Randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a web-based stress management program among community college students.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a web-based stress management program among community college students that focused on increasing perceived control over stressful events.

DESIGN

Students (N = 257) were randomly assigned to a Present Control Intervention or a Stress-information only comparison group.

METHODS

Primary outcomes were perceived stress and stress symptoms; secondary outcomes were depression and anxiety. Self-report measures were completed online at preintervention, postintervention, and three-week follow-up. Intervention effects were estimated using linear mixed models. Seventy-five percent of the sample (n = 194) completed the pretest and comprised the intent-to-treat sample.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention group reported significant increases in present control, and significant decreases in all four primary and secondary outcome measures from baseline to postintervention and follow-up. Within-group effect sizes were small to medium at postintervention (mean d = -.34) and follow-up (mean d = -.49). The mean between-group effect size on the four outcome measures was d = .35 at postintervention but d = .12 at follow-up, due to unexpected decreases in distress in the comparison group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our online program is a cost-effective mental health program for college students. Limitations and future direction are discussed.