RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06606249

Self-Help Plus for Distress in University Students

Randomized Trial of a Brief, Transdiagnostic, Guided Self-help Intervention for University Students Who Are Behind on Their Coursework and Experience Distress

Sponsor

University of Padova

Enrollment

210 participants

Start Date

Mar 10, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Psychological Distress Depression Anxiety Psychological Well-being

Summary

Prrospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial of a brief, transdiagnostic, guided self-help intervention (Self-Help Plus) for university students who experience significant distress and are behind on their coursework. The intervention will be tested in terms of efficacy and feasibility for outcomes related to distress, anxiety, depression and well-being, assessed immediately after the intervention and at 3-months follow-up.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a structured self-help program called "Self-Help Plus" for university students in Italy who are experiencing significant psychological distress due to academic struggles. The program aims to provide accessible mental health support outside of traditional clinical settings. **You may be eligible if...** - You are a university student (bachelor's or master's level), from the second semester of your first year onward - You are currently behind on coursework — meaning you have at least 3 failed, unconfirmed, or postponed exams - You are experiencing significant psychological distress, as measured by a standard questionnaire (K-10 score of 16 or higher) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - There are no specific exclusion criteria for this study Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALSelf-Help Plus (SH+)

Self-Help Plus is a novel, brief, low-intensity intervention, recently developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and intended to help people with and without mental disorders cope with distress stemming from diverse types of adversity.The key components of the program are based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a distinct form of cognitive-behavioural therapy. SH+ draws on ACT techniques of coping with stress, compassion and acceptance toward oneself and others, and living following one's values. An online version called "Doing what matters in times of stress" is available as an illustrated guide and pre-recorded audio.

BEHAVIORALPsychological First Aid (PFA)

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is also developed by the WHO and is a general supportive intervention, aimed at listening and understanding the needs and concerns of people, providing support without pressuring them to talk.