Metacognitive Bibliotherapy for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in University Students
Official title: The Effects of a Metacognitive Bibliotherapy Intervention on Anxiety, Depression Levels, and Metacognitions Among University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Istanbul Nisantasi University · NCT07627139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether reading two self-help books over 8 weeks can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress in health-science students who read in Turkish, compared with a waitlist group.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 165 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Nisantasi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Sarıyer) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 4, 2027 |
| Study ends | January 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07627139 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 or older who are enrolled in medicine or health-sciences programs at Istanbul Nisantasi University and fluent in Turkish.
✕Probably not a fit
Students who are currently receiving psychiatric treatment or have recently changed psychotropic medications, or who have previously read the study books, may not benefit as much.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In a single-site randomized trial at Istanbul Nisantasi University, 165 undergraduate students in medicine and health sciences will be randomly assigned to read one of two self-help books or a waitlist control over 8 weeks, with online assessments of mood and thinking patterns at baseline and during the study. The approach targets the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome, aiming to shift unhelpful worry and rumination through bibliotherapy without therapist contact. Participants complete online measures (DASS-21, CAS-1, MCQ-30) to track changes in distress and metacognitive processes. The study uses computer-generated randomization with stratification considerations and provides books to the waitlist group after study completion.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, students may experience reduced anxiety, depression, and stress and learn strategies to manage worry and rumination.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in metacognitive therapies and bibliotherapy suggests potential to reduce distress, though results can vary by population and delivery method.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Currently enrolled as a student in a medicine or health-sciences program (medicine, psychology, nursing and dentistry) at İstanbul Nişantaşı University * Sufficient proficiency in reading and understanding Turkish * Access to an internet-connected device to complete online forms * Electronic informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Currently receiving active psychiatric treatment (psychotherapy or psychotropic medication) * Change in psychotropic medication within the last 6 months * Having previously read either of the study books * Diagnosis of bipolar disorder * Acute psychotic symptoms or current suicide risk
Where it's running
-
Istanbul Nişantaşı University
Istanbul, Sarıyer, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alişan Burak Yaşar, MD, Assoc. Prof.
- Email: alisanburak.yasar@nisantasi.edu.tr
- Phone: +90 532 424 30 58
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.