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NCT Number: NCT07753837

Web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention for 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.

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Key information

Conditions

No Disease

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.

Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

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.

Exclusion criteria

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.

Treatment and study plan

Web-based ACT intervention for University Students

Behavioral

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

Primary outcomes

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Quality of Life score measured by the WHOQOL

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)

    it was assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention.

  2. Change in Academic Psychological Capital score measured by Academic Psychological Capital Questionnaire

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)

    Academic Psychological Capital was measured before and after the intervention.

  3. Change in Academic Engagement score measured by Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for students (UWES)

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)

    Academic engagement was assessed before and after the intervention. before and after the intervention.

  4. Change in Mental Health score measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)

    Mental health scores were assessed before and after the intervention.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National University of Modern Languages

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Preliminary Effectiveness Study of Web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention for Promoting Wellbeing in University Students

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Aug 10, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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