Mental HealthNCT07865962
ACT-Based Intervention for College Students' Mental Health
A study testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group Intervention and Personal Development Activities in people with Mental Health, run by Mehmet Akif Ersoy University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study evaluated the effects of a structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group intervention on college students' mental health. A total of 100 undergraduate students participated in the study and were assigned to an ACT intervention group, an active comparison group receiving personal development… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Mental Health
- What is being tested?
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group Intervention and Personal Development Activities
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Jan 2026to 28 May 2026
- 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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Undergraduate student
- Aged 18 years or older
- Able to attend all intervention sessions regularly
- Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
Who cannot join
- Presence of a serious psychiatric condition or cognitive impairment that could hinder participation in the study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
Burdur, 15030
About this study
Official title: Enhancing College Students' Mental Health Through an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Intervention
This study evaluated the effects of a structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group intervention on college students' mental health. A total of 100 undergraduate students participated in the study and were assigned to an ACT intervention group, an active comparison group receiving personal development activities, or a no-intervention control group. The ACT intervention consisted of seven weekly group sessions of approximately 90 minutes each. Outcomes included psychological flexibility, self-compassion, holistic well-being, and psychological symptoms. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and approximately 12 weeks after the post-intervention assessment.
- Conditions
- Mental Health
- Being tested
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group Intervention, Personal Development Activities
- Keywords
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychological Flexibility, Self-Compassion, Holistic Well-Being, Psychological Symptoms, College Students
- Medical subject headings
- Psychological Well-Being
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group InterventionBehavioural
The intervention consisted of seven weekly group sessions, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. The program was based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and addressed core ACT processes, including present-moment awareness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, self-as-context, values, and committed action. The intervention aimed to improve psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and holistic well-being and to reduce psychological symptoms among college students.
Personal Development ActivitiesBehavioural
The placebo group received seven weekly group sessions of approximately 90 minutes each. The sessions focused on personal development topics, including time management, communication, motivation, study skills, goal setting, personal awareness, and adjustment to college life. No ACT-specific techniques were included in these sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| ACT-Based Intervention | Experimental | Participants received a structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group intervention consisting of seven weekly sessions of approximately 90 minutes each. The intervention addressed core ACT processes, including present-moment awareness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, self-as-context, values, and committed action. Receives: Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group Intervention |
| Placebo Group | Active comparator | Participants in the placebo group received seven weekly group sessions of approximately 90 minutes each focusing on personal development topics, including time management, communication, motivation, study skills, goal setting, personal awareness, and adjustment to college life. The sessions did not include ACT-specific techniques. Receives: Behavioral: Personal Development Activities |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in the control group did not receive any psychological or psychoeducational intervention during the study period. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Psychological Flexibility
Psychological flexibility was assessed using the Acceptance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth-8 (AFQ-Y8), an 8-item self-report measure. Items were reverse-coded so that higher scores indicated greater psychological flexibility.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Change in Self-Compassion
Self-compassion was assessed using the 12-item Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Higher scores indicate higher levels of self-compassion.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Change in Holistic Well-Being
Holistic well-being was assessed using the 12-item Holistic Wellbeing Measure. Higher scores indicate higher levels of holistic well-being.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Change in Psychological Symptoms
Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), an 18-item self-report measure assessing depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms. Higher scores indicate greater psychological symptom severity.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Oct 2026
- Study start15 Jan 2026
- Primary completion28 May 2026
- Study completion28 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Mental HealthStudies 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
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hakan ACAR, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07865962
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ACT-MH-2025-01
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 8 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in this study will be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Enhancing College Students' Mental Health Through an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Intervention
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07865962
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ACT-MH-2025-01
- Conditions
- Mental Health
- Keywords
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychological Flexibility, Self-Compassion, Holistic Well-Being, Psychological Symptoms, College Students
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Mehmet Akif Ersoy UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Oct 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.
This study evaluated the effects of a structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group intervention on college students' mental health. A total of 100 undergraduate students participated in the study and were assigned to an ACT intervention group, an active comparison group receiving personal development activities, or a no-intervention control group. The ACT intervention consisted of seven weekly group sessions of approximately 90 minutes each. Outcomes included psychological flexibility, self-compassion, holistic well-being, and psychological symptoms. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and approximately 12 weeks after the post-intervention assessment.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| ACT-Based Intervention | Experimental | Behavioral: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group InterventionParticipants received a structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based group intervention consisting of seven weekly sessions of approximately 90 minutes each. The intervention addressed core ACT processes, including present-moment awareness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, self-as-context, values, and committed action. |
| Placebo Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Personal Development ActivitiesParticipants in the placebo group received seven weekly group sessions of approximately 90 minutes each focusing on personal development topics, including time management, communication, motivation, study skills, goal setting, personal awareness, and adjustment to college life. The sessions did not include ACT-specific techniques. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in the control group did not receive any psychological or psychoeducational intervention during the study period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Undergraduate student
- Aged 18 years or older
- Able to attend all intervention sessions regularly
- Voluntary participation and provision of informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Presence of a serious psychiatric condition or cognitive impairment that could hinder participation in the study
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group InterventionThe intervention consisted of seven weekly group sessions, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. The program was based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and addressed core ACT processes, including present-moment awareness, cognitive defusion, acceptance, self-as-context, values, and committed action. The intervention aimed to improve psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and holistic well-being and to reduce psychological symptoms among college students. | Behavioural | ACT-Based Intervention |
| Personal Development ActivitiesThe placebo group received seven weekly group sessions of approximately 90 minutes each. The sessions focused on personal development topics, including time management, communication, motivation, study skills, goal setting, personal awareness, and adjustment to college life. No ACT-specific techniques were included in these sessions. | Behavioural | Placebo Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Psychological Flexibility
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Psychological flexibility was assessed using the Acceptance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth-8 (AFQ-Y8), an 8-item self-report measure. Items were reverse-coded so that higher scores indicated greater psychological flexibility.
Change in Self-Compassion
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Self-compassion was assessed using the 12-item Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF). Higher scores indicate higher levels of self-compassion.
Change in Holistic Well-Being
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Holistic well-being was assessed using the 12-item Holistic Wellbeing Measure. Higher scores indicate higher levels of holistic well-being.
Change in Psychological Symptoms
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention
Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), an 18-item self-report measure assessing depression, anxiety, and somatization symptoms. Higher scores indicate greater psychological symptom severity.
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 8 Oct 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in this study will be available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-Based Group Intervention and Personal Development Activities in people with Mental Health, run by Mehmet Akif Ersoy University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 4 inclusion and 1 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 8 Oct 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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 Psychological Flexibility (time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (approximately 7 weeks), and approximately 12 weeks after post-intervention). The study lists 4 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 8 Oct 2026.