Reducing distress in university students: A randomised control trial of two online interventions

Abstract

Objective

University students experience high rates of distress and place increasing demands on provisions of support. Web‐based interventions may provide a low‐cost, accessible low intensity format to support students to make changes to improve their health and wellbeing.

Method

This study evaluated the efficacy of two web‐based interventions in the lead‐up to final exams: one on general mental health (thedesk) and one specifically focused on coping with distress (Care · Collaborate · Connect: Student Success). Because most students believe that stress is a normal part of the student experience (which might inhibit the effectiveness of support that is provided), we hypothesised that a program emphasising coping with stress would be more effective than a general program. Participants were 70 students with self‐reported elevated levels of psychological distress who were randomly assigned to one of the two programs.

Results

Contrary to predictions, both groups had significant reductions in distress (Cohen's ds = 0.54 and 0.67, respectively). Participants in the coping intervention reported making significantly more changes and using specific coping strategies at follow‐up.

Conclusion

These results suggest that web‐based interventions are effective in supporting students and improving emotional regulation.

Key words:

• biopsychosocial
• college students
• coping
• emotional regulation
• mental health
• web‐based interventions,