Study protocol for blended emotion regulation intervention in Kenya
Efficacy and acceptability of a blended intervention for emotion regulation (MAISHA) among young people in Kenya: study protocol for a cluster RCT
Key Finding
This protocol describes a planned 2x2 factorial cluster RCT of 666 Kenyan young people comparing a blended digital-and-face-to-face emotion regulation intervention (MAISHA) to digital-only, face-to-face-only, and care-as-usual conditions.
At a Glance
Study Design
Study protocol - 2x2 factorial cluster RCT
Sample Size
N=666
Population
Young people 13-25 in Kenya
Setting
Kenya
Abstract
Methods: In a parallel group, cluster-randomized 2x2 factorial controlled trial, 666 young people aged 13-25 will be randomly allocated to one of four 4-week study arms: (1) digital app blended with face-to-face, (2) digital app only, (3) face-to-face only, or (4) care as usual. The face-to-face element will consist of four group sessions on growth mindset, values, and gratitude.
Primary Outcome: Emotion regulation difficulties, assessed post-intervention using the short form of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-SF).
Discussion: This trial advances adolescent global mental health by strengthening evidence on youth-focused, mechanism-informed, blended interventions while also highlighting participatory approaches in low- and middle-income countries.
Authors
Rugendo, E., Lyimo, G. S., Daya, R., Githinji, M., Kashamba, K., Njoki, F., Yusufu, I., Osborn, T., Chase, R. P., Sando, M., Nyundo, A., Bärnighausen, T., Reininghaus, U., McMahon, S. A., Reinhold, A. S.
Citation & Access
Rugendo, E., Lyimo, G. S., Daya, R., Githinji, M., Kashamba, K., Njoki, F., Yusufu, I., Osborn, T., Chase, R. P., Sando, M., Nyundo, A., Bärnighausen, T., Reininghaus, U., McMahon, S. A., Reinhold, A. S. (2026). Efficacy and acceptability of a blended intervention for emotion regulation (MAISHA) among young people in Kenya: study protocol for a cluster RCT. BMC Psychology.