NCT07406880

Positive Psychology - Based EMl for Enhancing Well-Being

Positive Psychology-Based Ecological Momentary Intervention for Well-Being in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 354 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a positive psychology-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) for enhancing well-being in college students. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will assess the impact of a dynamic EMI that delivers personalized exercises when participants' real-time affect or well-being scores fall below a predefined threshold, compared to control conditions. Primary outcomes include changes in well-being and mental health, evaluated through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative measures and qualitative interviews.

Detailed description

This study aims to evaluate a Positive Psychology-based Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) designed to enhance well-being among college students. A three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to examine the intervention's effectiveness. The EMI integrates core positive psychology practices-such as gratitude, mindfulness, and acts of kindness-and is delivered through a mobile application in real time. The intervention features a dynamic, adaptive algorithm that provides personalized exercises when participants' real-time affect or well-being scores fall below a predefined threshold. Primary outcomes include changes in well-being and mental health . A mixed-methods design will be employed, combining quantitative assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up with qualitative post-intervention interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the intervention's impact and user experience.

Conditions

• Healthy Participants Study

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Ecological Momentary Intervention	This is a smartphone-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) that delivers psychological exercises (e.g., gratitude, mindfulness) in an adaptive, "as-needed" manner. Twice daily, the app algorithm assesses a participant's self-reported momentary affect and well-being. If the scores fall below a preset, moderate threshold, a corresponding intervention exercise is automatically triggered. The goal is to provide personalized support at moments of greatest need.
BEHAVIORAL	Active Control	This is a smartphone-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) that delivers the same suite of psychological exercises on a fixed schedule, regardless of the user's current state. Participants are prompted to complete all six available exercises twice daily. This intervention controls for the general effects of exposure to the exercise content and engagement with the app, allowing for a comparison with the adaptive, algorithm-guided EMI.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-01
• Primary completion: 2026-07-31
• Completion: 2026-12-30
• First posted: 2026-02-12
• Last updated: 2026-02-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong