Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Online Socio-emotional Dyad Training for Healthcare Students' Well-being and Social Skills

This study, called Edu:Social Health Care, is testing an 8-week online program designed to boost the well-being and social skills of healthcare students. Participants will work with a study partner using an app to practice empathy and compassion exercises. Researchers want to see if this 'EmCo Dyad' training helps students with their mental health, resilience, how well they connect with others, and their communication skills. They're also checking if the app can track emotional states. The aim is to help students handle the challenges of their studies better and prepare them for their future roles by reducing stress and improving their ability to care for others.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Max Planck Social Neuroscience Lab

Enrolment target

360

Start

16 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

10 Oct 2026

Intervention Condition Control (Delayed Training) Condition

What is this study about?

This study is investigating a special online training program for healthcare students, such as those studying nursing or medicine. It's called 'EmCo Dyad' training and it focuses on building important skills like empathy (understanding how others feel) and compassion (a desire to help others). The program is designed to be done with a partner over eight weeks, using an app.

The main goal is to see if this training can help students with their mental well-being, their ability to bounce back from tough times (resilience), and how well they connect and work with others. Healthcare studies can be demanding, and students often face stress, so this research hopes to find new ways to support them. By strengthening these skills, the study aims to reduce feelings of loneliness and stress, helping students feel more prepared for their future careers.

Researchers are also interested in how well an app can pick up on emotional changes during these partner exercises. They'll be looking for signs in voice recordings that might show how students' emotions are changing over time. Ultimately, the study wants to understand exactly how this type of training helps students feel better and develop key social skills, hopefully leading to a more positive and supportive experience during their training.

Key takeaways

It's an 8-week online program for healthcare students.
Focuses on empathy, compassion, and social skills.
Aims to improve mental health and reduce stress.
Uses an app for partner-based exercises.
Researchers will check how emotions change over time.
Participation involves weekly commitment and surveys.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a student at PMU, aged between 18 and 65, and be comfortable speaking German. It's important that you have reliable internet access and the necessary devices like a computer or tablet, and a smartphone.

This study is for healthy individuals. You can't take part if you've had a mental health condition or specific type of therapy in the last two years, or if you regularly practice certain meditation or mindfulness techniques (more than 50 hours in the past six months). The researchers will ask some questions to make sure you fit these requirements.

Anyone who doesn't meet these criteria, such as not being a PMU student, not having internet access, or having a current mental health diagnosis, won't be able to participate. This helps ensure the study's results are clear and focused on the intended group.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a current student at PMU?
Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Are you comfortable speaking German?
Do you have reliable internet and a device like a computer/tablet and a smartphone?
Have you not had a mental health diagnosis or related therapy in the last two years?
Do you practice meditation/mindfulness for less than 50 hours in the past six months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will start the 8-week online 'EmCo Dyad' training right away. The other group will be a 'waitlist control' group, meaning they'll do the training later. The training involves practicing empathy and compassion exercises with a partner every week using an app. You'll likely need to complete some online surveys and perhaps record your voice as part of the app exercises. The total duration of active participation (if you're in the immediate training group) will be 8 weeks, with some follow-up assessments after that to see the lasting effects.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several benefits, such as improved mental well-being, better ways to cope with stress, stronger social connections, and enhanced empathy and compassion skills, which are valuable both personally and in healthcare. While the risks are expected to be very low, engaging in self-reflection or partner-based exercises could potentially bring up uncomfortable emotions for some individuals. However, the program is designed to be supportive. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your academic standing or care.

Locations (1)

Social Neuroscience Lab, Max Planck Society
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany

Common questions

What is 'EmCo Dyad' training?

It's an online program focused on empathy and compassion, done with a partner using an app, designed to improve well-being and social skills.

Who can join this study?

Healthcare students at PMU, aged 18-65, who speak German, have good internet access, and haven't had recent mental health issues or extensive meditation practice.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll either start an 8-week online training with a partner using an app, or be on a waitlist to do it later. This involves weekly exercises and likely answering surveys.

Will this help with stress?

The study aims to see if the training can reduce stress, loneliness, and other mental vulnerabilities, while boosting skills like resilience and social connection.

Is my information kept private?

Yes, all study information is handled with strict confidentiality and your personal details will be protected.