Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for University Students

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Group Prevention Program for Mainland Chinese University Students in Hong Kong

This study developed a culturally appropriate cognitive behavioral group prevention program for Mainland Chinese university students in Hong Kong. The effects of the group prevention program on psychological distress, acculturative stress, cognitions, emotions, and post-migration growth were examined.

Detailed description:

Previous research has found the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral therapy in improving international students' mental health and facilitating their psychological adaptation. However, this kind of research in Chinese societies is scant and previous studies lack control group in study design. This study developed an 8-session culturally appropriate cognitive behavioral group prevention program for Mainland Chinese university students in Hong Kong. Research design of randomized controlled trial was adopted. Program effectiveness was evaluated at both cognitive and emotional levels, including psychological distress, acculturative stress, emotions, automatic thoughts, sense-making coping, core belief re-examination and post-migration growth.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chinese students from Mainland China who were studying at local universities in Hong Kong
• GHQ-12 score of 2 or above (0-0-1-1)
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• GHQ-12 score of 11 or above (0-0-1-1)
• One or more psychotic disorders
• Severe depression diagnosed by professionals with suicidal attempts/ideation in the past 3 months