Levin ME, Haeger JA, Pierce BG, Twohig MP. (2017). Web-based acceptance and commitment therapy for mental health problems in college students: A randomized controlled trial. Behavior Modification. 41(1): 141-162. DOI: 10.1177/0145445516659645
Citing the prevalence and variety of mental health complaints among college students, the authors developed and pilot tested a transdiagnostic web-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for college students. Seventy-nine college students were recruited and randomized to receive web-based ACT or to a waitlist control group that received web-based ACT after four months. Participants were assessed at baseline and at four-months follow-up on mental health concerns for college students (e.g. depression, anxiety, social anxiety, academic concern, eating concerns, hostility, alcohol use, and distress), wellbeing process outcomes (e.g. psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, values, mindfulness), and the usability of and satisfaction with the website. Most participants enrolled in the study for academic credit as opposed for mental health related reasons. Most participants (75%) completed at least half of the program and 55% completed the whole program. The website was adequately usable and satisfactory to participants, though 60% of participants reported that the intervention was too long or repetitive. Participants receiving ACT experienced improvements in distress, depression, anxiety, social anxiety, academic concern, social wellbeing, acceptance, and obstruction to valued living. Changes in distress, depression, and anxiety were fully mediated by obstructions to valued living and acceptance. The authors concluded that web-based ACT was adequately acceptable to college students and feasible to pilot using Qualtrix. Additionally, web-based ACT showed promise as a transdiagnostic tool for addressing mental health concerns in college students that affects important primary and process outcomes.