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The Design and Implementation of an Online Intervention on Stress Appraisals, Mental Health, and Behavioural Effort in University Students

Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study presents the design and implementation of a new stress management intervention aimed at university students after they have encountered a setback.This intervention integrated the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping framework by Lazarus & Folkman (1984) with several existing interventions and theories, which resulted in one online, just-in-time intervention.This aimed to change how students appraise stressors, so they prefer more adaptive coping mechanisms.The study adopted a 2x3 within-between-subject design, with an intervention group and an inactive control group.Data was collected at three measurement points: at baseline, post-test, and a follow-up measurement in week 6 of the academic quarter.40 university students were recruited, of which 15 participants were in the intervention group.Due to limited statistical power, the statistical tests yielded no significant results.The data still showed interesting trends, especially in the post-test measurement.For one, students showed a larger decline in cognitive distortion after the intervention compared to the control group.Students also showed a higher increase in self-efficacy and behavioural engagement with their course post-test compared to the control group, and a larger decline in mental distress.However, perceived academic control showed no difference in growth post-test.These preliminary results show positive potential for the effectiveness of the intervention, though future research with a greater number of participants is required to draw more meaningful conclusions.Furthermore, the interest in a stress intervention for students could be further explored to understand the low participant rate.
Author: Lam, I.C.C.
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7211568131
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