Unified Protocol for Emotional Disorders in University Students: Protocol for a Randomized Trial of Online and Blended Formats

Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2025 Jun;34(2):e70025. doi: 10.1002/mpr.70025.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Psychological problems frequently emerge between ages 15 and 24, often coinciding with the university period. In Spain, anxiety and depressive disorders are prevalent among university students, yet only a small fraction receive treatment. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness, acceptability, and implementation of UP in online group format versus a blended format among university students with EDs at the University of Córdoba.

METHOD: Participants (n = 70) will be randomly assigned to either condition. The study includes pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up assessments at one and 3 months. Primary outcomes are improvements in anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance. Secondary outcomes include program adherence and acceptability.

RESULTS: Data will be analyzed using SPSS, employing tests for normality, descriptive statistics, t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and linear mixed models to evaluate differences and changes over time. Effect sizes will be calculated, and implementation outcomes will be assessed through descriptive analysis. Improvements are expected to be obtained in the assessed outcome variables in all evaluation periods in both intervention conditions and that are maintained over time. No statistically significant differences are expected to be obtained between the two conditions. Participants are expected to report high acceptability and satisfaction scores regarding the intervention, its components, and the intervention format in both conditions. UP-App good usability scores, as well as high acceptability and intention to use in the future are expected to be reported by participants in the UP blended format condition.

CONCLUSIONS: This study aims to demonstrate the utility and efficiency of UP in treating EDs in university settings. If effective, these formats could enhance access to mental health services, improve student well-being and support academic success. The findings could inform the development of cost-effective, scalable interventions for university mental health services.

PMID:40515633 | DOI:10.1002/mpr.70025