A Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet-Based Self-Help for Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

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Meta-Analysis of Psychological Interventions for Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…All incorporated studies assessed the effectiveness of internet-based psychological intervention programs for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among university students during COVID-19 social distancing. Seven studies were conducted by researchers in American universities [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ], two studies in Asian universities [ 39 , 40 ], and one study in an African university [ 41 ]. Meta-analyses were performed separately on interventions for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression ( Table 1 ).…”

“…All 10 studies mentioned intervention providers (through online formats), which were categorized as follows: Isha Hatha yoga teacher [ 32 ]; college counselor [ 33 ]; instructor [ 34 , 41 ]; expert [ 40 ]; psychologist [ 35 , 39 ]; mindfulness teacher [ 37 ]; multidisciplinary team, including a study member and a mindfulness teacher, for the breathing application [ 36 ]; and a multidisciplinary team, including a psychologist and a mindfulness teacher [ 38 ]. Further, all 10 studies used internet-based/video-based interventions.…”

“…The results of all included studies except one [ 34 ] revealed that internet-based psychological interventions are effective for reducing mental health problems (anxiety, depression, stress) among college undergraduates and graduates in the pandemic context. However, in one RCT [ 34 ], individuals in the study group were treated with eight 12 sessions of 10 min each (for four weeks) using a self-help, internet-based positive psychology and CBT intervention, while participants in the control group received remote counseling services (as usual). However, anxiety levels did not differ between the study and control groups at baseline, after the intervention, or at the three-month follow-up.…”

“…However, anxiety levels did not differ between the study and control groups at baseline, after the intervention, or at the three-month follow-up. Additionally, in predicting anxiety, there were no significant interactions from the condition and pretreatment to posttreatment time [ 34 ].…”

Digital Interventions to Improve College and University Student Mental Health

“…Many calls have now been made for researchers and clinicians to devise innovative programing that can effectively increase care access to college students in need [8]. The work of Rackoff et al [9] in this month's issue of Journal of Adolescent Health contributes much needed knowledge in this area, examining the efficacy of an online, randomized controlled trial self-help program for college students facing stress during the pandemic.…”