Abstract
- This study is a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT), which is considered the gold standard of research aimed at determining the efficacy of an intervention (Cook & DeMets, 2019). Participants will be randomly placed into one of two groups: an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group will receive SFBT wellness counseling while the control group will receive no treatment. After the intervention, both groups will be assessed with measures of wellness including the Five Factor- Wellness Inventory (5-F-Wel), the Solution Building Inventory (SBI) and the World Health Quality of Life measure (WHO-QOL-BRF). The intervention consists of six one-hour group counseling sessions delivered via a treatment manual with session-by session instructions and handouts delivered by a licensed and trained clinical social worker. The study will include young adults (ages 18-25) who reside in New Hanover County. The participants will be recruited through flyers given to staff at participating organizations. The organizations will include university and community college clinics, public health clinics and local business partners located in New Hanover County. Participants will receive a visa gift card and transportation support will be provided as incentives to participate. The study will be submitted for approved by the UNCW review board for human subjects which will ensure ethical research standards are upheld. Statistical analysis will help to determine the effects the group had on the participants to plan for future larger scale efforts to improve wellness in this local population.