Kindness as medicine: can compassion training beat stress for students?

NCT ID NCT05197595

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospital Miguel Servet Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

University life brings many stressors that can harm mental health and academic performance. This trial tests whether a 6-week attachment-based compassion therapy program can reduce psychological distress in students aged 18–30, compared to a relaxation program. Around 240 participants will be assigned to either compassion training or relaxation sessions, both lasting 6 weeks. The study measures changes in depression, anxiety, and stress using a standard questionnaire.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: a 6-week attachment-based compassion therapy program
What this could lead to: If effective, this compassion program could offer a low-cost, scalable way to reduce stress and improve mental health among university students.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small trial comparing two active interventions, so any difference may be modest. Results may not generalize beyond this specific student population.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Miguel Servet University Hospital

Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain

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