Evaluating the Impact of a High Intensity Cognitive Agility Optimization Intervention in Special Operations Forces: A Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial

Abstract

Complex and unpredictable operational demands require U.S. Special Operations Forces members to be cognitively agile, to have the ability to deliberately adapt cognitive processing strategies in accordance with the dynamic shifts in situational and environmental demands. The broad objective of this study is to conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial (C-RCT) to compare the efficacy of the Special Operations Cognitive Agility Training (SOCAT) program compared with routine DoD training as usual (TAU) on cognitive flexibility, cognitive agility, social problem-solving, and overall functioning (primary outcomes) as well as measures of focus, openness, interpersonal efficacy, psychological well-being, cognitive distortions(including suicide-related cognitions), grit, and resilience (secondary outcomes). Relative to participants in the TAU condition, participants allocated to the SOCAT condition are expected to report greater improvements on primary and secondary outcome measures at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Using block, stratified random assignment, groups of SOF members will be allocated to either (1) SOCAT + TAU or (2) TAU. A highly trained sports or cognitive-behavior-oriented psychologist with SOF-relevant experience will deliver the 4-hour SOCAT program. Participants in the TAU condition will receive routine DoD training. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed online at baseline, 3, and 6 months. A subset of participants in the SOCAT + TAU condition will complete 30-minute telephone interviews to explore factors contributing to increases, stagnation, and reductions in cognitive agility scores. SOCAT emphasizes optimal and stable cognitive performance across different contexts as well as across various stages of the military lifecycle to serve as a buffer against biopsychosocial vulnerabilities, environmental stressors, military operational demands, and mental health problems, including suicide.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2020
Accession Number
AD1103148

Entities

People

  • Marjan G. Holloway

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Cognition
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Electronic Mail
  • Health
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Intervention
  • Optimization
  • Public Health
  • Resilience
  • Social Problems
  • Special Operations Forces
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Special Operations Command
  • Vulnerability

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.