Feasibility of a Prototype Web-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Prevention Program for College Students

Objective: This study examined the feasibility of a prototype Web-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program for preventing mental health problems among college students. Participants: Undergraduate first-year students (N = 76) participated between May and November 2011. Methods: Participants were randomized to ACT or a waitlist, with assessments conducted at baseline, posttherapy, and 3-week follow-up. Waitlist participants accessed the program after the second assessment. Results: Program usability/usage data indicated high program acceptability. Significant improvements were found for ACT knowledge, education values, and depression with ACT relative to waitlist. Subgroup analyses indicated that ACT decreased depression and anxiety relative to waitlist among students with at least minimal distress. Within the ACT condition, significant improvements were observed from baseline to 3-week follow-up on all outcome and process measures. Conclusions: Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility of a Web-based ACT prevention program