Table 1 Mechanisms of action of PM+ intervention
PM+ mechanisms of action | Description of mechanism | Implementation of mechanism |
|---|---|---|
Stress management | Participants learn deep breathing. They are encouraged to incorporate this mechanism into daily life (i.e., when doing housework, walking, etc.). Grounding techniques are incorporated to bring participants back to the present | Session 1 |
Behavioral activation | Participants review the inactivity cycle. They choose a small activity that they enjoy doing (i.e., making and drinking tea, meeting a friend etc.) and create a detailed plan about when and how to conduct this activity as a first step in breaking the inactivity cycle | Session 2 |
Managing problems | Participants learn which of their problems are solvable and which are unsolvable. One problem is chosen amongst the solvable problems and participants brainstorm tangible solutions, then create manageable steps to accomplish their goals | Session 3 |
Strengthening social support | Participants learn to recognize who amongst their family and friends are existing and potential sources of support and how best to strengthen connections with them. Social network mapping activities are incorporated into this mechanism | Session 4 |