Stress (Psychology)NCT07174544
Mobile Self-Management Program for Stress Reduction in Young Adults
A study testing Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation in people with Stress (Psychology), run by The Catholic University of Korea at 1 site in South Korea.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a mobile self-management program that combines Positive Psychology (PP) and Behavioral Activation (BA) helps reduce stress in young adults in South Korea. It will also examine how the program affects depression, anxiety, and resilience. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 34 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Stress (Psychology)
- What is being tested?
- Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 211 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSouth Korea
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2023to 30 Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 34 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 19-34 years at the time of participation
- Proficiency in using digital devices
- Use of an Android-based smartphone or tablet
- Score of ≥14 on the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10)
- Provision of informed consent for random assignment
Who cannot join
- Score <14 on the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10)
- Declines random assignment
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
South Korea1 site
College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea
Seoul, Seoul, 06591
About this study
Official title: Mobile Self-Management Program Integrating Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation for Stress Reduction in Young Adults: A Community-Based Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a mobile self-management program that combines Positive Psychology (PP) and Behavioral Activation (BA) helps reduce stress in young adults in South Korea. It will also examine how the program affects depression, anxiety, and resilience.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Read more
Does the program lower stress levels in young adults with high stress?
Does the program improve other aspects of mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and resilience?
Researchers will compare the mobile program to a wait-list control group to see if the program works to improve stress management.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to either the program group or a wait-list control group
Use the mobile program for 4 weeks with guided activities, followed by 4 weeks of self-directed use
Complete surveys at the start, week 2, week 4, and week 8 about their stress, depression, anxiety, and resilience
- Conditions
- Stress (Psychology)
- Being tested
- Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation
- Keywords
- Stress, Resilience, Self-Management, Positive Psychology, Mobile Applications, Young Adult
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral ActivationBehavioural
The mobile self-management program consisted of a 4-week guided intervention phase followed by a 4-week self-directed period to encourage continued use. The guided phase was organized around weekly objectives: (1) experiencing positive affect, (2) identifying personal strengths, (3) applying strengths in daily life, and (4) planning a positive future. Program activities included emotional check-ins, gratitude journaling, mindfulness practice, positive behavioral tasks, and goal setting. During the self-directed phase (Weeks 5-8), participants selected from 10 recommended activities tailored to their strengths, promoting sustained engagement and self-management. The program integrated Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation strategies to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and foster positive behavioral change.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Experimental | Participants receive a mobile self-management intervention that integrates Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation. The program includes 4 weeks of guided sessions followed by 4 weeks of self-directed use. Receives: Behavioral: Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation |
| Wait-list Control | No intervention | Participants do not receive the intervention during the first 8 weeks but are offered access to the program after the study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Stress at Week 8
Stress was measured using the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale - 10 items (PSS-10). The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress. Although the scale does not provide a standardized cut-off, prior studies have used a score of 14 or higher to define moderate-to-high levels of stress, and this threshold was applied in the present study.
Measured: Week 8
Secondary outcomes (15)
Stress at Baseline
Stress was measured using the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale - 10 items (PSS-10). The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress. Although the scale does not provide a standardized cut-off, prior studies have used a score of 14 or higher to define moderate-to-high levels of stress, and this threshold was applied in the present study.
Measured: Baseline
Stress at Week 2
Stress was measured using the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale - 10 items (PSS-10). The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress. Although the scale does not provide a standardized cut-off, prior studies have used a score of 14 or higher to define moderate-to-high levels of stress, and this threshold was applied in the present study.
Measured: Week 2
Stress at Week 4
Stress was measured using the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale - 10 items (PSS-10). The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress. Although the scale does not provide a standardized cut-off, prior studies have used a score of 14 or higher to define moderate-to-high levels of stress, and this threshold was applied in the present study.
Measured: Week 4
Depression (PHQ-9) at Baseline
Depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 consists of nine items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
Measured: Baseline
Depression (PHQ-9) at Week 2
Depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 consists of nine items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
Measured: Week 2
Depression (PHQ-9) at Week 4
Depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 consists of nine items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
Measured: Week 4
Depression (PHQ-9) at Week 8
Depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9). The PHQ-9 consists of nine items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression.
Measured: Week 8
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Baseline
Anxiety was measured using the Korean version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7). The GAD-7 consists of seven items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety.
Measured: Baseline
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Week 2
Anxiety was measured using the Korean version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7). The GAD-7 consists of seven items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety.
Measured: Week 2
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Week 4
Anxiety was measured using the Korean version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7). The GAD-7 consists of seven items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety.
Measured: Week 4
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Week 8
Anxiety was measured using the Korean version of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 items (GAD-7). The GAD-7 consists of seven items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = not at all to 3 = nearly every day), assessing symptom frequency over the past two weeks. The total score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety.
Measured: Week 8
Resilience ( BRS) at Baseline
Resilience was assessed using the Korean version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The BRS consists of six items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Total scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater resilience.
Measured: Baseline
Resilience (BRS) at Week 2
Resilience was assessed using the Korean version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The BRS consists of six items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Total scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater resilience.
Measured: Week 2
Resilience (BRS) at Week 4
Resilience was assessed using the Korean version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The BRS consists of six items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Total scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater resilience.
Measured: Week 4
Resilience (BRS) at Week 8
Resilience was assessed using the Korean version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The BRS consists of six items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Total scores range from 6 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater resilience.
Measured: Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Sep 2025
- Study start1 Sep 2023
- Primary completion31 Dec 2024
- Study completion30 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Stress (Psychology)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 211 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Catholic University of Korea
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hyunjoo Na, The Catholic University of Korea
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07174544
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MC23FNSI0059
- Other IDs
- NRF-2022R1A2C1011568
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 11 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The study's informed consent form restricts use of data to this research only. Therefore, IPD will not be shared with other researchers.
Publications
Oh D, Choi HS, Mohr DC, Na H. Effects of a mobile-based self-management program on mental health in young adults: a randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health. 2026 Jun 17;14:1830292. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1830292. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 42388766
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Mobile Self-Management Program Integrating Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation for Stress Reduction in Young Adults: A Community-Based Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07174544
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MC23FNSI0059
- Conditions
- Stress (Psychology)
- Keywords
- Stress, Resilience, Self-Management, Positive Psychology, Mobile Applications, Young Adult
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 211 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- The Catholic University of KoreaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 8 Jan 2026
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a mobile self-management program that combines Positive Psychology (PP) and Behavioral Activation (BA) helps reduce stress in young adults in South Korea. It will also examine how the program affects depression, anxiety, and resilience.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does the program lower stress levels in young adults with high stress?
Does the program improve other aspects of mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and resilience?
Researchers will compare the mobile program to a wait-list control group to see if the program works to improve stress management.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to either the program group or a wait-list control group
Use the mobile program for 4 weeks with guided activities, followed by 4 weeks of self-directed use
Complete surveys at the start, week 2, week 4, and week 8 about their stress, depression, anxiety, and resilience
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intervention group | Experimental | Behavioral: Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral ActivationParticipants receive a mobile self-management intervention that integrates Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation. The program includes 4 weeks of guided sessions followed by 4 weeks of self-directed use. |
| Wait-list Control | No intervention | –Participants do not receive the intervention during the first 8 weeks but are offered access to the program after the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 34 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 19-34 years at the time of participation
- Proficiency in using digital devices
- Use of an Android-based smartphone or tablet
- Score of ≥14 on the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10)
- Provision of informed consent for random assignment
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Score <14 on the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10)
- Declines random assignment
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral ActivationThe mobile self-management program consisted of a 4-week guided intervention phase followed by a 4-week self-directed period to encourage continued use. The guided phase was organized around weekly objectives: (1) experiencing positive affect, (2) identifying personal strengths, (3) applying strengths in daily life, and (4) planning a positive future. Program activities included emotional check-ins, gratitude journaling, mindfulness practice, positive behavioral tasks, and goal setting. During the self-directed phase (Weeks 5-8), participants selected from 10 recommended activities tailored to their strengths, promoting sustained engagement and self-management. The program integrated Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation strategies to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and foster positive behavioral change. | Behavioural | Intervention group |
Primary outcome
Stress at Week 8
Time frame: Week 8
Stress was measured using the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale - 10 items (PSS-10). The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress. Although the scale does not provide a standardized cut-off, prior studies have used a score of 14 or higher to define moderate-to-high levels of stress, and this threshold was applied in the present study.
15 secondary outcomes
Stress at Baseline
Time frame: Baseline
Stress at Week 2
Time frame: Week 2
Stress at Week 4
Time frame: Week 4
Depression (PHQ-9) at Baseline
Time frame: Baseline
Depression (PHQ-9) at Week 2
Time frame: Week 2
Depression (PHQ-9) at Week 4
Time frame: Week 4
Depression (PHQ-9) at Week 8
Time frame: Week 8
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Baseline
Time frame: Baseline
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Week 2
Time frame: Week 2
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Week 4
Time frame: Week 4
Anxiety (GAD-7) at Week 8
Time frame: Week 8
Resilience ( BRS) at Baseline
Time frame: Baseline
Resilience (BRS) at Week 2
Time frame: Week 2
Resilience (BRS) at Week 4
Time frame: Week 4
Resilience (BRS) at Week 8
Time frame: Week 8
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jan 2026.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42388766Oh D, Choi HS, Mohr DC, Na H. Effects of a mobile-based self-management program on mental health in young adults: a randomized controlled trial. Front Public Health. 2026 Jun 17;14:1830292. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1830292. eCollection 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The study's informed consent form restricts use of data to this research only. Therefore, IPD will not be shared with other researchers.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Mobile Self-Management Program integrated with Positive Psychology and Behavioral Activation in people with Stress (Psychology), run by The Catholic University of Korea at 1 site in South Korea.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in South Korea. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 8 Jan 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Stress at Week 8 (time frame: Week 8). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07174544, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Jan 2026.