Unified protocol in online group versus blended format for treating emotional disorders in university students: Preliminary results on feasibility at 6-month follow-up.
J Socias-Soler, O Peris-Baquero, L Martínez-García, I Prieto-Rollán, J Osma
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Emotional Disorders (EDs) are highly prevalent among university students, with only a small percentage (16.4%) receiving treatment. This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of delivering the Unified Protocol (UP) in two scalable formats and explores preliminary clinical outcomes in a university student population.
Methods: Thirty-five university students (80% women, mean age = 21.29 years, SD = 1.87) with primary diagnoses of EDs were randomly assigned to either the blended-UP condition (n = 18) or the synchronous online UP condition (n = 17). The intervention involved 8 UP modules, delivered as either 9 weekly 2-h synchronous online group sessions or a blended format (4 synchronous online group sessions for modules 1, 4, 6 and 7+ autonomous work via the UP-APP). Depression, anxiety, transdiagnostic variables, difficulties in emotion regulation, maladjustment and quality of life were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and at 3- and 6-month followups. Satisfaction with the intervention received was also measured.
Results: Statistically significant changes were observed over time (main effect of time) for all evaluated variables (except in quality of life and positive temperament), with no 'Time × Condition' interaction, meaning that the scores evolved similarly in both conditions. Participants reported high satisfaction scores (8.91/10 in the blended condition and 9.38/10 in the synchronous online UP condition) and rated highly how the intervention had helped them to properly regulate their emotions (8.83/10 in the blended condition and 9.00/10 in the synchronous online UP condition).
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that both the blended and synchronous online group formats of the UP are feasible and well accepted by university students, with associated improvements in emotional symptoms, and that the UP in these formats could be an efficient alternative to address the high demand for mental health support among university students.
期刊介绍：
Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory Research and Practice (formerly The British Journal of Medical Psychology) is an international scientific journal with a focus on the psychological and social processes that underlie the development and improvement of psychological problems and mental wellbeing, including: theoretical and research development in the understanding of cognitive and emotional factors in psychological problems; behaviour and relationships; vulnerability to, adjustment to, assessment of, and recovery (assisted or otherwise) from psychological distresses; psychological therapies with a focus on understanding the processes which affect outcomes where mental health is concerned.
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