Internet-Based EMDR Flash Intervention for Test Anxiety in University Students
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Internet-Based EMDR-Flash Program.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Test Anxiety. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Examining the Effect of Internet-Based EMDR Flash Intervention (SKY-Flash) on University Students' Test Anxiety Levels and User Experiences
Overview
The aim of this study is to investigate whether an Internet-based EMDR Flash intervention can help reduce exam anxiety among university students. Participants will utilize the online SKY-Flash program and report their levels of exam anxiety at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up assessments. In addition, the study will collect feedback regarding participants' overall experiences with the program. The primary objective is to determine whether SKY-Flash constitutes a practical and effective approach to reducing exam anxiety among students, while also exploring their perceptions of the intervention.
Detailed description
Test anxiety is a common problem among university students, often linked to academic pressure, limited access to professional support, and stigma around seeking help. Students with high levels of test anxiety may experience stress, concentration problems, and reduced academic performance. While face-to-face psychological interventions can be effective, many students cannot benefit from them due to financial, logistical, or accessibility barriers.
This study introduces SKY-Flash, an internet-based version of the EMDR Flash technique. The program was designed as a self-help intervention that students can use independently, without therapist guidance. The aim is to reduce test anxiety and improve psychological well-being by adapting EMDR Flash procedures into an online format that is accessible, private, and user-friendly.
The research will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial with two groups: an intervention group and a wait-list control group. A total of 168 university students will be recruited and randomly assigned to one of the groups. Participants in the intervention group will complete a six-module online program based on EMDR Flash principles. The modules include interactive exercises, multimedia elements, and gamification features to support engagement and reduce dropout. The control group will not receive any intervention during the study period but will gain access to the program after follow-up assessments.
Data will be collected at three time points: pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up. Primary outcomes will be test anxiety, measured by the Westside Test Anxiety Scale. Secondary outcomes will include psychological well-being and usability feedback. In addition, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a subgroup of participants to gather in-depth information about usability and user experience.
The study is expected to show whether an online EMDR Flash intervention can effectively reduce test anxiety and improve well-being in university students. If effective, SKY-Flash may serve as a scalable, cost-effective, and stigma-free resource for students who struggle with test anxiety and have limited access to psychological services.
Interventions
- Behavioral Internet-Based EMDR-Flash Program
Self-guided, internet-based EMDR-Flash program (SKY-Flash) tailored to reduce test anxiety in university students. Delivered via a secure web platform with no live therapist involvement. The intervention comprises six \~40-minute modules completed independently during the study. Each module includes brief psychoeducation and step-by-step EMDR-Flash procedures (focus on a positive engaging image with brief "flash" cues), guided practice, and in-platform exercises. Gamification (progress tracking,
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Test Anxiety (Westside Test Anxiety Scale Scores) [Time frame: participants will be assessed at baseline (Week 0), immediately after the intervention (Week 6), and again at a follow-up point 10 weeks later]
- Change in Test Anxiety [Time frame: participants will be assessed at baseline (Week 0), immediately after the intervention (Week 6), and again at a follow-up point 10 weeks later]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Change in Psychological Well-Being (Psychological Well-Being Scale) [Time frame: From baseline (Week 0) to post-intervention (Week 6), with follow-up assessments at Week 10.]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Voluntary participation in the study Being older than 18 years and currently enrolled as a university student Having a valid e-mail address Having internet access (computer or mobile device) Scoring above the average on the Test Anxiety Scale Scoring below 15 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), based on established cutoff points
Exclusion criteria
Currently receiving psychological help from a psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist Having any diagnosed psychiatric disorder
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07154329 · 01.10.2024; 16.19