Testing Adapted Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress and Well-Being in International Students at a U.S. University

Conditions studied

Stress, Psychological, Depression and/or Anxiety in the Mild-to-moderate Range, Loneliness, Adjustment, Psychological

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an adapted version of Self-Help Plus (SH+), a stress management program developed by the World Health Organization, can reduce stress and improve well-being in international students at a U.S. university. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does SH+ reduce perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in international students? Does SH+ improve feelings of social support, self-efficacy, and adjustment in a new cultural environment? Participants will: Attend a two-day in-person workshop that includes animated videos, interactive activities, and group discussions. Complete three surveys (before the workshop, right after, and six weeks later) about stress, mood, and well-being. Optionally, take part in a short interview to share feedback about their experience.

Interventions

• Behavioral: Digitized SH+ — Digitized SH+ is a group-based, stress management program (adapted from the original Self-Help Plus intervention developed by the World Health Organization), that utilizes animated videos and group discussions to teach participants skills such as Grounding, Unhooking (from difficult thoughts), Being Kind (to self and others), Identifying Values, and Making Room for Difficult Thoughts and Feelings.

Primary outcomes

• Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) (Change from baseline to 6-week follow-up)
• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) (Change from baseline to 6-week follow-up)
• General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) (Change from baseline to 6-week follow-up)