None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The aim of the study is to test the Whitu coping skills app that encompasses evidence-based coping strategies to help university students improve their wellbeing and reduce their levels of stress and anxiety. The app is intended for young people living in New Zealand. The current study will test the efficacy of the app for 90 students aged 18-25 years attending the University of Auckland in New Zealand. The follow-up period will be 3 months in order to examine changes in wellbeing and mental health outcomes between the app group and the active control group. The control group will be sent a link via email to the University of Auckland’s “Be Well” website at the start of the intervention. After the 3 month trial, the control group will also be offered access to the Whitu wellbeing app to thank them for their time.
Interventions
The Whitu app includes seven modules that can be completed within a week to learn evidence-based coping skills based on CBT, psychoeducation and positive psychology techniques. The seven modules are: (1) identifying and rating emotions, (2) relaxation, (3) self-compassion, (4) gratitude, (5) staying connected, (6) physical care, and (7) goal setting. The app uses short videos and interactive activities to allow participants to practice the coping strategies that are taught in each module (e.g. a relaxation technique). Participants are asked to complete one module per day and to complete the modules in one week. Each module takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Participants will be asked to complete module 1 first, but the other modules can be completed in any order. Adherence to the modules will be assessed using self-report.
Sponsors
University of Auckland
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Aged 18-25 years Currently living in New Zealand Currently studying at the University of Auckland Have access to an iPhone or Android smartphone to use the app
Exclusion criteria
Live outside of New Zealand Unable to provide informed consent or complete evaluation forms in English Currently receiving mental health treatment Have participated in a focus group or previous study using the Whitu wellbeing app
Outcome results
None listed