Testing Adapted Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress and Well-Being in International Students at a U.S. University
Purpose
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.
Conditions
- Stress, Psychological
- Depression and/or Anxiety in the Mild-to-moderate Range
- Loneliness
- Adjustment, Psychological
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Over 18 Years
- Eligible Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- 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 Criteria
- 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)
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- N/A
- Intervention Model
- Single Group Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Supportive Care
- Masking
- None (Open Label)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
Experimental Self-Help Plus (SH+) Workshop |
Participants will attend a two-day in-person workshop featuring digitized SH+ materials. The workshop includes animated videos, guided stress management exercises, and group discussions. |
|
Recruiting Locations
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- The New School
