Metacognitive Self Control and Job Interview Training

NCT05966831 | Terminated

• 1 other identifier: HUM00234352
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 21
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The study is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that assesses the effectiveness of a metacognitive self-control training intervention (MCT) in conjunction with virtual-reality job interview training (VR-JIT) in a sample of formerly incarcerated individuals. The study also includes an implementation evaluation.

Conditions

Self-Control; Recidivism

Keywords

employment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (6)

• Change in Self-Control Measured by Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS)

  The measure is a Likert Scale style questionnaire. 13 items are scored from 1 (not at all) to 5 (Very much). The total score is calculated from adding all items together and higher scores indicate higher levels of self-control.

  Baseline and posttest (approximately 8 weeks after baseline)

• Change in Self-Control Measured by Barratt Impulsiveness Scale

  The measure is a Likert Scale style questionnaire. 30 items are scored from 1 (Rarely/Never) to 4 (Almost Always/Always). The total score is calculated from adding all items together and range from 30 to 120; higher scores indicate higher levels of impulsiveness.

  Baseline and posttest (approximately 8 weeks after baseline)

• Change in Self-Control Measured by Short Form Self-Regulation Questionnaire

  The measure is a Likert Scale style questionnaire. 31 items are scored from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). The total score is calculated from adding all items together. Higher scores indicate higher self-regulation capacity.

  Baseline and posttest (approximately 8 weeks after baseline)

• Change in Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptomology measured by ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)

  The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is an instrument consisting of the eighteen Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, text revision (DSM-IV TR) criteria. Six of the eighteen questions were found to be the most predictive of symptoms consistent with ADHD. These six questions are the basis for the ASRS v1.1 Screener and are also Part A of the Symptom Checklist. Part B of the Symptom Checklist contains the remaining twelve questions. All questions utilize a Likert scale from Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, to Very Often.

  Baseline and posttest (approximately 8 weeks after baseline)

• Change in Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptomology measured by the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-RV) for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)

  The Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-RV) for DSM-5 for Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder measures ADHD symptomology. The module is made up of 5 major criteria with items in each criteria using a 3 point Likert scale ranging from 1 "absent or False" to 3 "threshold or true". This module uses a dichotomous scoring method that indexes whether a symptom is present or not. Only responses of "threshold or true" are coded as symptom present, while responses of "subthreshold" or "absent or false" are coded as symptom absent, so each individual will have a score of symptom absent = 0, and symptom present = 1 for criteria A through E.

  Baseline and posttest (approximately 8 weeks after baseline)

• Change in Employment Outcome

  Employment survey indicating that participants are either employed (1) or unemployed (0).

  Baseline and 9 Month Follow Up (9 Months after randomization)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Recidivism

  Baseline and throughout 9 Month Follow Up (9 Months after randomization)

Study Arms (2)

Metacognitive Self-Control Training (MCT) + Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT)

EXPERIMENTAL

This group will receive the MCT intervention plus the VR-JIT intervention. We are anticipating 6-8 weeks, with 1-3 sessions per week for each intervention.

Behavioral: Metacognitive Self-Control Training (MCT); Behavioral: Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT)

Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT)

EXPERIMENTAL

This group will receive just the VR-JIT intervention. We are anticipating 6-8 weeks, with 1-3 sessions per week for this intervention.

Behavioral: Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT)

Interventions

Metacognitive Self-Control Training (MCT) BEHAVIORAL

Metacognitive Self-Control Training (MCT) was originally developed by the Michigan Skills Project for students in middle/high school. The MCT training intervention has been updated to be suitable for adults. MCT is a lecture style intervention that encompasses 13 modules (over the course of 4 weeks) on improving self-control that is to be delivered in a community setting. Across the training, participants will learn new "tools" for improving self-control.

Metacognitive Self-Control Training (MCT) + Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT)

Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT) BEHAVIORAL

VR-JIT provides trainees with an opportunity to repeatedly practice interviewing for a job at fictional company 'Wondersmart'. Prior to interviewing, trainees review self-guided e-learning materials on how to find, prepare for, succeed in, and follow-up on job interviews that includes the review of 10 job interview skills. Trainees also complete an online job application for one of 14 jobs (e.g., cashier, clerical, customer service, food services, inventory, janitorial, web developer) that informs the virtual interview experience.

Metacognitive Self-Control Training (MCT) + Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT); Virtual Reality Job Interview Training (VR-JIT)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• years or older
• Actively enrolled in A Brighter Way Program
• rd grade reading level or higher

You may not qualify if:

• Has uncorrected hearing or visual problem that prevents them from using the training

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Michigan: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Self-Control; Recidivism

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Social Behavior; Behavior; Criminal Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: FACTORIAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Model Details: Group 1 will receive two interventions: Metacognitive Self-Control Training plus Virtual Reality Job Interview Training. Group 2 will receive one intervention: Virtual Reality Job Interview Training

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 14, 2023
• First Posted: August 1, 2023
• Study Start: August 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: December 9, 2024
• Study Completion: December 9, 2024
• Last Updated: October 31, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)