Extrait

Background and study aims The college years are often though of as being a carefree time in a young person’s life, however, research suggests that attending university for the first time can also cause a person a great deal of stress. Wellness or other support programs for students are one way that universities are trying to prevent and alleviate psychological (mental) distress, but most of these programs focus on physical methods such as exercise or relaxation over other techniques which focus more directly on mental health. A possible approach which could be effective is using an internet-based programme to deliver treatment (online interventions). Online interventions are through to be a good part of a university wellbeing programme since it is cost-effective and doesn't trigger the negative judgement of others (stigmatisation), as it would be available to all without pre-identifying those at risk of mental health problems. This study will look at a type of therapy called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ACT is is a type of taking therapy which uses acceptance and mindfulness (a way of observing experiences in the present moment, without judgment) strategies, together with commitment and behaviour change strategies, to help a person to deal with difficult situations they may face. The aim of this study is to find out whether an internet-based ACT programme could have a positive impact on the mental health of undergraduate students. Who can participate? Healthy university or college students aged 18 years and over. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group listen to three ACT mindfulness-based recordings at least once a week for three weeks. The recordings vary in length but all last for less than 30 minutes. Those in the second group are placed on a waiting list and continue as normal during the study period. At the start of the study and then again one week after the first group has completed the programme and three weeks later, participants in both groups complete a number of online questionnaires about their mental wellbeing. Following this, participants in the waiting list group are given access to the ACT mindfulness programme. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants who take part in the ACT mindfulness programme may benefit from an improvement to their general mental health. There are no notable risks involved with participating in this study. Where is the study run from? University College Dublin (Ireland) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? December 2012 to June 2013 Who is funding the study? University College Dublin (Ireland) Who is the main contact? Miss Sinead Hartley [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Psychological Well-being

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp