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PREDICT

Main study

Find out what to expect if you are invited to join the i-STAIR main study, from the baseline assessment to the online intervention sessions and follow-up assessments.

Last updated on 13 July 2026
Banner reading i-STAIR with a staircase outline and PREDICT Preventing Depression branding in the corner.

Main Study Overview

Flowchart showing study steps: consent, questionnaire, baseline, then 8 online sessions and 3 follow-up assessments concurrently.

You will be invited to take part in the main study once we have confirmed your eligibility for the study through the official screening session. There are 3 main components in the main study.

Details of components:

Baseline assessment

Consent Taking

You will be provided with information about the study such as the purpose, procedures and risk of the baseline assessment process. You will be given time to ask question about the baseline assessment and the study itself before providing your consent.

Questionnaire and Interview

This baseline assessment will involve gathering information mainly on your childhood events and mental health states.

End of Baseline Assessment

We will schedule your first online intervention session once you have completed the baseline assessment

Online Intervention

  • You will be randomized into either the active group (i.e., free online intervention to improve emotion regulation and interpersonal skills) or control group (i.e., free online psychoeducation about improving mental health).

  • One-to-one online intervention sessions are conducted on Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

  • Each session will be about 60 mins and the intervention will be conducted over 8 consecutive weeks.

  • Weekly in-session and homework activities will be assigned.

Follow-Up Assessment

You will be invited to take part in 3 follow-up assessments in the form of questionnaires at Week 4 (mid-intervention), Week 8 (post-intervention), and Week 20 (3-months post-intervention).

Questionnaire

The questionnaires will gather information about your mental health (e.g., depression and PTSD symptoms, emotion dysregulation), social and occupational functioning, and positive factors that support well-being (e.g., interpersonal skills and social support). All responses will be collected through an online platform.

End of follow-up assessment

At the end of each follow-up assessment, you will receive an inconvenience fee as specified in the informed consent form.