A randomised control trial evaluating the Study Without Stress plus Social Connectedness (SWoS-Social) Program among Australian high school students

Intervention: The intervention is an enhanced version of the Study Without Stress program (i.e., SWoS-social). The original SWoS program includes strategies such as time management, thought challenging, problem solving and relaxation. The enhanced version of the SWoS program integrates peer connectedness, providing psychoeducation about the importance of peer connectedness as well as examples of how to apply the skills learned through the program to connect with peers. The SWoS program includes 8 face to face sessions (50 minutes each) with one session conducted each week for 8 consecutive weeks. Number of attendees per session will be monitored by facilitators, no other attendance or adherence will be monitored. Materials: Participants will be provided with work books within which to practice skills learned and revise program content. The completion of this work book is integrated into the 8 sessions that are 50 minutes in duration. The students may complete one of two activities as homework, approximately 5-10 minutes per week). Facilitators will also have a manual with detailed session plans. Participants: Participants will include students completing Year 11/12 at a public high school in the Greater Sydney Metropolitan area. In the first study phase, students will be randomised by English class by an independent allocation system, and the school notified. Approximately 120 students will take part in the trial i.e., 60 students completing SWoS and 60 students completing the active control in the experimental phase. These groups will be counterbalanced in the second phase of the study. Half of the participants will be administered the SWoS program in Phase 1, whereas the other half will be administered the SWoS program in Phase 2. The SWoS program will be administered in the same way in the treatment condition phase 1 and in the treatment condition phase 2. Participants will complete surveys pre and post phase 1, and pre and post phase 2, to examine change in symptoms following the SWoS program. Additionally, there will be approximately 1 month between the end of Phase 1 and the start of Phase 2. Facilitators: Facilitators will include school personnel such as school counsellors, student support officers, and teachers trained to use the SWoS program. The facilitators will complete a 6-hour online training program that has been created specifically for the SWoS program. This will be followed by a 1 hour online meeting with one of the Chief Investigators to discuss questions and ensure the facilitators understand the content. Location: The students will complete SWoS sessions at school during class time.