Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluating an ACT Self-help Book for University Students

University students are facing more challenges with their mental health, leading to long waits for support. This study is testing a self-help book called "The Unbreakable Student: 6 Rules for Staying Sane at University" to see if it can be a useful tool. Researchers will work with a small group of students to understand if reading this book helps them feel better and manage difficult thoughts. Students will answer questions before, during, and after reading the book, and will also share their individual experiences in interviews. The aim is to find out which parts of the book are most helpful and if it genuinely improves student well-being.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Cardiff University

Enrolment target

Start

24 Feb 2024

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2024

Well-Being, Psychological

What is this study about?

More and more university students are finding it tough to manage their mental health, which can lead to long waiting times to get help from university support services. Because of this, ideas like self-help books, apps, and websites are becoming more important. They offer students ways to try and help themselves in their own time.

While there are many self-help resources out there for students, not many of them have been properly checked by research to see if they actually work. This study wants to change that. It will carefully test a specific self-help book called "The Unbreakable Student: 6 Rules for Staying Sane at University" to see if it makes a positive difference.

The main idea is to find out if the book helps students worry less about difficult thoughts and feel more involved in things they enjoy, even when facing stress. Basically, the study wants to see if reading this book can help students feel better overall and improve their general well-being during their time at university.

Key takeaways

University students can get help for stress through this study.
A self-help book called "The Unbreakable Student" is being tested.
The study aims to improve student well-being and managing difficult thoughts.
Participation involves reading, answering questions, and an interview.
It's for Cardiff University students dealing with common university stress.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a student currently studying at Cardiff University and be able to understand English well. You should also find yourself struggling with common university or study-related difficulties, like exam nerves, feeling lonely, stressed, anxious, or low in mood, or even difficulties with things like struggling with workload or unhealthy habits. The important thing is that these difficulties aren't due to a severe mental health condition.

However, there are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you are a psychology student at Cardiff University, if you've already read "The Unbreakable Student" book, or if you're currently taking part in another research study or getting other types of psychological support (like therapy or other self-help programmes), you won't be able to join. This is so that the researchers can clearly see if the book itself is helping, without other things getting in the way.

Also, for your safety, if the screening shows you're experiencing very high levels of distress or have thoughts of harming yourself, you wouldn't be able to join this study. But don't worry, if this happens, the researchers would make sure to connect you with appropriate support services like your university's student support or your GP.

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 currently a Cardiff University student?
Do you speak and read English well?
Are you experiencing university-related stress or worries (not severe conditions)?
Have you NOT read "The Unbreakable Student" book before?
Are you NOT currently in another research study or receiving other psychological support?
Are you generally managing your well-being, without very high levels of distress?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will first need to identify a specific part of university life that you find stressful. You will then complete some questionnaires before you start reading the self-help book. During the study, you'll be asked to answer four questions delivered by text message every three days. These questions will be about the stressful aspect of university life you identified. You’ll answer these questions while you are reading the book and for a period after you finish it.

The study length will vary slightly for each person, lasting between 6 to 8 weeks in total, depending on how long you spend on the first set of questions before starting the book. After you've finished reading and the question period is over, you will also have a chat (an interview) with the researchers. This interview is a chance for you to share your experiences of reading the book and what you thought of the tasks it suggests. There are no medications involved in this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help you learn new ways to manage stress and difficult thoughts during your university life, which might improve your overall well-being. There are very few risks involved; the main commitment is your time and effort in completing questionnaires and sharing your experiences. It's important to know that you are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your academic standing or your care at the university.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Based at Cardiff University (study to be completed remotely)
Verified postcode
Cardiff, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to see if a specific self-help book can help university students deal with stress and improve their overall well-being.

Who can take part in this study?

You need to be a current Cardiff University student, speak good English, and be experiencing some common university-related difficulties like stress or anxiety, that are not severe.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll answer questionnaires, receive text message questions every few days, read the self-help book, and have an interview at the end to share your thoughts.

How long will the study last?

The study will last between 6 to 8 weeks in total for each person.

Will I get any support during the study?

While this study focuses on self-help through a book, if your distress levels are too high at the start, you will be directed to student support services or your GP for help.