Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Translational behavioral medicine, cilt.16, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
BACKGROUND: University is a period of increased vulnerability to mental health challenges, with anxiety and difficulties in emotion regulation among the most prevalent. Culturally adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group interventions can support student well-being, yet scalable options remain limited. To address this gap, group CBT for anxiety management and group DBT for emotion regulation were culturally adapted for university students in Türkiye. Adaptations involved revising content and language, removing culturally mismatched elements, and incorporating culturally relevant and age-appropriate material. PURPOSE: This project aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of delivering culturally adapted group CBT for anxiety management and group DBT for emotion regulation. METHODS: The project includes three steps: (i) a comprehensive systematic review of group CBT and DBT interventions worldwide; (ii) translation, adaptation, localization, and development of 8-session group interventions; and (iii) implementation, data collection, and analysis. Participants are allocated to either the CBT group for anxiety management or the DBT group for emotion regulation. RESULTS: Standardized measures of anxiety or emotion regulation are administered at baseline, post-intervention, and six-week follow-up for both experimental and waitlist arms. Qualitative data are collected through semi-structured interviews conducted after intervention completion. CONCLUSIONS: In this project, the feasibility and effectiveness of culturally adapted CBT and DBT group interventions for university students in Türkiye will be evaluated. Findings will inform wider-scale application of evidence-based therapies in university counseling centres in Global South and guide the design of a future randomized controlled trial. CLINICAL TRIALS INFORMATION: NCT07096154 and NCT07096141 on clinicaltrials.gov. University life involves major social, psychological, and academic changes, which can increase students’ vulnerability to mental health difficulties. Research shows that anxiety and challenges in managing emotions are among the most common problems during this period, affecting students’ well-being and academic performance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are evidence-based approaches known to reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. When delivered in groups, these interventions become practical, accessible, and cost-effective options for university settings. However, culturally adapted CBT and DBT interventions remain limited. This project focuses on adapting these interventions specifically for university students in Türkiye. Adaptation was completed in stages through collaborative team work, with careful attention to both language and content. Culturally irrelevant examples were replaced with familiar, age-appropriate scenarios from Turkish university life, and foreign references were substituted with locally meaningful ones. The project aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of these culturally adapted group interventions in Türkiye. Ultimately, the findings will support wider use of evidence-based therapies in university counseling centres and guide the development of a future randomized controlled trial.