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.