Table 1.

 Content of the EMPATIA program

Number module	Name module	Transdiagnostic mechanism(s)	Key aims and interventions
1	Introductory module		• Introduction of the EMPATIA program (aims, characteristics, content, usability) • Identify own challenges related to mental health, top problem assessment • Identify personal values and setting specific goals based on perceived discrepancies between values and current behavior using motivational enhancement techniques • Link personal goals to the EMPATIA program, set SMART goals
2	Worries and confidence about the future l	RNT	• Introduction to the main characteristics of RNT (including rumination and worrying; additional topic: co-rumination) • Generate a personal RNT model by identifying triggers and consequences of RNT • Reduce RNT by modifying the reaction to triggers • Practice if–then-plans (concrete thinking style, problem-solving, experiences of flow and mindfulness) • Modify biased meta-cognitive beliefs about RNT
3	Worries and confidence about the future ll	IoU, RNT, BA	• Introduction to the main characteristics of IoU and its relevance for everyday life • Identify own dysfunctional beliefs about uncertainty • Identify avoidance and safety behaviors when facing uncertainty • Modify dysfunctional beliefs about uncertainty through behavioral experiments • Develop a flexible thinking style by challenging cognitive distortions related to uncertainty
4	Self-perfectionism and self-confidence	SP, BA	• Introduction to self-criticism, self-perfectionism, and self-compassion (additional topic: other-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism) • Identify difficulties associated with being overly perfectionistic • Get to know how self-criticism and perfectionism develop • Develop a flexible thinking style by challenging inflexible standards and cognitive distortions related to perfectionism • Differentiate achievable goals from unachievable goals • Practice exercises to increase self-compassion
5	Stress and emotions l	ER, BA	• Get to know the three parts of an emotion (cognitive, behavioral, and physiological) and the functionality of emotions • Identify and change triggers and consequences of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies • Improve emotion regulation skills by applying different relaxation strategies (mindfulness, imagination, acceptance-based exercises)
6	Stress and emotions ll	ER, BA	• Improve emotion regulation skills by planning positive activities and enhancing positive emotions (behavioral activation) • Get to know and practice the concept of opposite action and acceptance of emotions • Enhance tolerance to distress associated with intense emotions by emotion-focused experiments • Reduce maladaptive emotional behaviors that reinforce the intensity of emotional distress
7	Interpersonal relationships	RS, BA	• Identify own and other’s reactions to social rejection in ambiguous situations • Develop a flexible thinking style by identifying cognitive distortions as well as avoidance behavior and by developing alternative explanations for ambiguous social situations • Challenge own reactions with exposure to situations of rejection using behavioral experiments • Practice strategies to deal with criticism and to give critical feedback • Practice positive communication strategies to enhance self-efficacy • Additional topic: Bullying
8	Closing module	All mechanisms	• Review of the program contents • Review of own goals for the EMPATIA program • Identify favorite or most appropriate strategies depending on the context • Practice transfer of strategies to everyday life
9	Refresh module	Integration	• Evaluate favorite strategies and identify successful strategies • Optimize existing strategies based on contextual characteristics • Plan the future implementation of strategies by dealing with potential barriers

RNT Repetitive negative thinking, IoU Intolerance of uncertainty, BA Behavioral avoidance, SP Self-perfectionism, ER Emotion regulation, RS Rejection sensitivity