Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effects of the COPE Online Cognitive-Behavioral Skill-Building Program on Mental Health Outcomes and Academic Performance in Freshmen College Students: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in university students, few receive needed evidence-based treatment.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of a seven-session online cognitive-behavioral skill-building intervention (i.e., COPE, Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) versus a comparison group on their anxiety, depressive symptoms, and grade performance.


METHODS
A randomized controlled pilot study was conducted from September 2012 to May 2013 with 121 college freshmen enrolled in a required one credit survey course.


RESULTS
Although there were no significant differences in anxiety and depressive symptoms between the groups, only COPE students with an elevated level of anxiety at baseline had a significant decline in symptoms. Grade point average was higher in COPE versus comparison students. Evaluations indicated that COPE was a positive experience for students.


CONCLUSIONS
COPE is a promising brief intervention that can be integrated effectively into a required freshman course.
College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.|College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Bernadette Mazurek
BM
Melnyk
Health Promotion and Wellness, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Megan
M
Amaya
College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Laura A
LA
Szalacha
College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Jacqueline
J
Hoying
The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Tiffany
T
Taylor
Integrative Pediatrics, Columbus, OH, USA.
Kristen
K
Bowersox
D000124:Achievement; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
Academic performance; anxiety; college student; depression; intervention; mental health