(PS8-13) Supporting college student mental health: A pilot investigation into an accessible intervention

Abstract Text:

Objective: Mood Lifters for College Students (ML-CS) is a virtual, group-based, peer-led mental health program designed to address common stressors faced by undergraduate college students. This study was conducted to gain a preliminary understanding of the efficacy, feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of Mood Lifters before conducting a large, randomized control trial.

Methods: After screening and randomization, 31 participants were placed into a treatment group and 16 were placed on the waitlist. Participants in both groups completed pre- and post-surveys measuring symptoms of depression, anxiety, and flourishing. Participants in the treatment group completed feedback surveys.

Results: Treatment group participants showed significant reductions in feelings of anxiety and depression as compared to their waitlist peers. Feedback measures suggested that ML-CS is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate for this population.

Conclusion: The preliminary results of this pilot study show great potential and suggest the need for a large-scale randomized control trial.