Culturally adapted group CBT for university students with anxiety
Improving Emotional Wellbeing of University Students Using Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioural Approaches in Group Settings" (UniWELL-C): Protocol of a Feasibility and Effectiveness Study
This program will try group-based cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety in Bogazici University students who score high on the Beck Anxiety Inventory.
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 | NCT07096154 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Bogazici University offers a culturally adapted group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program delivered at the university counseling centers for students who score above the Beck Anxiety Inventory threshold. Participants attend regular group sessions led by trained therapists that focus on anxiety management skills tailored to Turkish cultural and campus contexts. The intervention uses standard CBT techniques modified for group delivery and local norms to target symptom reduction and improved emotional wellbeing. Outcomes are measured with standardized anxiety and wellbeing scales before and after the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Bogazici University students aged 18 or older who score above the Beck Anxiety Inventory threshold and do not have severe mental illness or high self-harm risk.
Not a fit: People who are not Bogazici students, are younger than 18, score below the anxiety threshold, or have serious mental illness or high self-harm risk are unlikely to benefit from this group intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce anxiety symptoms and increase access to affordable, culturally relevant mental health support for students.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research generally shows group CBT is effective and cost-efficient for student anxiety, though culturally adapted group programs in Türkiye have been less widely tested.
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 Beck Anxiety Inventory. 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 the Beck Anxiety Inventory. 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.