Group-based ACT for Psychological Distress of Young People
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 招募中
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 212
- 试验地点
- 2
研究概览
简要总结
This clinical study investigates the effectiveness of two psychological treatment formats for young people aged 16-25 with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, or interpersonal difficulties. The study compares group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with treatment as usual (TAU), most frequent that would be individual psychotherapy, both of which are established treatment approaches.
The study uses a randomized controlled design (RCT), in which participants are randomly assigned to one of the two treatment conditions. This allows for a systematic comparison of treatment outcomes between ACT delivered in a group format and standard individual therapy.
The ACT group intervention consists of a structured program in which participants meet regularly over a defined treatment period. The treatment focuses on processes such as psychological flexibility, acceptance of internal experiences, and engagement in actions aligned with personal values.
The individual therapy condition consists of one-to-one sessions with a clinician, following standard therapeutic practice. Treatment content and duration are tailored to the participant's clinical presentation and therapeutic needs.
Outcome measures include standardized assessments of mental health symptoms, functioning, and psychological processes. These assessments are conducted at baseline, during the treatment period, at post-treatment, and at follow-up time points. Data collected from these measures will be used to evaluate changes over time and differences between the two treatment conditions.
The primary aim of the study is to determine whether group-based ACT is as effective as, or more effective than, individual psychotherapy for young people receiving mental health services. The results are expected to contribute to improved knowledge about treatment options for this age group and inform future clinical practice.
详细描述
Background and Rationale Mental health problems among adolescents and young adults represent a significant and increasing public health concern. A substantial proportion of young people experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related psychological distress during a developmental period characterized by major psychological, social, and biological transitions. These challenges may interfere with identity development, educational attainment, and social functioning, with potential long-term consequences for health and well-being .
At the same time, mental health services face increasing demand and limited capacity, resulting in prolonged waiting times and restricted access to timely care. Traditional outpatient treatment is primarily delivered as individual psychotherapy, which limits the number of patients that can be treated. There is therefore a need to evaluate alternative and potentially more scalable treatment formats that can maintain or improve clinical outcomes while increasing accessibility.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic behavioral intervention that aims to improve psychological functioning by enhancing psychological flexibility. The ability to act in accordance with personal values while remaining in contact with difficult internal experiences. Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, ACT targets core processes such as acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, values clarification, and committed action.
Although ACT has a substantial evidence base in adult populations, research on its effectiveness for young people remains more limited, particularly in routine clinical settings and in comparison with standard care. Group-based formats may represent an efficient way of delivering ACT, while also offering therapeutic benefits such as peer support, normalization, and shared learning. The present study addresses important gaps in the literature by evaluating a structured group-based ACT intervention tailored for young people, compared with treatment as usual (TAU), within specialized mental health services.
Study Objectives The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of group-based ACT compared with treatment as usual in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among young people aged 16-25.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 16 Years 至 25 Years（Child, Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Score on DASS-21 depression scale ≤ 14
排除标准
- •Psychosis
研究组 & 干预措施
Treatment as usual TAU
Participants assigned to this arm will receive treatment as usual consisting of standard mental health care delivered according to routine clinical practice within hospital-based specialized mental health services and, when applicable, municipal health services or student health services. The type, format, frequency, and duration of care are determined by clinical need and may vary between participants.
干预措施: TAU (Other)