Internet- and App-Based Stress Intervention for Distance-Learning Students With Depressive Symptoms

Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Bibliographic Data

ID15524977
AuthorsMathias Harrer (0000-0001-7016-2687, corresponding author), Jennifer Apolinário-Hagen (0000-0001-5755-9225, FernUniversität in Hagen), Lara Fritsche (0000-0002-2881-4992, FernUniversität in Hagen), Marie Drüge (0000-0001-5721-9327, FernUniversität in Hagen), Ludwig Krings (FernUniversität in Hagen), Korinna Beck (FernUniversität in Hagen), Christel Salewski (0000-0002-5406-3168, FernUniversität in Hagen), Anna‐Carlotta Zarski (0000-0002-0517-6668), Anna-Carlotta Zarski, Dirk Lehr (0000-0002-5560-3605, Leuphana University of Lüneburg), Harald Baumeister (0000-0002-2040-661X, Universität Ulm), David Daniel Ebert (0000-0001-6820-0146)
Year2019
Volume10
Pages361-361
Publication date2019-05-21
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00361
PMID31178770
OpenAlexW2945138003
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited108

Background: Mental disorders are highly prevalent among university students. Distance-learning students are particularly burdened and have limited access to conventional university health services. Interventions for stress are sought after in distance learners and may help increase treatment coverage. Internet-based interventions have been shown to be effective in preventing and treating depression, but it remains unclear if interventions directed at academic stress also have this potential. Aim: The trial presented here investigates the effectiveness of an Internet- and App-based stress intervention in distance-learning students with elevated levels of depression. Methods: A sample of N = 200 students of a large German distance university with elevated levels of depression [Center for Epidemiological Studies' Depression Scale (CES-D) ≥ 16] will be randomly assigned to either an Internet- and App-based stress management intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG) receiving an Internet-based psychoeducational program for academic stress. The IG consists of eight Internet-based sessions promoting stress management skills using cognitive-behavioral and problem-solving techniques. A mobile App will be employed to facilitate training transfer. Self-report data will be assessed at baseline (T0), post-treatment (T1; 7 weeks), and 3-month follow-up (T2). Potential moderators will be assessed at baseline. The primary outcome is depression (CES-D) post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include mental health outcomes, modifiable risk and protective factors, and academic outcomes. Data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat principle along with sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of findings. Additional health economic analyses will be conducted. Discussion: Results will provide the basis to assess the acceptance and effectiveness of Internet-delivered stress interventions in distance-learning students with symptoms of depression. Ethics and dissemination: The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg ethics committee (Erlangen, Germany; 33_17 Bc). Results of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. Trial Registration: German Clinical Trial Registration (DRKS), identifier DRKS00011800

Cognitive behavioral therapy · Depression (economics · eHealth · Health care · Intervention (counseling · Mental health · Perceived Stress Scale · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Randomized controlled trial · Stress (linguistics · Stress management · The Internet · World Wide Web · Clinical Psychology · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Medicine · Mental Health Research Topics · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Psychology · Internal Medicine

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