How group-based support affects student well-being, stress biology, and DNA markers
Physiological, Hormonal, and DNA-based Mechanisms of Psychosocial Stress and Therapeutic Effect
This project will test if the Groups 4 Health program helps University of Helsinki students feel less lonely and changes stress-related biological markers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 148 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Months and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Helsinki Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki, Uusimaa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07152652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized waitlist-controlled trial testing the Groups 4 Health (G4H) brief group intervention for loneliness among University of Helsinki students. Participants are randomized to start G4H immediately or after a 19-week waitlist and the intervention consists of five facilitated group sessions delivered over seven weeks with follow-up assessments. The trial collects psychosocial measures, facilitator characteristics, and biological measures before, during, and after the intervention, including cortisol, heart rate variability, alpha-amylase, DNA methylation, and genotyping. Cost-effectiveness of the intervention is also measured to inform practical implementation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult (18+) students enrolled at the University of Helsinki who can read/speak Finnish, Swedish, or English and experience loneliness or social isolation are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not University of Helsinki students, cannot attend group sessions, or do not feel lonely are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, G4H could reduce loneliness and improve stress regulation in students, potentially improving mental health and daily functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials of Groups 4 Health and similar group-based loneliness interventions have reported improvements in social connectedness and mental health, though combining these with detailed biological measures is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult (age 18 and above) * Student in the University of Helsinki, Finland * Able to speak/read Finnish, Swedish, or English Exclusion Criteria: * None
Where this trial is running
Helsinki, Uusimaa
- University of Helsinki — Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jari Lahti, PhD
- Email: jari.lahti@helsinki.fi
- Phone: 040 571 2297
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.