Extrait

Background and study aims Starting university is a major life change. It can involve moving away from home, taking the first steps in training for a new career or studying a completely new subject. Major life changes such as this can have a negative effect on well-being. This study (SL@M - Student life at Manchester) will test how well a brief planning intervention, or treatment based on making positive statements about yourself (self-affirmation) designed to reduce feelings of threat and anxiety, does in improving well-being and health. This study will also find out if using the same intervention (as a booster) at a later date will further improve well-being. Who can participate? Students who are starting a course at the University of Manchester in 2014. What does the study involve? Before starting university, participants are asked to complete a questionnaire about their lifestyle (i.e., details on how much fruit and vegetables they eat, how much alcohol they drink , how much they exercise, whether they smoke or take recreational drugs) and well-being (e.g., details about sleep, depression, anxiety). After completing the questionnaire participants are randomised to one of two groups. Those in group 1 receive the intervention. Those in group 2 act as controls. The intervention involves the student completing a self-affirmation task on an if-then basis to deal with threat and anxiety when it is encountered (e.g., If I am feeling threatened or anxious then I will think about the things that I value). Halfway through their university course, participants are randomised again either the intervention or control group. Lifestyle and well-being questionnaires are completed by all students every 6 months while at university and then every year for the next 20 years. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants who complete the self-affirmation implementation intention may experience an improvement in their well-being. There are no risks to taking part. Where is the study run from? University of Manchester (UK) When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for? The study will be started in September 2014 prior to the first semester of university. Recruitment will stop when university semester starts in October 2015. Follow-up questionnaires will be given for up to 20 years after the start of the study. Who is funding the study? University of Manchester (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Tracy Epton 0161 2751972 [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• A psychological health intervention on a population of university students

Liens

• isrctn
• ictrp