NCT06700902 · Temple University
Taking Action for College Students
What this study is about
The goal of this research is to investigate whether a peer-delivered illness self-management program called Taking Action can help college students with serious mental illnesses. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental condition (Taking Action) or the control condition (information only). Participants in the experimental condition will attend five 2.
View original scientific description
The goal of this research is to investigate whether a peer-delivered illness self-management program called Taking Action can help college students with serious mental illnesses. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental condition (Taking Action) or the control condition (information only). Participants in the experimental condition will attend five 2.5-hour Taking Action sessions. Participants will complete three interviews (baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up) to assess how well the program works, is liked, and benefits students clinically and academically. The investigators seek to test the following hypotheses: Compared to controls, students who do the Taking Action program will report greater improvements in mental health self-management attitudes, skills, and behaviors and will report greater improvements in mental health symptoms and recovery, and better academic outcomes.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Taking Action
Participants in the experimental condition will participate in the Taking Action intervention, which will be delivered in a small group format in 5 weekly 2.5 hour videoconferencing sessions. Taking Action will be implemented using materials available on SAMHSA's website (https://www.co.ozaukee.wi.us/DocumentCenter/View/8198/Taking-Action-A-MH-Recovery-Self-Help-Ed-Program?bidId=). The process will include an overview of key recovery and wellness concepts and the development of an individualized wellness toolbox, which is a list of skills and strategies that a person already uses or would like to use to maintain or regain wellness. Then, participants will make plans for monitoring and addressing distressing mental health symptoms. Instructional techniques will include lectures, discussions, personal examples from facilitators and participants own lives to illustrate key concepts related to self-management, individual and group exercises, and voluntary action plans between meetings.
Primary outcome measures
Changes from Baseline in Mental Health Symptoms
Time frame: Baseline, Immediately After the Intervention, and 3-Month Follow-Up
The Brief Symptom Inventory is a validated instrument used to assess mental health symptoms. The mean T-score is 50, with higher scores indicating worse outcome. Change = (3-Month Follow-Up Score - Baseline Score).
Changes from Baseline in Perceived Recovery
Time frame: Baseline, Immediately After the Intervention, and 3-Month Follow-Up
The Recovery Assessment Scale is a validated instrument used to assess perceived recovery from mental illness. Scores range from 1 to 5 with higher scores indicating greater perceived recovery. Change = (3-Month Follow-Up Score - Baseline Score).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institution in the United States (and are able to present a valid student ID card)
- Experiencing a serious mental illness, as operationalized by either:
- A score of 13 or higher on the K-6 Screening Scale for serious mental illness
- Self-reported psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum or major affective disorder and self-reported lifetime functional impairment due to experiencing mental health challenges
- 18 years of age or older
- Have consistent access to a computer or smartphone and the Internet for communications
- No prior WRAP or Taking Action education
Exclusion criteria
- Expected to graduate or complete their program within 2 semesters
- Unable to provide informed consent
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
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.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 29, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations