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A Compassion-Focused Online Single-Session Intervention to Reduce Academic Stress in University Students: Protocol
Clara Wehlage1, Sofija Zivanovic1, Helen Koechlin2,3,4
1Clinical Psychology and Translational Psychotherapy Research, Faculty of Psychology, University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 62A, Basel, Basel-City, 4055, Switzerland, 41 612070229.
JMIR Research Protocols
|May 25, 2026
Summary
This study tests a digital Compassion-Focused Therapy intervention for university student stress. The online single-session intervention aims to reduce academic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Digital Interventions
Background:
- Academic stress is prevalent among university students, often co-occurring with anxiety and depression.
- Single-session interventions (SSIs) offer accessible, self-guided digital mental health support.
- Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) shows promise for stress, anxiety, and depression, but its efficacy in academic settings and digital formats is underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a compassion-focused online SSI in reducing academic stress among university students.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 156 university students (aged 18-65) with mild to moderate stress.
- Participants were assigned to either a 45-minute online CFT-based SSI or a waitlist control group.
- Assessments of stress, depression, and anxiety were conducted at baseline, 24 hours, and 1 week post-intervention using the DASS-21.
Main Results:
- Recruitment is ongoing, with 67 out of a target of 172 participants enrolled as of April 15, 2026.
- Data analysis is planned for winter 2026, with findings anticipated in spring 2027.
Conclusions:
- This study represents the first randomized controlled trial investigating a compassion-focused online SSI for university student stress.
- If effective, this intervention could provide a scalable, low-cost mental health solution for academic populations.
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