Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for university students: Preference trial for various course durations

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Therapeutics
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT) is a viable treatment for university students.
• Student engagement and completion rates for ICBT are often lower than in general populations.
• Offering varied ICBT course durations aligns with student preferences for treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine student preferences for different ICBT course durations (ultra-brief, brief, standard-length).
• To assess treatment outcomes, engagement, and satisfaction across ICBT course options.
• To inform the optimal delivery of ICBT for university students in routine care.

Main Methods:

• 72 university students were offered a choice of transdiagnostic ICBT courses in three durations.
• Preferences, predictors, and outcomes (depression, anxiety, academic functioning) were evaluated.
• Engagement and satisfaction were assessed at post-treatment and 4-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Most students chose brief (44.4%) or standard-length (50.0%) ICBT courses; few chose ultra-brief (5.6%).
• Both brief and standard-length ICBT courses yielded large reductions in depression and anxiety, maintained at 4-month follow-up.
• Improvements in academic functioning became significant at follow-up; engagement and satisfaction were comparable between brief and standard courses.

Conclusions:

• Brief and standard-length ICBT courses demonstrate similar efficacy, engagement, and satisfaction in university students.
• Offering these ICBT options accommodates student preferences without compromising outcomes.
• The low uptake of ultra-brief ICBT suggests it may not be a worthwhile option in this context.