Abstract:
We present lessons learned from conducting a limited pilot randomized
controlled trial (RCT) of an indigenously developed positive psychology intervention.
This RCT essentially examines the efficacy of a competencies enhancing Internetdelivered
intervention for Indian students. A total of 212 participants signed up for
the semi-automated, text-based and self-guided program and filled program relevant
competency measures (viz. emotional intelligence, stress, time and self-management)
at pre-assessment and post-assessment. Results suggest that student
participants (n = 75) randomly allocated to the experimental group of the trial have
improved competencies of emotional intelligence, time, stress and self-management
at post-test in comparison to the ones allocated to placebo (n = 56) and
control conditions (n = 46). We deliberately used paired sample t-tests to check for
significant differences in each of the components before and after the intervention.
Our attrition rate was ranging from 21% to 59%, whereas the adherence rate was
ranging from 35% to 48% for the four-phased process.