ACT-based EMI in College Students

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Healthy Participants Study

Treatments: Other: Mood monitoring; Behavioral: ACT-based ecological momentary intervention

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06843395

HSEARS20250214003

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a transdiagnostic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) among college students. A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to assess its impact on psychological flexibility, well-being and mental health outcomes.

Full description

Mental health issues are prevalent among college students, yet traditional interventions often face barriers related to accessibility and engagement. This study explores the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a transdiagnostic ACT-based EMI designed to deliver in-the-moment psychological support via digital platforms. A mixed-methods pilot RCT will be conducted, with participants randomly assigned to either the ACT-based EMI group or a mood monitoring group. Quantitative measures will assess changes in psychological flexibility, stress, anxiety, depression, and well-being, while qualitative interviews will provide insights into user experience, engagement, and perceived benefits or barriers. Findings from this study will inform the optimization of ACT-based digital interventions for college students and contribute to the growing field of personalized, technology-assisted mental health care.

Enrollment: 60 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants in our study are healthy college students
• have smartphone, and have access to the internet

Exclusion criteria

• currently participating in another research
• have significant cognitive impairment that prevents participation in the research

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Mood monitoring condition

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

Only pre- and post-assessments and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) measurements are conducted.

Treatment:

Other: Mood monitoring

ACT-based EMI group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants are required to complete a 7-day ecological momentary intervention (EMI).

Treatment:

Behavioral: ACT-based ecological momentary intervention