Self-Help Plus program for university students experiencing distress
Official title: Randomized Trial of a Brief, Transdiagnostic, Guided Self-help Intervention for University Students Who Are Behind on Their Coursework and Experience Distress
Run by University of Padova · NCT06606249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a self-help program to see if it can help university students who are feeling anxious or depressed improve their mental health and well-being.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Padova Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bari, Bari and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06606249 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students enrolled in any degree course who are behind on their coursework and experiencing significant psychological distress.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not currently enrolled in university or those who do not meet the distress criteria may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This intervention involves a multi-center, randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy and feasibility of the Self-Help Plus program for university students facing significant psychological distress and academic challenges. The program aims to address issues such as anxiety, depression, and overall well-being through a guided self-help approach. Participants will be evaluated for their mental health outcomes immediately after the intervention and again at a three-month follow-up. The study seeks to provide an accessible mental health resource for students during a critical transition period in their lives.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve mental health outcomes and academic performance for university students experiencing distress.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar self-help interventions for mental health, indicating potential for positive outcomes in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * University students across all years of higher education (i.e., bachelor and masters), enrolled in any degree course, starting from the second semester of the 1st year * Currently behind coursework by at least 3 exams, including: exams failed, for which the obtained grade was not confirmed by the student (i.e., confirming the grade is mandatory in the Italian academic system), or postponed (i.e., not taken in the regularly scheduled period). * Experience significant distress as assessed by the Kessler psychological distress scale (K-10) ≥ 16. Exclusion Criteria: • None
Where it's running
-
University of Padova
Padova, Italy Recruiting -
Universita di Verona
Verona, Italy Recruiting -
University of Bari "Aldo Moro"
Bari, Bari, Italy Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ioana Cristea, PhD — University of Padova
- Study coordinator: Ioana Cristea, PhD
- Email: ioanaalina.cristea@unipd.it
- Phone: 390498276595
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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.