A Prospective and Experimental Study on Efficacy of One-Day of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Mental Health Among University Students. a Psychological Capital Examine As Mediator to the Efficacy of ACT on Mental Health.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Mental Health Issues; Anxiety; Mental Health (Depression)

Treatments: Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06832462

Q.J130000.3853.31J93 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

UTMREC-2024-83

Details and patient eligibility

About

This prospective and experimental study examines the efficacy and feasibility of a one-day ACT intervention on mental health, psychological flexibility, and psychological capital among university students. Other than that, this study examines the mediator role of psychological capital in the mechanism through which Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) improves mental health issues among university students. Animation video efficacy will be examined to determine whether it helps in enhancing students' understanding of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The main questions it aims to answer are:-

1. What are the correlation between psychological capital, psychological flexibility, depression and anxiety?
2. How does one-day ACT intervention affect mental health (depression and anxiety) and psychological capital among university students?
3. Does psychological capital mediate the effect of psychological flexibility on mental health issues among university students
4. Do video presentations improve the understanding of ACT concepts?
5. Is one-day ACT intervention feasible to be implemented among university students?

Researchers will compare to see if there are any differences between the intervention group and waitlist groups of university students' levels of depression, anxiety, psychological flexibility and psychological capital.

Participants will:

• Participate in a one-day Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention.
• Answer questionnaires at four (4) different phases.
• Follow up after one month and answer survey questions about the effect of ACT on their mental health level.

Full description

This is a prospective and experimental study. A prospective study approach is used to examine the changes in outcome measures along with the data collection timeline. Data will be collected at four different points: screening (T1), pre-intervention (T2), post-intervention (T3), and one month after intervention (T4). This is an experimental study, a randomized control trials study, and consists of two arms: a one-day ACT intervention and waitlist groups. The efficacy of a one-day ACT intervention will be evaluated using a randomized controlled trial approach by comparing the differences between intervention and waiting groups.

This is a prospective and experimental study. A prospective study approach is used to examine the changes in outcome measures along with the data collection timeline.

Data will be collected at four different points: screening (T1), pre-intervention (T2), post-intervention (T3), and one month after intervention (T4).

This is an experimental study, a randomized control trials study, and consists of two arms: a one-day ACT intervention and waitlist groups. The efficacy of a one-day ACT intervention will be evaluated using a randomized controlled trial approach by comparing the differences between intervention and waiting groups.

(T1) - Preliminary phase - A set of questionnaires of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) will be distributed through the student portal for screening. Potential participants who score moderate and above will be invited to the One-Day ACT intervention. The details of potential participants will be recorded.

(T2) - During pre-intervention, participants will be divided into two groups: a waitlist and a group that will receive batteries of questionnaires. The questionnaires included the demographic survey, BAI, BDI, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II) and Psychological Capital Questionnaires (PCQ) to participants before receiving ACT intervention. Those who answer the questionnaires will receive a One-Day ACT intervention. In addition, respondents will be fully informed regarding the objectives and procedure of this research, and consent information will be gathered.

One-Day Intervention: -

A one-day ACT intervention will be conducted in three sessions, each lasting 40 minutes. The intervention is based on a module developed by Shari et al. (2020) and aims to help respondents manage their issues, such as unpleasant thoughts and feelings.

The first session will build a therapeutic relationship and icebreaking, using animated video (unwanted guest) presentations to explain how ACT can help manage issues.

The second session will focus on acceptance and defusion concepts, emphasizing the importance of letting go of unproductive emotion-control techniques by using animated video (response ability)

The third session, 'Show Up', will increase awareness of undesirable thoughts and feelings through structured mindfulness exercises and observing surroundings. The therapist will explain the metaphor of dropping the anchor and emphasize the importance of being present and aware of oneself.

The final session, 'Get Moving', will connect values to practical action plans, using animated video (Values VS Goals) presentations to help respondents define their values and identify significant life steps.

(T3) - post-intervention, where a one-day ACT intervention has been done and a set of questionnaires distributed to participants. The questionnaires include BAI, BDI, AAQ-II, PCQ, and Treatment satisfaction questionnaire and Learner Acceptance scale will be used to measure the effectiveness of video presentation used during intervention.

(T4) - After one month of intervention, this phase will follow up with the participants who undergo One-Day ACT intervention by answering BAI, BDI, AAQ-II and PCQ questionnaires.

All data collected will be analysed using SPSS 26 to examine the research objective and hypothesis.

Enrollment: 134 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Local Malaysian Students
• 18 years old and above
• Students who score moderate and above for Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) during screening phase.

Exclusion criteria

• International students
• Those who received or are undergoing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Those who have psychosis

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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134 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive one-day Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The therapy include 4 sessions that explain and guide participants to understand the concept of ACT and apply in their daily life for the purpose of enhancing good mental health.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Waitlist Group

Other group

Description:

After one month, the waitlist group will receive the same intervention to ensure the result of efficacy of one-day acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in the intervention group can be compared with the waitlist group.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy