The Big Five
We want to investigate whether the Big Five course can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression in Norway. The Big Five is about thinking in a healthy way, doing meaningful activities, setting goals, keeping good routines, and building social connections. The Big Five course was first developed in Australia. We have now translated it into Norwegian and would like to see how well it works, compared to a gratitude course and a waitlist group. We also have an English version of the program.
About the trial
You fill out online questionnaires and get access to a short course. If you are placed in one of the intervention groups, you will receive daily SMS reminders for four weeks. If you are in the waitlist group, you will get access to the course after four weeks – but without SMS reminders.
Assessments
Participants complete short, self-reported questionnaires along the way, and also during the follow-up period (at 3, 6 and 12 months after the course). The study does not involve physical attendance.
Time chedule
The course has a period of four weeks, with questionnaires along the way. You will also receive questionnaires 3, 6 and 12 months after the course.'
Relevant information:
https://forhelse.no/en/5-good-habits-a-digital-low-threshold-initiative-for-mental-health/
https://www.mindspot.org.au/info/the-big-five/
Read about the trial
Project page in Cristin (Current research information system in Norway)Information about participation
The trial is open for recruitment from 9/6/2025
Who can participate?
The study is open for recruitment from September 6th, 2025.
We are recruiting from all over Norway. You can register via this link.
In order to participate, you must:
- Have some anxiety or depressive symptoms
- Be older than 16 years
- Be resident in Norway and have a Norwegian national identity number
The course is not suitable for you if:
- you cannot read Norwegian or English
- you have strong suicidal thoughts
What does the trial entail?
Be aware
Studies from Australia have shown that many people benefit from taking part in this type of course. If the randomization places you in group 3, you will need to wait 4 weeks before you can start the course.
Relevant treatments
Contact
Smiti Kahlon
Phone: 98 86 66 40
E-mail: smiti.kahlon@helse-bergen.no