Families of children ages 11-14 who  struggle  with a low mood are invited to participate in a web-based program funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).  The program is being conducted by researchers at ORCAS (www.orcasinc.com), a behavioral science research company in Eugene, Oregon. The program is called Blues Blaster- Parents Preventing Depression.

Who is ORCAS?

ORCAS is a health research organization in Eugene, Oregon, that creates interactive multimedia programs to help people live healthier lives. Website: www.orcasinc.com.

What is the Blues Blaster project?

ORCAS received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health to create a web-based program to help parents prevent depression in their 11 to 14 year olds.

What will participants receive?

  • Families will receive up to $300 for their time ($25 for youth and $50 for parents for each assessment).
  • Families will learn about depression and skills to prevent depression, and have a chance to give feedback about what they like or don’t like about the program.

What will be included in the Blues Blaster program?

  • Interactive modules to teach parents and youth about depression, mood and activity tracking, the importance of engaging in pleasant activities, and increasing positive thinking.
  • Additional resources on positive parenting, relaxation, problem solving, and social skills.

Who can participate?

We are seeking 11 – 14 year olds who are experiencing depressive symptoms and their parents to evaluate our program.

What will participants do?

  • Interested parents fill out an online survey and their children will talk to project staff by phone to determine their eligibility.
  • Qualified families will learn about the project and be asked to sign a consent form before participating.
  • Families will be randomly assigned to either the Blues Blaster program or to a control group that will receive the program at the end of the study.
  • Parents and youth will be assessed by online surveys and by phone interviews several times throughout the study. They will be asked about their depressive symptoms, negative thoughts, pleasant activities, knowledge about depression, and satisfaction with the program.
  • Families will be able to participate in the study from any computer(s) to which they have regular access.

What happens to participant’s information?

  • The information that youth and parents share with project staff during phone interviews and in the online program will be kept completely confidential. Our internet site is secure, and each participant will be assigned an ID code to keep their information separate from their name.
  • ORCAS project staff are trained to protect confidentiality and have many safeguards in place to keep each participant’s information secure.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Feel free to contact ORCAS project staff by phone at 1-866-822-0226 ext 2 or via email at bluesblaster@orcasinc.com.