Culturally adapted emotion-regulation group program for Bogazici University students
Improving Emotional Wellbeing of University Students Using Culturally Adapted Dialectic Behaviour Approaches in Group Settings" (UniWELL-D): Protocol of a Feasibility and Effectiveness Study
This program tests whether a culturally adapted group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help Bogazici University students who have difficulty managing their emotions.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bogazici University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Istanbul and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07096141 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Bogazici University students who score above the threshold on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16) will be invited to join DBT-informed group psychotherapy delivered at the university counselling centre. The intervention uses group-based DBT techniques adapted for Turkish cultural and campus contexts and will be led by trained clinicians at BUREM and the Translational Clinical Psychology Lab. Outcome measures will include changes in emotion regulation (DERS-16) and related measures of psychological wellbeing collected before and after the program. Participants with severe mental illness or high self-harm risk are excluded and will be referred for appropriate individual care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Bogazici University students aged 18 or older who score above the DERS-16 threshold and do not have severe mental illness or high self-harm risk.
Not a fit: Students with severe psychiatric disorders, a high risk of self-harm or harm to others, or those who do not meet the DERS-16 threshold are unlikely to benefit from this group intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could reduce emotion regulation difficulties and improve students' overall mental health and functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Group DBT has previously supported student wellbeing in other settings, although culturally adapted DBT for Turkish university populations has been less extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Must be a Bogazici University student. 2. Must be 18 years or older. 3. Must score above the threshold on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Not Bogazici University student. 2. Has serious and severe mental illness. 3. High risk of self-harm/harm to others. 4. Scoring below the threshold of on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16). 5. Younger than 18 years old.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul and 1 other locations
- Bogazici University Student Guidance and Psychological Counselling Centre (BUREM) — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- Translational Clinical Psychology Lab — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayse Akan, DClinPsych — Bogazici University
- Study coordinator: Ayse Akan, DClinPsych
- Email: ayse.akan@bogazici.edu.tr
- Phone: +902123597054
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.