-relevant processes. We propose a new approach to the treatment of rumination that specifically targets this misappropriation of cognitive resources, wherein individuals engage in an attentionally demanding task in order to interrupt the ruminative cycle. We argue that this strategy would serve to free cognitive resources from rumination and facilitate performance on other tasks. Thus, the present study served as an initial test of this novel approach. This study employed a within-subjects design, in which participants were 30 college students who completed self-report measures of baseline mood state, anxiety, depression, and trait rumination. Subsequently, they underwent sad mood and rumination inductions followed by random assignment to either a low attentional demand disengagement strategy (DS) followed by a high attentional demand DS or vice versa. Reading comprehension was assessed at baseline and following each of the two DSs. The high attentional demand DS condition was associated with better performance on the reading comprehension task compared to the low attentional demand DS condition. These results provide initial support for our novel approach to targeting rumination and demonstrate that attentionally demanding DSs may successfully free cognitive resources that might otherwise be consumed by rumination. Thus, future research into attentionally demanding DSs that interrupt ruminative cycles is warranted. This approach could be a useful adjunct for interventions targeting disorders driven by rumination, such as depression.

  View details for DOI 10.1891/0889-8391.33.2.128

  View details for Web of Science ID 000465943100004

  View details for PubMedID 32746388