Internet-Based EMDR Flash Intervention for Test Anxiety in University Students

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

168 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2026-03-15

Study Completion Date

2026-06-30

Brief Summary

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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.

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Detailed Description

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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.

Conditions

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Test Anxiety

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

This study uses a randomized, parallel assignment design. University students will be randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the wait-list control group. The intervention group will complete a six-module internet-based EMDR Flash program (SKY-Flash). 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 pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the intervention.

Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Participants

Participants are blinded to group assignment. They are not informed whether they are in the intervention group or in the wait-list control group. Investigators are aware of group allocation.

Study Groups

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Intervention Group - Internet-Based EMDR-Flash Program

Participants in this group will receive the internet-based EMDR-Flash intervention designed to reduce test anxiety. The program includes structured online sessions where participants apply EMDR-Flash techniques in a unguided digital format.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Internet-Based EMDR-Flash Program

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

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, badges) and automated prompts support adherence. Unlike CBT-based online programs or clinician-delivered EMDR, this is a fully automated, low-intensity Flash protocol adapted to exam-related distress. Safety messaging and referral resources are embedded; access is via individual login and usage is recorded for adherence.

Wait-list Control Group

Participants assigned to this group will not receive the intervention during the study period. They will remain on a wait-list and will be offered access to the internet-based EMDR-Flash program after the completion of the study.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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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, badges) and automated prompts support adherence. Unlike CBT-based online programs or clinician-delivered EMDR, this is a fully automated, low-intensity Flash protocol adapted to exam-related distress. Safety messaging and referral resources are embedded; access is via individual login and usage is recorded for adherence.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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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