Online Psychological Group Interventions

Stellenbosch University (SU)

Status: Unknown

Conditions: Depression; Anxiety

Treatments: Behavioral: Online Group CBT intervention; Behavioral: Mood Flow; Behavioral: SilverCloud guided; Behavioral: SilverCloud Unguided

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05016154

IRPSD-1681 (Other Identifier)

12977

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim is to assess the effectiveness of online group CBT for reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among university students. The investigators will conduct a four-arm randomised control trial comparing a 10-session online group CBT intervention to three mental health apps (namely SilverCloud guided, SilverCloud unguided, and Mood Flow).

Full description

Email invitations and information about the study will be sent to random samples of students inviting those with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress to join the trial.

Students who express interest will be asked to complete an online consent form (providing more detailed information about the study and explaining potential risks and benefits of participation), following which they will complete a baseline assessment. Students who meet inclusion criteria will then be randomly allocated to one of four interventions. Follow-up assessments will be done at 3-, 6- and 12-months post intervention.

The baseline assessment will include measures of depression and anxiety, as well as factors that could potentially predict treatment responses (such as gender, age, substance use, self-harm, adverse childhood experiences, and physical health). Follow-up assessments will include measures of depression and anxiety, as well as substance use, self-harm, and treatment seeking.

The primary outcomes will be symptoms of depression and anxiety as measured by the GAD-7 and PHQ-9.

Enrollment: 400 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Aged 18 or older years.
2. Enrolled as a student at Stellenbosch University.
3. Provide Informed Consent.
4. Access to internet to join the online group.

Exclusion criteria

1. No internet availability.
2. Did not provide Informed Consent

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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400 participants in 4 patient groups

Online group CBT intervention

Experimental group

Description:

Online group CBT delivered via Microsoft Teams (a secure web-based video conferencing platform) in 10 weekly workshops of 60-75 minutes.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Online Group CBT intervention

SilverCloud guided

Active Comparator group

Description:

The SilverCloud app is a set of programs and courses that can be completed on a phone, tablet or computer. Students are also contacted by the SilverCloud support team which offers them guidance and support while using the app. Silvercloud uses principles borrowed from both a popular type of counseling called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. Each module takes approximately 40minutes to complete. Students are encouraged to complete at least one module per week.

Treatment:

Behavioral: SilverCloud guided

SilverCloud unguided

Active Comparator group

Description:

The SilverCloud app is a set of programs and courses that can be completed on a phone, tablet or computer. Students are encouraged to use the app as they see fit, although guidelines to using the app are provided. Silvercloud uses principles borrowed from both a popular type of counseling called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. Each module takes approximately 40minutes to complete. Students are encouraged to complete at least one module per week.

Treatment:

Behavioral: SilverCloud Unguided

Mood Flow

Active Comparator group

Description:

The Moodflow app is a mood tracker and journal that helps students figure out what changes their mood. Students are encouraged to use the app as they see fit, although guidelines to using the app are provided.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Mood Flow