Testing Adapted Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress and Well-Being in International Students at a U.S. University
Implementing a Scalable Mental Health Intervention for International Students: A Pilot Study of Digitized Self-Help Plus
The New School
50 participants
Oct 7, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an adapted version of Self-Help Plus (SH+), a stress management program developed by the World Health Organization, can reduce stress and improve well-being in international students at a U.S. university. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does SH+ reduce perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in international students? Does SH+ improve feelings of social support, self-efficacy, and adjustment in a new cultural environment? Participants will: Attend a two-day in-person workshop that includes animated videos, interactive activities, and group discussions. Complete three surveys (before the workshop, right after, and six weeks later) about stress, mood, and well-being. Optionally, take part in a short interview to share feedback about their experience.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Enrolled as an international student at The New School
- Age 18 years or older
- Willing to provide informed consent and complete study assessments
- Score of ≥3 on the PHQ-4, indicating at least mild distress
- Sufficient English proficiency to comprehend intervention materials
Exclusion Criteria4
- Severe psychiatric conditions requiring immediate intervention (e.g., active psychosis, severe mood disorders)
- Visual, hearing, or neurocognitive impairments that prevent engagement with the intervention
- Having an advanced degree in psychology or mental health-related fields (to prevent prior knowledge bias)
- Score of 2 or higher on PHQ-4 Item 3 or Item 4 (frequent thoughts of self-harm or severe distress)
Interventions
Digitized SH+ is a group-based, stress management program (adapted from the original Self-Help Plus intervention developed by the World Health Organization), that utilizes animated videos and group discussions to teach participants skills such as Grounding, Unhooking (from difficult thoughts), Being Kind (to self and others), Identifying Values, and Making Room for Difficult Thoughts and Feelings.
Locations(1)
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NCT07188467