Study of Student Flourishing

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Subcomponents of Affect Scale

Time frame: Baseline, bi-weekly for 6 weeks (3 time points)

The Subcomponents of Affect Scale (SAS) is an 18-item measure of affect, divided into nine positive and nine negative adjectives. Positive subscales include calm, well-being, and vigor, while negative subscales include depression, anxiety, and anger. Participants rate each adjective from 0 (not at all accurate) to 4 (extremely accurate) based on their feelings over the past two weeks. Total scores for positive and negative affect are summed from their subscales.

Implicit Theories of Emotion

Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-baseline

Implicit theories of emotion were assessed using the Implicit Theories of Emotion Scale, adapted from Dweck's Implicit Theories of Intelligence framework. The scale includes four items assessing beliefs about whether emotions are malleable (incremental) or fixed (entity). Participants rate each item on a 6-point scale from 1 ("Strongly disagree") to 6 ("Strongly agree"). The two entity items are reverse-scored, and all items are averaged to create a single score ranging from 1 to 6, with higher scores indicating stronger endorsement of an incremental (malleable) theory of emotion.

Loneliness

Time frame: Baseline, bi-weekly for 6 weeks (3 time points)

The UCLA 3-Item Loneliness Scale is a brief measure assessing subjective feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Participants rate each item on a 3-point scale, from 1 (hardly ever) to 3 (often), with higher scores indicating greater loneliness.

Perceived Cohesion

Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks post-baseline

The Perceived Cohesion Scale measures a sense of belonging and morale within a community using a Likert scale from 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree). For our purposes, we use a single-item version: "I see myself as part of the campus community."

Closeness to University

Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-baseline

Closeness to one's university was assessed using a modified single-item Inclusion of Other in the Self measure. Participants were shown seven pairs of increasingly overlapping circles and asked, "Which picture best describes your relationship with your university?" Responses range from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating greater perceived closeness to the university.

Perceived Social Support (PSSS-3)

Time frame: Baseline, bi-weekly for 6 weeks (3 time points)

Perceived social support was assessed using a 3-item short form based on the ACO (PSSS-A6) and adapted from the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Participants rate each item on a 7-point scale from 1 ("Very Strongly Disagree") to 7 ("Very Strongly Agree"). Total scores are summed, yielding a range from 3 to 21, with higher scores indicating greater perceived social support.

Mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale)

Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-baseline

Mindfulness was assessed using a 5-item short form of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), modified to assess experiences over the past two weeks. Participants rate each item on a 7-point scale from 0 ("Not at all") to 6 ("Very much"). Items are averaged to create a total score ranging from 0 to 6, with higher scores reflecting lower mindfulness. For interpretability in analyses, this score is reverse-scored so that higher values indicate greater mindfulness.

Resilience

Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks post-baseline

The Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) is a 6-item measure of stress recovery, rated from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate a stronger ability to "bounce back" after setbacks.

Flourishing Scale

Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks post-baseline

The Flourishing Scale is an 8-item measure of psychological well-being. Respondents rate items from 1 ("Strongly disagree") to 7 ("Strongly agree"), yielding a total score range from 8 to 56. Higher scores indicate greater well-being and flourishing.

Retention / Enrollment Intention

Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks post-baseline

Retention intention was assessed using 2 items evaluating students' likelihood of continuing their enrollment. Participants respond to "How likely are you to stay enrolled next quarter/semester?" on a 5-point scale from 1 ("Very unlikely") to 5 ("Very likely"). A second item asks, "How often have you considered leaving your college/university in the past semester?" rated from 1 ("Never") to 5 ("Very often"). Higher scores on the first item indicate greater intention to persist, while higher scores on the second item indicate greater consideration of leaving.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.