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Clinical Trial Summary

Within the Caring Universities project (study protocol VCWE- 2020-076 accepted by the VCWE), we have developed a guided e-health programme (GetStarted) designed to reduce procrastination in university students. With the current study, we aim to examine the effectiveness of GetStarted in reducing procrastination behaviour. Secondary goals are to gain an insight into pre-test to post-test differences regarding symptoms of low mood, anxiety and quality of life. Additionally, we aim to gain insight into the effects of participants' satisfaction with the intervention and Ecoach, the usability of the program, and treatment adherence on the effectiveness of the treatment.


Clinical Trial Description

The present study is a two-arm randomized control superiority trial. This trial will be conducted in a university setting. A guided web-based anti-procrastination programme (GetStarted) will be compared to a waiting list condition. GetStarted was developed based on existing literature and adapted in collaboration with university students to meet the specific needs of the university students. We have conducted interviews with students to understand their opinions about this program and adapted it based on their preferences and needs. The programme is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It comprises five main modules that are delivered via computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile phone and four optional modules. Every module consists of evidence-based information, exercises, and homework assignments. The content is delivered in text format with pictures and infographics; some modules also include video clips and audio recordings on a relevant subject. The intervention is available in both English and Dutch. Every week trained e-coaches (trained clinical psychology master students) will provide asynchronous written personalized feedback to each participant on the progress of the program and the exercises via the program platform. Measurements include pre- and post-assessment of procrastination behavior, common measures of psychopathology symptoms, quality of life, treatment adherence, program usability and participants' satisfaction with treatment and coaching. All students currently enrolled at the participating universities (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Erasmus University, Universities of Leiden, Utrecht and Maastricht) are potentially eligible for the trial. Benefits of participation and remuneration for the test subjects: Students can participate in GetStarted free of charge, which will likely decrease their procrastination behavior. They do not receive any monetary incentives. ;


Study Design


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT05478096
Study type Interventional
Source VU University of Amsterdam
Contact Sascha Y Struijs, PhD
Phone +316 48 20 62 23
Email s.y.struijs@vu.nl
Status Recruiting
Phase N/A
Start date November 19, 2021
Completion date April 2023

See also
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Active, not recruiting NCT05730101 - How to Help Students Overcome Academic Procrastination N/A
Terminated NCT02058797 - Efficacy of Coherence Therapy for Procrastination N/A
Completed NCT04250285 - Academic Self-regulation, Parenting Dimensions and Academic Procrastination
Recruiting NCT06157710 - Randomised Controlled Trial of a Digital Programme for Procrastination in UK University Students N/A
Completed NCT01842945 - Internet Based Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Procrastination: A Randomized Controlled Trial N/A
Recruiting NCT06357364 - Neural Changes Following Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Procrastination N/A
Active, not recruiting NCT05829174 - Comparison of Online Group Therapy Interventions for Procrastination N/A