Testing Adapted Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress and Well-Being in International Students at a U.S… (NCT07188467) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Testing Adapted Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress and Well-Being in International Students at a U.S. University
United States50 participantsStarted 2025-10-07
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if an adapted version of Self-Help Plus (SH+), a stress management program developed by the World Health Organization, can reduce stress and improve well-being in international students at a U.S. university. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does SH+ reduce perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms in international students? Does SH+ improve feelings of social support, self-efficacy, and adjustment in a new cultural environment?
Participants will:
Attend a two-day in-person workshop that includes animated videos, interactive activities, and group discussions.
Complete three surveys (before the workshop, right after, and six weeks later) about stress, mood, and well-being.
Optionally, take part in a short interview to share feedback about their experience.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Enrolled as an international student at The New School
* Age 18 years or older
* Willing to provide informed consent and complete study assessments
* Score of ≥3 on the PHQ-4, indicating at least mild distress
* Sufficient English proficiency to comprehend intervention materials
Exclusion Criteria:
* Severe psychiatric conditions requiring immediate intervention (e.g., active psychosis, severe mood disorders)
* Visual, hearing, or neurocognitive impairments that prevent engagement with the intervention
* Having an advanced degree in psychology or mental health-related fields (to prevent prior knowledge bias)
* Score of 2 or higher on PHQ-4 Item 3 or Item 4 (frequent thoughts of self-harm or severe distress)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
Timeframe: Change from baseline to 6-week follow-up
2
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Timeframe: Change from baseline to 6-week follow-up
3
General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)
Timeframe: Change from baseline to 6-week follow-up