I-CBT for Stress and Well-being: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Student Focused i-CBT Intervention

INTERVENTION: The internet cognitive behavioural therapy (i‐CBT) program will comprise 8 modules (these take approximately 15 mins each) over a 6‐week period that will be delivered via the This Way Up clinic website www.thiswayup.org.au. Participants will be encouraged to complete a little over one module a week, and reminded to complete modules through automated emails if they do not complete them on time. These modules are presented through comic‐style illustrations that intersperse lessons in key cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles alongside the narrative of a student dealing with stress. In particular these modules will cover psychoeducation on stress and well‐being, skills in thought challenging, behavioural activation, goal setting, problem solving, study skills, and mindfulness. Each module ends with a lesson summary that participants can only download upon completing the module. This summary provides a brief overview of the module and includes a homework task for the student to complete before beginning the next module. For example for module 1, participants are required to complete a stress level checklist. For the relaxation module, participants are encouraged to complete relaxation activities each day, or for the managing thinking module, they are encouraged to complete a thought challenging worksheet. CONDITION: Mental Health ‐ Anxiety Psychological distress;Emotional wellbeing; ; Psychological distress ; Emotional wellbeing PRIMARY OUTCOME: Change in psychological distress as measured by the Kessler‐10[Immediately pre‐intervention, immediately post‐intervention (primary endpoint), and at one month follow up post‐intervention. ] Change in well‐being as measured by the World Health Organisation Five Well‐being Index[Immediately pre‐intervention, immediately post‐intervention (primary endpoint), and at one month follow up post‐intervention] SECONDARY OUTCOME: Change in levels of depression, anxiety and stress as measured by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales‐21[Immediately pre‐intervention, immediately post‐intervention (secondary endpoint), and at one month follow up post‐intervention] Change in the intensity and frequency of cognitive distortions as measured by the Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire [Immediately pre‐intervention, immediately post‐intervention (secondary endpoint), and at one month follow up post‐intervention] INCLUSION CRITERIA: Adults aged 18 years or over University students currently studying at UNSW Sydney Fluent in English Have access to a computer and the internet