Internet-Based Group CBT for Anxiety and Depression Among International Students

Effectiveness of Internet-Based Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (GCBT) for Anxiety and Depression Among International Students Studying in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this RCT trial is to learn if internet-based group cognitive behaviour therapy delivered via the Zoom application works to treat anxiety and depression among international students. It will also learn about the predictive factors of the intervention's effectiveness. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does participating in internet-based GCBT reduce the symptoms of anxiety among international students in Malaysia?
• Does participating in internet-based GCBT reduce the symptoms of depression among international students in Malaysia?

Researchers will compare students who take part in the intervention program with students in a waitlist control group to understand whether the intervention is associated with changes in anxiety and depression symptoms.

Participants will:

• Be randomly assigned to either the intervention program or a waitlist control group
• Attend four sessions of one hour each, including 1) psychoeducation, 2) cognitive techniques, 3) behaviour techniques, and 4) support and relapse prevention. A booster session and a follow-up assessment will be done1 month post intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• International students.
• 18 and 60 years of age.
• Moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Fluent in the English language.