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

Inclusion Criteria3

University students across all years of higher education (i.e., bachelor and masters), enrolled in any degree course, starting from the second semester of the 1st year
Currently behind coursework by at least 3 exams, including: exams failed, for which the obtained grade was not confirmed by the student (i.e., confirming the grade is mandatory in the Italian academic system), or postponed (i.e., not taken in the regularly scheduled period).
Experience significant distress as assessed by the Kessler psychological distress scale (K-10) ≥ 16.

Exclusion Criteria1

• None

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.