Single case experimental designs in agricultural advisor training: A novel method for evaluating capacity building in farmer mental health interventions

Extant research supporting digital mental health interventions for farmers and the successful delivery of psychological interventions by laypeople is predominantly nomothetic (aggregate, group-level). Since conclusions we draw from inter-individual data may not apply at the intra-individual level, it is important to cultivate a diverse evidence base for these topics. Adding alternative methods, such as idiographic (individual-level) single-case experimental designs is imperative. Akin to a pilot randomized-controlled trial, the present study examined the feasibility and suitability of a quasi-randomized multiple-baseline single-case experimental design for testing agricultural advisors’ experiences of training in a digital acceptance and commitment therapy intervention. 18 agricultural advisors enrolled in the study and were asked to (i) complete a three-item measure daily for 55 days, (ii) attend two 2.5-hour training sessions via Zoom, and (iii) complete three longer surveys preintervention (Time 1), immediately after the intervention (Time 2), and three months postintervention (Time 3). Appropriate participant retention, data missingness, and errors were observed, suggesting that the present method is feasible and suitable. In addition, outcomes were generally consistent with expectations at the nomothetic level at Times 2 and 3. Future research should employ single-case experimental designs and target various levels of analysis (psychological, sociocultural, and biophysiological).