University students' psychological well-being is a growing public health concern. The university period is a key time for psychological, social, and academic development, which can increase vulnerability to mental health difficulties. Research suggests that group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective, cost-efficient option for promoting student well-being. However, tailored interventions that reflect the cultural and contextual needs of specific populations are more likely to be effective. Western-based models of therapy may not always align with the cultural norms and experiences of students in countries like Türkiye. In Türkiye, publicly accessible mental health services are limited, often reduced to short psychiatric consultations. Psychological therapies are primarily accessed privately, making free or low-cost university mental health services particularly valuable. Therefore, culturally adapted group CBT interventions may play a crucial role in supporting student mental health. This study, part of a larger project, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT-based anxiety groups specifically tailored for Turkish university students. Eligible participants are Bogazici University students aged 18 and over. Exclusion criteria include severe mental illness, high risk of harm to self or others, or scoring below the threshold on the Beck Anxiety Inventory. These individuals may require more specialized, individual support. The study includes participation in an 8-session CBT-based group focused on anxiety management. Participants may benefit from free psychological support, peer connection, and professional guidance. The study also contributes to the scientific literature by assessing the effectiveness of culturally adapted group interventions. There are risks: participants may experience distress during sessions or while completing questionnaires. Support will be available from a master's student and/or the group therapist, under the supervision of a qualified clinical psychologist. If a participant's risk increases, they will be supported in accessing psychiatric care. An emergency contact will be required for safety. The study will run at Bogazici University in collaboration with BUREM and the Translational Clinical Psychology Lab, led by Dr. Ayse Akan (t-clinpsylab@bogazici.edu.tr). It is partially funded by Bogazici Scientific Research Projects (20022) and is expected to run for 1-3 years.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
An 8-session Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety management.
Bogazici University Student Guidance and Psychological Counselling Centre (BUREM)
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGTranslational Clinical Psychology Lab
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGBeck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)
The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is a self-report questionnaire that measures the severity of anxiety levels. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (severely - it bothered me a lot) resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 63. Higher scores indicate greater levels of anxiety. The severity is categorized into "minimal", "mild", "moderate", and "severe".
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, and follow-up 6 weeks after the completion of the intervention
Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS42)
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42) is a questionnaire that measures the negative emotional states depression, anxiety and stress. Each subscale is scored separately. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 (did not apply to me at all) to 3 (applied to me very much or most of the time). Scores for each subscale range from 0 to 42, and the combined total scale ranges from 0 to 126. Higher scores indicate more severity. The severity is categorized into "normal", "mild", "moderate", "severe", and "extremely severe".
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, and follow-up 6 weeks after the completion of the intervention
Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7)
The Generalised Anxiety Disorder - 7 Scale (GAD7) is a questionnaire used to screen for Generalised Anxiety Disorder and assess the severity of anxiety symptoms. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate more severity. The severity is categorized into "minimal", "mild", "moderate", and "severe".
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, and follow-up 6 weeks after the completion of the intervention
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9)
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) is a scale used for assessing the presence and the severity of depression. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), resulting in a total score that ranges from 0 to 27. Higher scores indicate more severity of depressive symptoms. The severity is categorized into "minimal", "mild", "moderate", "moderately severe" and "severe".
Time frame: Baseline, immediately after the intervention, and follow-up 6 weeks after the completion of the intervention
Outcome Rating Scale (ORS)
Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) is a brief 4-item scale used for assessing the members' overall functioning in key areas: individual well-being, interpersonal relationships, social role, and overall well-being. Each item is rated on a visual analog scale from 0 to 10, resulting in a total score between 0 and 40. Higher scores indicate better overall functioning and well-being.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks
Qualitative data
Participants who completed their groups will also be invited to attend a semi-structured interview for in-depth qualitative feedback when they finish the intervention. Below are the sample questions to be asked to the participants: 1. Could you tell us a little about the process (your mental health difficulties) that led you to apply to this group? 2. Were you satisfied with the group? 3. Which parts of the group were useful to you? 4. Which parts of the group need to change (what you didn't like)? 5. How was your relationship with the therapist and assistants? 6. How was your relationship with the other participants of the group? 7. What was the most important thing you learned from the group? 8. Are there any other things that stood out to you? 9. Would you recommend this group to other students with similar problems? 10. Do you think this group should be an ongoing service provided by the university?
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks following the completion of the intervention
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