University students face increasing academic and psychosocial demands that place them at risk of reduced psychological well-being. Positive psychology interventions have demonstrated efficacy in promoting mental health; however, few are grounded explicitly in Seligman's PERMA model and adherence to digital interventions remains limited. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a brief PERMA-based psychological intervention delivered via a smartphone application, with and without supplementary telephone multiconference support, compared to a waiting list control group. The intervention consists of five weekly modules targeting Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at six-month follow-up.
Being an actively enrolled university student at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC)
Having access to a smartphone with an internet connection.
Having a current diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder, including major depressive disorder with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe cognitive impairment, dissociative disorders, or active substance dependence
Having started psychological or psychopharmacological treatment within the two months prior to the study or participating in another mental health-related study
Having insufficient proficiency in Spanish, or presenting sensory, cognitive, or physical impairments that would prevent engagement with the intervention
Planning to move out of Galicia within the next 12 months.
Parallel
App Based PERMA intervention
BehavioralThe PPIA intervention is a structured psychological program grounded in the PERMA model of well-being (Seligman, 2011). This model proposes that long-term flourishing depends on developing five pillars: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. The intervention is further supported by the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2001), flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990), research on character strengths and positive relationships (Peterson \& Seligman, 2004; Reis \& Gable, 2003), meaning in life (Steger, 2009), the goal-setting theory (Locke \& Latham, 2002) and growth mindset principles (Dweck, 2006).
App Based PERMA intervention plus telephone multiconference
BehavioralThe PPIA intervention is a structured psychological program grounded in the PERMA model of well-being (Seligman, 2011). This model proposes that long-term flourishing depends on developing five pillars: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. The intervention is further supported by the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 2001), flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi,1990), research on character strengths and positive relationships (Peterson \& Seligman, 2004; Reis \& Gable, 2003), meaning in life (Steger, 2009), the goalsetting theory (Locke \& Latham, 2002) and growth mindset principles (Dweck, 2006). Additionally, the multiconference component will consist of weekly 30-minute telephone-based multiconference sessions. During these sessions, positive or corrective feedback will be delivered in accordance with Miltenberger's guidelines (Miltenberger, 2012) after reviewing the completed homework.
Change from baseline emotional well-being to post-intervention (5 weeks) and 6-month follow-up
One of the primary outcomes of the study will be emotional well-being. This construct will be evaluated using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS; Tennant et al., 2007).
Change from baseline well-being to post-intervention (5 weeks) and 6-month follow-up
One of the primary outcomes of this study will be well-being (which comprises three elements, emotional, psychological and social well-being)l. This constructs will be evaluated using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF; Keyes, 2002).
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