The effectiveness of an online positive psychology intervention among Tunisian university students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

University students are considered as particularly at risk of developing mental health problems due to numerous stressors, which have negative consequences such as sleep disorders, lower academic performance, poor grades, which in turn may lead to study dropout, social isolation, substance abuse, reduced life satisfaction, loss of self-confidence, and suicidal ideations. Therefore, cost-effective interventions are necessary in order to be able to target a large population of students through internet-based interventions. The aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of a positive psychology internet-based intervention on mental health and well-being among Tunisian university students in the High school of Sciences and Techniques of Health in Sousse. The study tested the hypothesis according to which the CARE program (8 weeks, 45 minutes per week) would be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and enhancing hope, optimism, emotion regulation, well-being and student engagement compared to a waitlist control group.
Methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted using an online questionnaire among 366 students (mean age 20.74 ±1.64) before and after the program, and one month after the end of the program. Results. Repeated measures ANOVA showed that the CARE program significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, and increased hope, emotion regulation, well-being and academic work engagement. Conclusion. The internet-based CARE program appeared to be effective in reducing psychological distress and enhancing well-being and academic engagement of students during the Covid-19 pandemic.