No DiseaseNCT07753837
Web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention for University Students
A study testing Web-based ACT intervention for University Students in people with No Disease, run by National University of Modern Languages at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
University students frequently experience psychological distress, reduced wellbeing, and academic challenges associated with the transition to higher education. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted web-based intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- No Disease
- What is being tested?
- Web-based ACT intervention for University Students
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 176 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Mar 2024to 19 Aug 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Undergraduate university students enrolled at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.
- Aged 18 years or older. Able to read and understand English and Urdu (or the language used for the intervention and questionnaires).
- Willing to participate and provide written informed consent. Able to access the internet and complete the web-based intervention activities.
Who cannot join
- Participants currently receiving any psychological treatment or psychotherapy. Participants with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder that would interfere with participation.
- Participants unable to complete the web-based intervention or study assessments.
- Participants who did not provide informed consent.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.
Islamabad, Islamabad, 44000
About this study
Official title: Preliminary Effectiveness Study of Web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention for Promoting Wellbeing in University Students
University students frequently experience psychological distress, reduced wellbeing, and academic challenges associated with the transition to higher education. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted web-based intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving an eight-session online mindfulness program or a wait-list control group. The intervention was designed to improve mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, quality of life, and academic functioning. Outcomes were assessed using standardized self-report measures administered before and after the intervention. The study examined whether participation in the intervention resulted in significant improvements compared with the wait-list control condition.
Read the detailed description
University students commonly encounter academic, social, and personal stressors that increase their risk of psychological distress and negatively affect wellbeing and academic performance. Although mindfulness-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes, evidence regarding culturally adapted web-based interventions for Pakistani university students remains limited.
This study developed and evaluated a culturally appropriate web-based intervention grounded in the six core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. The intervention was delivered online over eight weekly sessions and included psychoeducation, mindfulness exercises, breathing practices, experiential activities, and home assignments.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted among undergraduate psychology students enrolled at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group or a wait-list control group. Standardized measures of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, quality of life, academic psychological capital, work engagement, and general psychological health were administered before and after the intervention to evaluate its effectiveness.
- Conditions
- No Disease
- Being tested
- Web-based ACT intervention for University Students
- Keywords
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Web-Based ACT Intervention, Psychological Flexibility, Well-Being, Quality of Life, Mindfulness, Randomized Controlled Trial, University Students, Pakistan
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Web-based ACT intervention for University StudentsBehavioural
Participants received an eight-session web-based intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The intervention was delivered online and included psychoeducation, mindfulness meditation practices, breathing exercises, experiential activities, values clarification, acceptance and cognitive defusion exercises, present-moment awareness, self-as-context activities, committed action tasks, and weekly home practice assignments. Each session was designed to enhance mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and quality of life among university students
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Web-Based ACT Intervention | Experimental | Participants received an eight-session web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention designed to improve mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and quality of life Receives: Behavioral: Web-based ACT intervention for University Students |
| Wait-list Control | No intervention | Participants were assigned to a wait-list control group and did not receive the intervention during the study period. They were offered the intervention after completion of the post-intervention assessment. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in wellbeing scores measured by the WHO-Five-Well-being Index
Wellbeing was assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in mindfulness scores measured by the Five facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ)
Mindfulness was assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Psychological Flexibility score measured by the Acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ-II)
It was administered at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in Quality of Life score measured by the WHOQOL
it was assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Academic Psychological Capital score measured by Academic Psychological Capital Questionnaire
Academic Psychological Capital was measured before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Academic Engagement score measured by Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for students (UWES)
Academic engagement was assessed before and after the intervention. before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Mental Health score measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)
Mental health scores were assessed before and after the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Aug 2026
- Study start15 Mar 2024
- Primary completion10 Apr 2024
- Study completion19 Aug 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for No DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the web-based ACT intervention group or a wait-list control group. Both groups completed baseline and post-intervention assessments. The intervention group received an eight-session web-based ACT program, while the wait-list control group received no intervention during the study period and was offered the intervention after study completion.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 176 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National University of Modern Languages
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Asia Mushtaq, Study chair, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07753837
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NUML-PSY_2024/176
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 1 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 4 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Preliminary Effectiveness Study of Web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention for Promoting Wellbeing in University Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07753837
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NUML-PSY_2024/176
- Conditions
- No Disease
- Keywords
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Web-Based ACT Intervention, Psychological Flexibility, Well-Being, Quality of Life, Mindfulness, Randomized Controlled Trial, University Students
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 176 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National University of Modern LanguagesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Apr 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 19 Aug 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 10 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
University students frequently experience psychological distress, reduced wellbeing, and academic challenges associated with the transition to higher education. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted web-based intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving an eight-session online mindfulness program or a wait-list control group. The intervention was designed to improve mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, quality of life, and academic functioning. Outcomes were assessed using standardized self-report measures administered before and after the intervention. The study examined whether participation in the intervention resulted in significant improvements compared with the wait-list control condition.
Detailed description
University students commonly encounter academic, social, and personal stressors that increase their risk of psychological distress and negatively affect wellbeing and academic performance. Although mindfulness-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes, evidence regarding culturally adapted web-based interventions for Pakistani university students remains limited.
This study developed and evaluated a culturally appropriate web-based intervention grounded in the six core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. The intervention was delivered online over eight weekly sessions and included psychoeducation, mindfulness exercises, breathing practices, experiential activities, and home assignments.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted among undergraduate psychology students enrolled at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group or a wait-list control group. Standardized measures of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, quality of life, academic psychological capital, work engagement, and general psychological health were administered before and after the intervention to evaluate its effectiveness.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the web-based ACT intervention group or a wait-list control group. Both groups completed baseline and post-intervention assessments. The intervention group received an eight-session web-based ACT program, while the wait-list control group received no intervention during the study period and was offered the intervention after study completion.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Web-Based ACT Intervention | Experimental | Behavioral: Web-based ACT intervention for University StudentsParticipants received an eight-session web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention designed to improve mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and quality of life |
| Wait-list Control | No intervention | –Participants were assigned to a wait-list control group and did not receive the intervention during the study period. They were offered the intervention after completion of the post-intervention assessment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Undergraduate university students enrolled at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.
- Aged 18 years or older. Able to read and understand English and Urdu (or the language used for the intervention and questionnaires).
- Willing to participate and provide written informed consent. Able to access the internet and complete the web-based intervention activities.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Participants currently receiving any psychological treatment or psychotherapy. Participants with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder that would interfere with participation.
- Participants unable to complete the web-based intervention or study assessments.
- Participants who did not provide informed consent.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Web-based ACT intervention for University StudentsParticipants received an eight-session web-based intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The intervention was delivered online and included psychoeducation, mindfulness meditation practices, breathing exercises, experiential activities, values clarification, acceptance and cognitive defusion exercises, present-moment awareness, self-as-context activities, committed action tasks, and weekly home practice assignments. Each session was designed to enhance mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and quality of life among university students | Behavioural | Web-Based ACT Intervention |
Primary outcome
Change in wellbeing scores measured by the WHO-Five-Well-being Index
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Wellbeing was assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Change in mindfulness scores measured by the Five facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Mindfulness was assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Change in Psychological Flexibility score measured by the Acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ-II)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
It was administered at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in Quality of Life score measured by the WHOQOL
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Academic Psychological Capital score measured by Academic Psychological Capital Questionnaire
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Academic Engagement score measured by Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for students (UWES)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Mental Health score measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Asia Mushtaq study chair
National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Web-based ACT intervention for University Students in people with No Disease, run by National University of Modern Languages at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in wellbeing scores measured by the WHO-Five-Well-being Index (time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 Sep 2026.