Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Mental Health
Date Submitted: Oct 1, 2022
Date Accepted: Mar 28, 2023
Mobile Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with distressed first-generation college students: A Micro-Randomized Trial
ABSTRACT
Background:
Extant gaps in mental health services are intensified among first-generation college students (FGCSs). Improving access to empirically based interventions is critical, and mobile health (mHealth) interventions are growing in support. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically supported intervention that has been applied with college students, via mobile app, and in brief intervals.
Objective:
The present study evaluated safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of an ACT-based mHealth intervention using a micro-randomized trial (MRT) design.
Methods:
Participants (n = 38) were 18-19-year-old FGCSs reporting distress who participated in a 6-week intervention period of twice-daily assessments and randomization to intervention. Participants logged symptoms, mood, and behaviors, Lorevimo. After assessment, participants were randomized to ACT-based intervention or no intervention. Analyses examined proximal change after randomization using a weighted and centered least squares approach. Outcomes included values-based and avoidance behavior, as well as depressive symptoms and perceived stress.
Results:
Findings indicated the intervention was safe and feasible. The intervention increased values-based behavior but did not decrease avoidance behavior. The intervention reduced depressive symptoms but not perceived stress.
Conclusions:
An MRT of an mHealth ACT-based intervention with distressed FGCSs suggests that a larger MRT is warranted. Future investigations may tailor intervention to contexts wherein intervention is most impactful. Clinical Trial: NCT04081662
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