Groups 4 Health (Ryhmät Kuntoon) for Mental Well-being: a Feasibility and Controlled Effectiveness Study At the University of Helsinki

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the Groups 4 Health (G4H) intervention among students at the University of Helsinki. G4H is a psychosocial group intervention designed to improve mental well-being by enhancing social connectedness and reducing loneliness. Previous studies in Australia showed G4H reduced loneliness and social anxiety and increased group memberships more than usual treatments and had sustained effects compared to cognitive behavioral therapy. This study also compares G4H to other active interventions and a no-intervention control group in Finland. The study includes four groups: the G4H group intervention consisting of five 90-minute sessions led by trained psychology students or psychologists; a group intervention facilitated by study psychologists focusing on study challenges and peer support; an online course promoting well-being and study skills over seven weeks based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; and a no-intervention control group. The interventions are free for University of Helsinki students and involve various session formats including face-to-face, remote, and online delivery. Participants complete questionnaires and provide registry data before, during, immediately after, and at one- and three-month follow-ups to assess loneliness, depression, group memberships, mental and general well-being, anxiety, social anxiety, quality of life, and use of social and health services. Facilitators' experiences and characteristics are also measured. Additionally, qualitative methods explore inclusion and equality issues within the G4H intervention through observations, interviews, and focus groups with minority youth. Participation may last up to three years for follow-up interviews.

Interventions for the Wellbeing of Students At the University of Helsinki