ACT for adolescents: Impact of a pilot group intervention on psychological wellbeing. Issue 2 (7th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Kylie J.; Oxman, Lisa N.; Hayes, Louise
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychologists and counsellors in schools. Volume 30:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 248
• Page End: 254
• Publication Date: 2020-12-07
• Subjects: acceptance and commitment therapy, -- ACT, -- depression, -- anxiety, -- adolescents; Educational counseling -- Australia -- Periodicals; Educational counseling -- Periodicals; Child psychology -- Periodicals; School children -- Psychology -- Periodicals; 155.42405
• DOI: 10.1017/jgc.2019.33
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-6365

Abstract

Abstract: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has substantial support in adult populations but less among adolescents. To date, very little research has evaluated whether it can be delivered in a highly accessible school context. This study examined a 6-hour, weekly ACT-informed school-based group intervention for adolescent girls, focusing on anxiety, depression and building psychological flexibility. Participants ( N = 10) who completed the intervention experienced significantly lowered levels of anxiety and increased psychological flexibility, with postintervention scores for all variables trending in the expected directions. Findings provide preliminary support for the efficacy of the intervention and encourages further evaluation of ACT delivered in schools.