A recent study led by psychologists at UNSW Sydney has demonstrated that a brief online course can significantly reduce anxiety and depression among young adults. The research, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, reveals that a 20 to 30-minute course enhances participants’ tolerance of uncertainty, leading to lasting mental health benefits.
As young adults navigate persistent challenges such as the impact of the pandemic, global instability, and economic pressures, the findings are particularly relevant. According to Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, the study’s senior author, high levels of uncertainty are contributing factors to rising mental health issues in this demographic. She states, “Young people today are coming of age amid great climate, economic, social, and health uncertainty.”
The study involved 259 participants aged between 18 and 24, who were divided into two groups receiving different online training modules and a control group with no training. The first group underwent the Uncertainty-Mindset Training, designed to help them view uncertainty as less threatening. This module includes the STAR strategy (STop, Accept, and Re-think), which aims to mitigate worry and rumination that often link intolerance of uncertainty to anxiety and depression.
The second group participated in the Psychoeducation Training, focusing on general well-being topics like emotion regulation and social connection but not specifically addressing uncertainty. The control group did not receive any training, providing a baseline for comparison.
Despite the brevity of the Uncertainty-Mindset Training, its impact was significant. Participants reported notable decreases in anxiety and depression, with improvements in their tolerance of uncertainty persisting even a month after the course completion. In contrast, those who completed the psychoeducation module experienced only modest effects, while the control group showed no significant changes.
The findings suggest that even a single session can yield measurable improvements in mental health. A/Prof. Schweizer emphasized the potential of this approach, stating, “Helping young people rethink their relationship with uncertainty in a simple, accessible way means young adults from all backgrounds—especially those who may not have access to traditional services—can thrive in uncertain times.”
Further analysis revealed that the benefits of the training could extend beyond the initial month. The study indicated that the reduced intolerance of uncertainty persisted for at least three months, hinting at the potential for long-term resilience. A/Prof. Schweizer noted, “Low-cost, scalable tools like this one could help prevention efforts at a population level, but we stress they’re not substitutes for person-to-person care in severe cases.”
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to refine the Uncertainty-Mindset Training to enhance its mental health benefits. Sarah Daniels, the first author of the study, indicated that while the current training successfully modifies the underlying psychological mechanism, additional support may be necessary to maintain these benefits over time. She suggested that “boosters would be an effective way to bolster additional resilience.”
Future research may also explore tailoring the training to specific groups facing heightened uncertainty, such as individuals in the perinatal period or those awaiting medical test results. The researchers hope that with further testing, this accessible approach could be expanded to support young people globally.
The study received funding from Wellcome and the National Health and Medical Research Council, with the researchers ensuring that these organizations did not influence the study’s design or outcomes. For those interested in participating in future research, UNSW’s DAS lab is open for inquiries.
