PERMA-based mobile psychological intervention with and without telephone support for university students: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial - Summary - MDSpire

PERMA-based mobile psychological intervention with and without telephone support for university students: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

  • By

  • Vanessa Blanco

  • Fataneh Sinaeipour

  • Queila Bouza

  • Fernando L. Vázquez

  • July 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of a positive psychology–based psychological intervention grounded in the PERMA model delivered via a smartphone app, with or without telephone support.

Approach:
  • Study Design: A three-arm randomized controlled trial with 177 university students assigned to either an app-based PERMA intervention, the same intervention with telephone support, or a waiting list control group.
  • Intervention Details: The intervention consists of five weekly modules targeting Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.
  • Assessment: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up, measuring psychological well-being and secondary outcomes.
Key Findings:
  • The study aims to provide evidence on the efficacy and acceptability of a brief PERMA-based digital intervention for university students.
Interpretation:

Limitations:
  • The study's findings will be limited to the specific population of university students.
  • Results may not be generalizable to other age groups or settings.
Conclusion:

The trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a mobile-based intervention in enhancing psychological well-being among university students.

Sources:

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