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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05180084

Internet-administered CBT for Young Adults With Low Self-esteem

The study will investigate a CBT based treatment approach for low self-esteem among young adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Self Esteem

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University

Linköping, Östergötland County, 58183, Sweden

About this study

The study will test an adapted guided internet-delivered self-help program (Self-Esteem in Young Adults -SIYA) which lasts for seven weeks. Following recruitment via social media and a telephone interview, included participants will be randomized to active treatment or control. The control group will receive the intervention later.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Low self-esteem, as indicated by rating of < 20 the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

Age between 18 and 25 years old. Access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet with internet access. Write and speak Swedish. In case of use of psychotropical medication, a stable dose for the past three months prior to registration and no planned changes during the treatment.

Exclusion criteria

Other ongoing psychological treatment that affects the treatment received in the study.

No comorbid severe depressive symptoms and no suicidal plans. Ongoing alcohol use disorder, as indicated by Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

Severe psychiatric comorbidities (e.g. psychosis, anorexia nervosa) that requires specialist care within the regular psychiatric care.

Treatment and study plan

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Behavioral

Internet-based CBT intervention based on CBT theory, self-determination theory and self-compassion therapy for low self-esteem among young adults.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale

    Time frame: Before treatment, after 3 weeks, and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assesment).

    A 10-item measure of self-esteem. Sum scores range between 0-30. A higher score indicates a higher self-esteem.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Questionnaire

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    Measure of subjective quality of life. Sum scores can range between 0 and 96. Higher scores indicate a higher quality of life.

  2. Change in Robson Self-concept Questionnaire

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    A 30-item measure of self-esteem. Sum scores range between 0-210. A higher score indicates a higher self-esteem.

  3. Change in Self-Compassion Scale Short Format

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    A 12-item measure of self-compassion. Sum scores range between 1-5. A higher score indicates higher self-compassion.

  4. Change in Patient Health Questionnaire

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    A 9 item measure of depressive symptoms. Sum scores range from 0-27. A higher score indicates more depressive symptoms.

  5. Change in Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    Seven item measure of generalized anxiety disorder. Sum score range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more generalized anxiety. Cut-offs for interpretation: 0-5 minimal anxiety, 6-9 mild anxiety, 10-14 moderate anxiety, and 15-21 severe anxiety.

  6. Change in Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    A 10 item measure of alcohol use disorders. Sum scores range from 0-40. A higher score indicates higher alcohol use.

  7. Change in Performance based self-esteem Scale

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    A 4-item measure of performance based self-esteem. Sum scores range between 4-20. A higher score indicates a higher performance based self-esteem.

  8. Change in Rathus assertiveness schedule - 6

    Time frame: Before treatment and after 7 weeks (post-treatment assessment)

    Six item measure of assertiveness. Sum score range from -18 to 18. A higher score indicates higher assertiveness.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Linkoeping University

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Internet-administered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Young Adults With Low Self-esteem

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Jan 6, 2022
Registry last updated
Jun 17, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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