NCT07454109

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study examines the effects of a structured stress coping training program on perceived stress, cognitive flexibility, psychological resilience, and burnout among university students. The research is conducted at the Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hacettepe University, and the Department of Occupational Therapy, Gülhane Faculty of Health Sciences. A total of 64 students aged between 18 and 25 who meet the inclusion criteria participate in the study. Students in the experimental group attend a 12-week stress coping training program consisting of one-hour weekly sessions, while the control group participates only in the assessment procedures. Data are collected face-to-face before and after the intervention using a demographic information form, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, the Perceived Stress Scale-10, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form. Statistical analyses are performed using SPSS 28.0, with parametric or non-parametric tests applied according to data distribution. Effect sizes are calculated using Cohen's d. The findings contribute to the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of structured stress management programs in improving psychological well-being among university students and provide implications for preventive interventions within higher education settings.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
54

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Oct 2024

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

October 1, 2024

Completed
7 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

May 1, 2025

Completed
10 months until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

March 1, 2026

Completed
1 day until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

March 2, 2026

Completed
4 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

March 6, 2026

Completed
Last Updated

March 6, 2026

Status Verified

March 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

7 months

First QC Date

March 2, 2026

Last Update Submit

March 5, 2026

Conditions

Stress

Keywords

Stress coping traininPerceived stressCognitive flexibilityPsychological resilienceBurnoutUniversity students

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

  • Perceived Stress Level

    Perceived stress is measured using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). The scale consists of 10 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0-4). Total scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating higher levels of perceived stress.

    Baseline and Week 12

  • Cognitive Flexibility Level

    Cognitive flexibility is assessed using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), a 20-item 5-point Likert scale. Higher total scores indicate greater cognitive flexibility.

    Baseline and Week 12

  • Psychological Resilience Level

    Psychological resilience is measured using the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), a 33-item scale assessing personal and social resilience dimensions. Higher scores indicate higher resilience.

    Baseline and Week 12

  • Burnout Level

    Burnout is assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form (MBI-SS), consisting of 13 items across three dimensions. Higher scores indicate higher burnout levels.

    Baseline and Week 12

Study Arms (2)

Stress Coping Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive a structured 12-week stress coping training program consisting of weekly 1-hour sessions delivered face-to-face by an expert academician. The program includes stress awareness, identification of stressors, breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, cognitive restructuring, time management, problem-solving techniques, mental regulation strategies, and relapse prevention. Assessments are conducted before and after the intervention.

Behavioral: Structured Stress Coping Training Program

Control Group (No Intervention)

NO INTERVENTION

Control Group (No Intervention)

Interventions

Structured Stress Coping Training ProgramBEHAVIORAL

The Structured Stress Coping Training Program is a 12-week face-to-face psychoeducational intervention delivered in weekly 1-hour sessions. The program is based on cognitive-behavioral and skills-based approaches and aims to enhance adaptive coping strategies among university students. The content includes stress awareness and identification of stressors, stages of stress, personality characteristics and stress, physiological and psychological responses to stress, breathing techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness-based attention to the present moment, time management strategies, problem-solving skills, cognitive restructuring techniques, mental regulation strategies, and relapse prevention. The program is delivered by an expert academician in the field.

Stress Coping Training Group

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years - 25 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • Being enrolled as a student at the Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Aged between 18 and 25 years
  • Being a full-time student (not engaged in regular employment)
  • No self-reported psychiatric diagnosis
  • Providing written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

  • Having a condition that prevents participation in a 12-week training program
  • Having visual or hearing impairments that may affect completion of assessments
  • Currently receiving structured psychological or psychiatric treatment related to stress management
  • Working in a regular job alongside academic education

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Hacettepe University

Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (5)

  • Eaves JL, Payne N. Resilience, stress and burnout in student midwives. Nurse education today. 2019;79:188-93.

    BACKGROUND

  • Kalia V, Knauft K. Emotion regulation strategies modulate the effect of adverse childhood experiences on perceived chronic stress with implications for cognitive flexibility. PloS one. 2020;15(6):e0235412

    BACKGROUND

  • Milojevich HM, Lukowski AF. Sleep and mental health in undergraduate students with generally healthy sleep habits. PloS one. 2016;11(6):e0156372.

    BACKGROUND

  • Karaman MA, Lerma E, Vela JC, Watson JC. Predictors of academic stress among college students. Journal of College Counseling. 2019;22(1):41-55.

    BACKGROUND

  • Aspelmeier JE, Love MM, McGill LA, Elliott AN, Pierce TW. Self-esteem, locus of control, college adjustment, and GPA among first-and continuing-generation students: A moderator model of generational status. Research in Higher Education. 2012;53:755-81.

    BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Burnout, Psychological

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress, PsychologicalBehavioral SymptomsBehavior

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
MsC. OT. Research Assistant

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

March 2, 2026

First Posted

March 6, 2026

Study Start

October 1, 2024

Primary Completion

May 1, 2025

Study Completion

March 1, 2026

Last Updated

March 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations

TU(1)