Internet-based stress recovery intervention for adolescents: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Research reveals a high prevalence of stressors in adolescence. Mental health in adolescence is highly related to life-stressors exposure and difficulties in adjusting to stressors. Therefore, interventions for recovery from stress are in high demand. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Internet-based stress recovery intervention for adolescents. METHODS: A two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the efficacy of the FOREST-A—an Internet-based stress recovery intervention for adolescents—will be conducted. The FOREST-A is an adapted version of stress recovery intervention initially developed for healthcare workers. FOREST-A is a third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based Internet-delivered 4-week psychosocial intervention, which comprises six modules: Introduction, Relaxation, Psychological detachment, Mastery, Control, and Summary. The intervention will be evaluated using the two-arm RCT with intervention and care as usual (CAU) condition at pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up. The measured outcomes will be stress recovery, adjustment disorder, generalized anxiety and depression symptoms, psychological well-being, and perceived positive social support. DISCUSSION: The study will contribute to the development of Internet interventions—easily and broadly accessible tools—for the enhancement of adolescents’ stress recovery skills. Based on the study’s findings, further development of the FOREST-A, including upscaling and implementation, is foreseen. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05688254. Registered on January 6, 2023.