Testing Adapted Self-Help Plus (SH+) for Stress and Well-Being in International Students at a U.S. University
Implementing a Scalable Mental Health Intervention for International Students: A Pilot Study of Digitized Self-Help Plus
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
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)
About the study
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.
What is being tested
- Digitized SH+ (behavioral)
Sponsor: The New School · Participants: 50 · Started: Oct 7, 2025
Contact the study team
- Josheka S Chauhan, MA · Phone: 347-307-2179
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07188467
Locations in the U.S.
| New York | The New School, Brooklyn |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.