Pilot randomized Resilient Student Training (ReST) program for university students
Resilient Students Training (ReST): A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
We will test whether a co-designed Resilient Student Training (ReST) program can boost resilience and reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in Hong Kong university students who report at least one adverse childhood experience.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT06157931 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project uses a two-phase approach: Phase 1 co-designs the ReST intervention with local university students using the Double Diamond model to ensure relevance and acceptability, and Phase 2 runs a pilot randomized comparison of ReST versus a waitlist control. Eligible PolyU undergraduates with low resilience, moderate-to-severe symptoms on the DASS-21, and at least one ACE will be randomized. The intervention includes brief structured sessions (one 60-minute individual session plus additional 90-minute sessions) delivered to participants in the intervention arm while controls wait. Primary aims are feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signals of change in resilience and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Current Hong Kong Polytechnic University undergraduate students with low resilience (BRS 1.00–2.99), moderate-to-severe DASS-21 scores, and at least one self-reported ACE, who are not receiving mental health services and do not have a diagnosed mental illness or developmental disability, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Students with a diagnosed mental illness, developmental disability, extremely severe depression/anxiety/stress, or those currently receiving mental health or resilience interventions are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this pilot program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the ReST program could increase resilience and reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in affected university students and provide a tailored approach to post-adversity support.
How similar studies have performed: Previous resilience programs for university students have shown modest improvements in resilience and small reductions in depressive and stress symptoms, but overall evidence quality is limited and one-size-fits-all approaches dominate, making the co-designed ReST approach relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Current PolyU undergraduate student; 2. Low resilience (based on the BRS score between 1.00-2.99); 3. Moderate to severe depression, anxiety, or stress (based on the DASS-21 cut-offs); and 4. Self-report of at least one ACE (based on the WHO ACE-IQ). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of any mental illnesses; 2. Developmental disability; 3. Extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, or stress (based on DASS-21 cut-offs); and 4. Receiving any mental health or psychiatric service or resilience-promoting interventions currently or within the past 6 months.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- School of Nursing — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Grace WK Ho, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Robin KH Kwok
- Email: robin.kwok@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: (+852) 27665517
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.