General PsychopathologyB2BNCT05544877
An Energetic View on Creativity, Psychopathology and Intelligence: The Brain2Business Study
A study testing Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation Program in people with General Psychopathology and Fatigue, run by Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau at 1 site in Switzerland.
Trial summary
The interventional part of the study aims to assess the acute effect of the Brain2Business (B2B) tool on creative thinking (primary objective) in adults with psychological disorders. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- General Psychopathology, Fatigue, Depressive Disorder, Major
- What is being tested?
- Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSwitzerland
- Study dates
- 19 Jul 2022to 4 Oct 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals with and without a diagnosed psychiatric disorder (lifetime or current)
Who cannot join
- Acute suicidality
- Self-reported diagnosed neurological disorders that interfere with the study procedures
- Insufficient German language
- Vulnerable participants (e.g. participants with any indications for an incapability of judgement)
- Caffeine, tobacco consumption and physical activity two hours before the lab-based session starts (only for additional biomarker analyses)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Switzerland1 site
Psychiatric Service Thurgau
Münsterlingen, Thurgau, 8596
About this study
Official title: An Energetic View on Creativity, Psychopathology and Intelligence: A Mixed Design Study in Adults With and Without Psychological Disorders
The interventional part of the study aims to assess the acute effect of the Brain2Business (B2B) tool on creative thinking (primary objective) in adults with psychological disorders. Additionally, the study assesses the B2B effects on energy-related sensations and metabolism, technique adherence, gratefulness and goal-directed activation (secondary objectives) in adults with and without psychological disorders. The observational part of the study primarily aims to investigate the link between psychopathology, intelligence, energy-related sensations and metabolism validating the "c factor mito-bioenergetics" (CMB) model in a sample of adults with and without psychological disorders.
Read the detailed description
Creativity techniques aim to improve creative thinking and to resolve rigid thinking patterns. They are often recommended and used to generate new insights and perspectives in business and occupational contexts, e.g. to support business development. Despite its successful real-world use, research on the benefits of specific creativity techniques is still in its infancy and it is largely unknown which techniques work best in which contexts.
Most importantly, to the best of the investigators knowledge, (i) specifically designed creativity techniques are not part of any evidence-based psychotherapeutic technique, and (ii) have never been investigated to assist evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques. Creativity techniques may be helpful in psychotherapy as creative thinking and the generation of new insights and perspectives are believed to be crucial for the efficiency of many psychotherapeutic methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. In addition, it is well-known that people with psychological disorders show less creative thinking, less flexibility and more rigidity in thinking and behavior.
This mixed interventional and observational study has two main aims. The interventional study aims to reveal the effect of a creativity technique - the Brain2Business (B2B) tool - on creative thinking, energy-related sensations and metabolism, technique adherence, gratefulness and goal-directed activation in two different psychotherapeutic techniques (idea generation for pleasurable activities within a behavioral activation therapy (PA-BA) and idea generation for a gratefulness exercise (GE)). As the primary outcome, the acute effect of B2B on creative thinking in adults with a psychological disorder are investigated. As secondary outcomes, the study focuses on the acute B2B effects on energy-related sensations (e.g. tiredness) and metabolism (e.g. heart rate variability) as well as on adherence to the psychotherapeutic techniques, gratefulness and goal-directed activation in adults with and without a psychological disorder.
The B2B tool is a specifically designed creativity technique and depicts a gamified conceptual combination approach. This approach has previously shown to have effects on originality of ideas and it is successfully used in real-world occupational contexts.
The main aim of the observational part of the study is to reveal the relationship between energy-related sensations (e.g., sensations of fatigue and energy), energy metabolism (e.g., heart rate variability, heart rate, core body temperature, skin temperature, blood pressure, cerebral oxygenation), psychopathology, intelligence, and creativity within the newly developed "c factor mito-bioenergetics" (CMB) model. It is a bioenergetic model that links psychopathology and intelligence. The CMB model (i) conceptualizes general cerebral function as the shared variance between intelligence and psychopathology and (ii) assumes that the body's energy metabolism is the biological underpinning of the co-variation between psychopathology and intelligence.
The study will reveal for the first time whether the creativity technique B2B has the potential to assist psychotherapeutic techniques. If the B2B tool efficiently supports creative thinking in psychotherapeutic techniques, clinical trials should follow that compare the psychological effects of a full creativity technique-assisted psychotherapy versus a treatment-as-usual psychotherapy. In addition, the study will evaluate the relation between energy-related sensations and metabolism and validate the CMB model.
- Conditions
- General Psychopathology, Fatigue, Depressive Disorder, Major
- Being tested
- Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation Program
- Keywords
- General psychopathology, Fatigue, Depression, somatoform disorders, Internalizing disorders, Thought disorders, Detachment disorders, Disinhibited externalizing disorders, Antagonistic externalizing disorders, Behavioral Activation, Gratefulness exercise, Creativity technique, Brain2Business, Solo Brainstorming
- Medical subject headings
- Fatigue, Depressive Disorder, Major, Depression, Somatoform Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation ProgramBehavioural
The 5-day intervention integrates a brief behavioral activation (BA) and a gratefulness exercise (GE) program. BA is composed of a lab-based idea generation and planning phase as well as a home-based performing phase with regard to pleasurable activities. GE is a idea generation task about aspects in life participants are grateful for about. It is performed once lab-based and daily with a home-based diary.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Brain2Business (B2B) | Experimental | The Brain2Business (B2B) technique aims to improve creative thinking. It is a game-based "conceptual combination" method that is performed by the participant with support of one trained B2B administrator in a laboratory session and without support in 5 at-home sessions. In this technique, thirty-six different images are randomly selected on a board by throwing two dices. Inspired by these images, participants are asked to create new ideas regarding three questions for a total of at least 39 minutes over a period of 5 days. One question is from a standardized creativity test and two questions are part of psychotherapeutic techniques (idea generation for pleasurable activities within behavioral activation (PA-BA) and for a gratefulness exercise (GE)). The B2B technique is based on the principles of solo brainstorming (SBS). A trained B2B administrator is documenting the answers of the participant, and mentioning the principles of SBS (see SBS group). Receives: Behavioral: Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation Program |
| Solo Brainstorming (SBS) | Active comparator | Solo brain storming (SBS) is the active control condition. The technique aims to improve creative thinking through the principles of SBS. SBS principles include i) idea quantity goes before quality, ii) no criticism and evaluation of ideas during idea generation, iii) original ideas are encouraged. The principles are provided to participants in the same way, with the same questions to be answered, and over the same time period as in the B2B group. A trained SBS administrator is documenting the answers of the participant, and mentioning the principles of SBS. Receives: Behavioral: Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
General creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination
The PTT creativity examination measures general creative thinking in psychotherapeutic techniques (PTT) using a composite measure of a newly developed objective and self-reported creative thinking assessments across two PTT. The composite score is calculated by averaging z-standardized objective and self-reported creative thinking assessments from both PTT. The z-standardized outcome value has a mean of 0 and SD of 1 with a probable range between -3 and +3. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The assessment include the generated ideas (a) for pleasurable activities as a component of behavioral activation (PA-BA) and (b) for a gratefulness exercise (GE). The score will be adjusted for baseline general creative thinking.
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Secondary outcomes (27)
Objective creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination - Objective creativity subscore
The objective creativity subscore of the PTT creativity examination is measured with a composite score of fluency, flexibility and originality across different PTT. The composite score is calculated by averaging z-standardized fluency, flexibility, and originality assessments from both PTT. The examination is based on the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. The z-standardized outcome value has a mean of 0 and SD of 1 with a probable range between -3 and +3. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline objective creative thinking.
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Self-report creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination - Self-reported creativity subscore
A self-reported creativity composite score about self-generated ideas across different PTT. A newly developed self-report creativity assessment is used with 16 items using a 5-point Likert scale. The sum score ranges from 0 to 64 points. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline self-reported creativity (composite of creative self-efficacy and everyday life creativity assessment).
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Top 3 creativity evaluation
In the Top 3 creativity evaluation a lists of the best three items are rated on creativity by 2 raters. A 5-point Likert scale is used and the sum score ranges from 0 to 15 points. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline creative thinking.
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
PTT creativity examination - Originality subscore
A composite measure of objective and self-reported originality. The score will be adjusted for baseline creative thinking.
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Eureka moment assessment
A newly developed assessment that measures the number of Aha/eureka moments in both psychotherapeutic techniques
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) part II composite score
The TTCT part II measures objective creative thinking within the elephant task of the TTCT; 4 minutes; part II). The TTCT composite score is composed of a fluency, flexibility and originality score for the elefphant tasks. The composite score is calculated by averaging z-standardized fluency, flexibility, and originality assessments. The z-standardized outcome value has a mean of 0 and SD of 1 with a probable range between -3 and +3. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The score will be adjusted for baseline objective creative thinking using the TTCT part I without a creativity technique.
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Everyday life creativity assessment
Everyday life creativity is assessed with a newly developed 5-item self-report questionnaire (5-point Likert scale). The sum score ranges from 1 to 5.
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to 1-week-follow-up (time point 5)
Creative self-efficacy
Creative self-efficacy is assessed with an adapted 6-item creative self-efficacy questionnaire based on two creative self-efficacy questionnaires (5-point Likert scale). The sum score ranges from 6 to 30.
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to 1-week-follow-up (time point 5)
Adherence to behavioral activation (BA) - planned activities
Number of planned pleasurable activities during the 5-day diary period
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Adherence to behavioral activation (BA) - performed activities
Number of performed pleasurable activities during the 5-day diary period.
Measured: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)
Adherence to gratefulness exercise (GE) - time
The number of minutes people spend in the GE during the 5-day diary period
Measured: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)
Adherence to gratefulness exercise (GE) - ideas
The number of ideas people created in the GE during the 5-day diary period
Measured: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)
Post-acute energy-related sensations as measured with the energy grid
Measured with two energy grid dimensions (wakefulness, sensation of energy) and derived composite scores using mean scores
Measured: Change within the 5-day diary period measured home-based (time point 5)
Bodily sensations of activation/deactivation and lightness/heaviness
Measured with the emBody tool
Measured: Change from pre to post gratefulness exercise in the lab-session (time point 4)
Energy-related metabolism index - acute effects
A measure validated within the study based on a weighted composite score of all metabolism measures derived from beta coefficients of regression analysis or based on machine learning algorithm.
Measured: Change within the lab-session (time point 2 to time point 4)
Energy-related metabolism index - post-acute effects
A measure validated within the study based on a weighted composite score of all metabolism measures derived from beta coefficients of regression analysis or based on machine learning algorithm.
Measured: Change from the lab-session to home-based assessment (time point 2 to time point 5)
Depressive symptoms as assessed Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II)
The BDI II is a well-validated self-rating questionnaire of depression.
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 1) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Flow experiences in everyday life as assessed with the Brief Flow Scale (FKS).
The FKS is a validated self-report questionnaire to assess flow experiences
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
General self-efficacy as assessed with the general self-efficacy brief scale (AKSU)
The general self-efficacy brief scale (AKSU) is a validated self-report questionnaire to assess general self-efficacy
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Gratefulness as assessed with the Gratitude questionnaire (GQ-5-G).
The GQ-5-G is a validated self-report questionnaire to assess gratefulness
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Creativity exercise experiences
A composite measure based on the Game Experience Questionnaire - Core Module, the Energy Grid, and self-developed items. Subscales include challenge - perceived effort, challenge - energy consumption, challenge - perceived task demand, boredomness, competence, pleasant feelings, calmness, sensation of energy, tiredness, match of resources and challenges, self-perceived creativity
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Post-creativity exercise experiences as assessed with the Game Experience Questionnaire - post game module
A composite measure based on the 4 subscales positive experience, negative experience, tiredness and returning to reality
Measured: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Acute energy-related sensations
A composite scores based on the Energy Grid's four dimensions (calmness, pleasant feelings, wakefulness, and sensation of energy).
Measured: Change within the lab-based session from before the exercises (time point 2) to after each of the exercises (time point 4)
Goal- and value-based activation
Composite score of the activation subscale of the Behavioral Activation for Depression (BADS) questionnaire and a self-developed value-based activation questionnaire
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Physical activity
International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ)
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the diary period (time point 5)
Sleep quality
Insomnia scale of the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
Measured: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the diary period (time point 5)
Positive/negative experience ratio
Ratio of remarkable positive and negative experiences during the 5-day period as measured with a self-developed questionnaire
Measured: Measured at the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Sep 2022
- Study start19 Jul 2022
- Primary completion29 Sep 2023
- Study completion4 Oct 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for General PsychopathologyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned in blocks of 20 and stratified for psychological disorder (with/without self-reported lifetime or current diagnosis of a psychological disorder) to one of two creativity technique conditions (Brain2Business vs Solo Brainstorming).
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Brain2Go AG, greenTEG AG, SOMNOmedics GmbH
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Rainer Krähenmann, Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau
- Investigators
- Rainer Krähenmann, PD, Principal investigator, Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05544877
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PDT_024_B2B
- Acronym
- B2B
- Status last verified
- Oct 2023
- First submitted
- 30 Jul 2022
- Last updated
- 26 Oct 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided: It is not decided because of ethical considerations. If no ethical reasons avoid it, data is planned to be shared.
Publications
Vandersmissen A, Fissler Plischke P, Filippi M, Wenzel M, Bernhardt M, Krahenmann R. The effort of maintaining the defensive wall: is there a link between defense mechanisms and vitality? BMC Psychiatry. 2026 May 9;26(1):485. doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-08146-2.
PubMed 42106684
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Oct 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- An Energetic View on Creativity, Psychopathology and Intelligence: A Mixed Design Study in Adults With and Without Psychological Disorders
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05544877
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- B2B / PDT_024_B2B
- Conditions
- General Psychopathology, Fatigue, Depressive Disorder, Major
- Keywords
- General psychopathology, Fatigue, Depression, somatoform disorders, Internalizing disorders, Thought disorders, Detachment disorders, Disinhibited externalizing disorders
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Psychiatrische Dienste ThurgauUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Brain2Go AG, greenTEG AG, SOMNOmedics GmbH
- Study start
- 19 Jul 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 4 Oct 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 19 Sep 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The interventional part of the study aims to assess the acute effect of the Brain2Business (B2B) tool on creative thinking (primary objective) in adults with psychological disorders. Additionally, the study assesses the B2B effects on energy-related sensations and metabolism, technique adherence, gratefulness and goal-directed activation (secondary objectives) in adults with and without psychological disorders. The observational part of the study primarily aims to investigate the link between psychopathology, intelligence, energy-related sensations and metabolism validating the "c factor mito-bioenergetics" (CMB) model in a sample of adults with and without psychological disorders.
Detailed description
Creativity techniques aim to improve creative thinking and to resolve rigid thinking patterns. They are often recommended and used to generate new insights and perspectives in business and occupational contexts, e.g. to support business development. Despite its successful real-world use, research on the benefits of specific creativity techniques is still in its infancy and it is largely unknown which techniques work best in which contexts.
Most importantly, to the best of the investigators knowledge, (i) specifically designed creativity techniques are not part of any evidence-based psychotherapeutic technique, and (ii) have never been investigated to assist evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques. Creativity techniques may be helpful in psychotherapy as creative thinking and the generation of new insights and perspectives are believed to be crucial for the efficiency of many psychotherapeutic methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy. In addition, it is well-known that people with psychological disorders show less creative thinking, less flexibility and more rigidity in thinking and behavior.
This mixed interventional and observational study has two main aims. The interventional study aims to reveal the effect of a creativity technique - the Brain2Business (B2B) tool - on creative thinking, energy-related sensations and metabolism, technique adherence, gratefulness and goal-directed activation in two different psychotherapeutic techniques (idea generation for pleasurable activities within a behavioral activation therapy (PA-BA) and idea generation for a gratefulness exercise (GE)). As the primary outcome, the acute effect of B2B on creative thinking in adults with a psychological disorder are investigated. As secondary outcomes, the study focuses on the acute B2B effects on energy-related sensations (e.g. tiredness) and metabolism (e.g. heart rate variability) as well as on adherence to the psychotherapeutic techniques, gratefulness and goal-directed activation in adults with and without a psychological disorder.
The B2B tool is a specifically designed creativity technique and depicts a gamified conceptual combination approach. This approach has previously shown to have effects on originality of ideas and it is successfully used in real-world occupational contexts.
The main aim of the observational part of the study is to reveal the relationship between energy-related sensations (e.g., sensations of fatigue and energy), energy metabolism (e.g., heart rate variability, heart rate, core body temperature, skin temperature, blood pressure, cerebral oxygenation), psychopathology, intelligence, and creativity within the newly developed "c factor mito-bioenergetics" (CMB) model. It is a bioenergetic model that links psychopathology and intelligence. The CMB model (i) conceptualizes general cerebral function as the shared variance between intelligence and psychopathology and (ii) assumes that the body's energy metabolism is the biological underpinning of the co-variation between psychopathology and intelligence.
The study will reveal for the first time whether the creativity technique B2B has the potential to assist psychotherapeutic techniques. If the B2B tool efficiently supports creative thinking in psychotherapeutic techniques, clinical trials should follow that compare the psychological effects of a full creativity technique-assisted psychotherapy versus a treatment-as-usual psychotherapy. In addition, the study will evaluate the relation between energy-related sensations and metabolism and validate the CMB model.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned in blocks of 20 and stratified for psychological disorder (with/without self-reported lifetime or current diagnosis of a psychological disorder) to one of two creativity technique conditions (Brain2Business vs Solo Brainstorming).
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Brain2Business (B2B) | Experimental | Behavioral: Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation ProgramThe Brain2Business (B2B) technique aims to improve creative thinking. It is a game-based "conceptual combination" method that is performed by the participant with support of one trained B2B administrator in a laboratory session and without support in 5 at-home sessions. In this technique, thirty-six different images are randomly selected on a board by throwing two dices. Inspired by these images, participants are asked to create new ideas regarding three questions for a total of at least 39 minutes over a period of 5 days. One question is from a standardized creativity test and two questions are part of psychotherapeutic techniques (idea generation for pleasurable activities within behavioral activation (PA-BA) and for a gratefulness exercise (GE)). The B2B technique is based on the principles of solo brainstorming (SBS). A trained B2B administrator is documenting the answers of the participant, and mentioning the principles of SBS (see SBS group). |
| Solo Brainstorming (SBS) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation ProgramSolo brain storming (SBS) is the active control condition. The technique aims to improve creative thinking through the principles of SBS. SBS principles include i) idea quantity goes before quality, ii) no criticism and evaluation of ideas during idea generation, iii) original ideas are encouraged. The principles are provided to participants in the same way, with the same questions to be answered, and over the same time period as in the B2B group. A trained SBS administrator is documenting the answers of the participant, and mentioning the principles of SBS. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Individuals with and without a diagnosed psychiatric disorder (lifetime or current)
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Acute suicidality
- Self-reported diagnosed neurological disorders that interfere with the study procedures
- Insufficient German language
- Vulnerable participants (e.g. participants with any indications for an incapability of judgement)
- Caffeine, tobacco consumption and physical activity two hours before the lab-based session starts (only for additional biomarker analyses)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation ProgramThe 5-day intervention integrates a brief behavioral activation (BA) and a gratefulness exercise (GE) program. BA is composed of a lab-based idea generation and planning phase as well as a home-based performing phase with regard to pleasurable activities. GE is a idea generation task about aspects in life participants are grateful for about. It is performed once lab-based and daily with a home-based diary. | Behavioural | Brain2Business (B2B), Solo Brainstorming (SBS) |
Primary outcome
General creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
The PTT creativity examination measures general creative thinking in psychotherapeutic techniques (PTT) using a composite measure of a newly developed objective and self-reported creative thinking assessments across two PTT. The composite score is calculated by averaging z-standardized objective and self-reported creative thinking assessments from both PTT. The z-standardized outcome value has a mean of 0 and SD of 1 with a probable range between -3 and +3. Higher scores mean a better outcome. The assessment include the generated ideas (a) for pleasurable activities as a component of behavioral activation (PA-BA) and (b) for a gratefulness exercise (GE). The score will be adjusted for baseline general creative thinking.
27 secondary outcomes
Objective creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination - Objective creativity subscore
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Self-report creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination - Self-reported creativity subscore
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Top 3 creativity evaluation
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
PTT creativity examination - Originality subscore
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Eureka moment assessment
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) part II composite score
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Everyday life creativity assessment
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to 1-week-follow-up (time point 5)
Creative self-efficacy
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to 1-week-follow-up (time point 5)
Adherence to behavioral activation (BA) - planned activities
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Adherence to behavioral activation (BA) - performed activities
Time frame: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)
Adherence to gratefulness exercise (GE) - time
Time frame: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)
Adherence to gratefulness exercise (GE) - ideas
Time frame: Measured home-based within the 5-day diary period (time point 5)
Post-acute energy-related sensations as measured with the energy grid
Time frame: Change within the 5-day diary period measured home-based (time point 5)
Bodily sensations of activation/deactivation and lightness/heaviness
Time frame: Change from pre to post gratefulness exercise in the lab-session (time point 4)
Energy-related metabolism index - acute effects
Time frame: Change within the lab-session (time point 2 to time point 4)
Energy-related metabolism index - post-acute effects
Time frame: Change from the lab-session to home-based assessment (time point 2 to time point 5)
Depressive symptoms as assessed Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II)
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 1) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Flow experiences in everyday life as assessed with the Brief Flow Scale (FKS).
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
General self-efficacy as assessed with the general self-efficacy brief scale (AKSU)
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Gratefulness as assessed with the Gratitude questionnaire (GQ-5-G).
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Creativity exercise experiences
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Post-creativity exercise experiences as assessed with the Game Experience Questionnaire - post game module
Time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)
Acute energy-related sensations
Time frame: Change within the lab-based session from before the exercises (time point 2) to after each of the exercises (time point 4)
Goal- and value-based activation
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Physical activity
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the diary period (time point 5)
Sleep quality
Time frame: Change from pre-test (time point 2) to the diary period (time point 5)
Positive/negative experience ratio
Time frame: Measured at the last day of the diary period (time point 5)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Oct 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42106684Vandersmissen A, Fissler Plischke P, Filippi M, Wenzel M, Bernhardt M, Krahenmann R. The effort of maintaining the defensive wall: is there a link between defense mechanisms and vitality? BMC Psychiatry. 2026 May 9;26(1):485. doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-08146-2.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided. It is not decided because of ethical considerations. If no ethical reasons avoid it, data is planned to be shared.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Rainer Krähenmann, PD principal investigator
Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Integrated 5-day Gratitude Exercise and Behavioral Activation Program in people with General Psychopathology and Fatigue, run by Psychiatrische Dienste Thurgau at 1 site in Switzerland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Oct 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Switzerland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
General creative thinking as assessed with the PTT creativity examination (time frame: Measured in the lab-session (time point 4)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05544877, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Oct 2023.