Interventions for the Wellbeing of Students At the University of Helsinki

Conditions studied

Well-Being, Psychological

About this study

The psychological, social, and health consequences of psychological ill-being, particularly loneliness, are well-documented among students, which underlines the importance of providing adequate support. Groups 4 Health (G4H) is a promising psychosocial group intervention focused on improving well-being by supporting social connectedness and belonging. In earlier Australian studies G4H has decreased loneliness and social anxiety and increased group memberships significantly more than treatment as usual. When compared to cognitive behavioral therapy G4H has showed continued reduction in the participants' loneliness at the end of the intervention period and in the follow-up. Research on the G4H intervention's effectiveness outside Australia and research on the intervention's cost-effectiveness is lacking. Therefore, this clinical study investigates the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the G4H among the University of Helsinki students in Finland. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the G4H will be compared to two other active intervention groups: the well-being groups facilitated by the study psychologists at the University of Helsinki and an online course for students' well-being. Effectiveness will also be compared to students who do not participate in any well-being courses or interventions. The investigators hypothesize that all the active intervention groups promote student well-being. Questionnaires and University of Helsinki registry data will be gathered before and after the interventions to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the interventions. The factors that influence the intervention's effectiveness and cost-effectiveness will also be studied. In addition to these research questions, qualitative methods are used to explore the challenges and possibilities identified in the G4H-intervention regarding inclusion and equality.

Interventions

• Behavioral: Groups 4 Health (G4H) — Groups 4 Health, G4H, ("Ryhmät kuntoon") at the University of Helsinki is a manualized group intervention for the students that focuses on social connectedness and aims at improving general health and life satisfaction. G4H groups are facilitated by two psychology MA students (or licensed psychologists) carefully trained for the intervention and mentored by experienced clinical psychologists. G4H consists of five 90 minutes sessions that aim to give participants the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage their social group memberships and identities. Each session contains exercises and discussions described in the G4H workbook that target different aspects of group life identified within the social identity model of identity change and put the Social Identity Approach to Health -model to practice. Students earn 2 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits for completing the intervention.
• Behavioral: The study psychologists' group intervention — University of Helsinki study psychology team organizes group interventions for various challenges of studying for bachelor's and master's students. These groups offer client-centered peer support facilitated by one to two study psychologists. Recurring themes in the groups include: challenges in attentiveness, independent studying, and scientific writing, as well as support for re-entering the studies after a break. The approach in the different thematic groups is largely similar: short presentations, group discussions and practices. These groups have been implemented as both face-to-face and remote meetings. One group typically lasts for a study period and comprises five to six 90 minutes sessions. Typical group size is six to 12 students.
• Behavioral: Towards better well-being and studying -online course — Towards better well-being and studying -online course ("Kohti parempaa opiskelua") is an optional, seven-week online course that aims to foster university students' well-being and study skills. It is available for all University of Helsinki students. The course is based on principles of Acceptance and Commitment therapy and aims to support the development of psychological flexibility. The course takes place in Moodle platform and the students earn 3 ECTS credits for completing it. This course progresses week by week and has six central themes which include individual work in practicing psychological flexibility skills as well as study skills on a weekly basis and weekly group discussion.

Primary outcomes

• Loneliness (1) Before the intervention, 2) During the intervention (week 3), 3) immediately after the intervention, 4) one month follow-up, 5) three months follow-up)
• Depression (1) Before the intervention, 3) immediately after the intervention 4) one month follow-up, 5) three months follow-up)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Uusimaa 00014 Finland