What the study found
The study found that a quasi-randomized multiple-baseline single-case experimental design was feasible and suitable for examining agricultural advisors’ experiences of training in a digital acceptance and commitment therapy intervention.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say that research on digital mental health interventions for farmers and on laypeople delivering psychological interventions has been mostly based on group-level data, which may not apply at the individual level. The study suggests that adding single-case experimental designs may help build a more diverse evidence base.
What the researchers tested
The researchers tested a quasi-randomized multiple-baseline single-case experimental design, described as akin to a pilot randomized-controlled trial, with 18 agricultural advisors. Participants completed a three-item daily measure for 55 days, attended two 2.5-hour Zoom training sessions, and completed three longer surveys before the intervention, immediately after it, and three months later.
What worked and what didn't
Appropriate participant retention, data missingness, and errors were observed, and these findings were taken as evidence that the method was feasible and suitable. Outcomes were generally consistent with expectations at the nomothetic, or group level, at the postintervention and three-month time points.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond noting that this was a feasibility and suitability test of one method. The authors also indicate that future research should use single-case experimental designs and examine psychological, sociocultural, and biophysiological levels of analysis.
Key points
- The study says a quasi-randomized multiple-baseline single-case design was feasible and suitable.
- Eighteen agricultural advisors took part in daily measures, Zoom training, and longer surveys across three time points.
- Retention, missing data, and errors were acceptable enough to support feasibility.
- Postintervention and three-month outcomes were generally consistent with expectations at the group level.
- The authors argue that single-case designs may add to evidence on digital mental health interventions for farmers.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- A single-case design was feasible for testing advisor training
- Authors:
- Alison Stapleton, Barbara Moore, Greg Stynes, Noel Richardson, Tomás Russell, Louise McHugh
- Institutions:
- University College Dublin, South East Technological University
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-26
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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