Psychology

An internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy program for anxious affect, depression, and wellbeing: A randomized, parallel, two-group, waitlist-controlled trial in a Middle Eastern sample of college students

Z. Vally, H. Shah, et al.

College students in the Middle East face elevated anxiety and depression and sociocultural barriers to help-seeking. This study evaluated a bespoke 4-module, internet-delivered, self-directed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program in a randomized, waitlist-controlled trial with 129 students; the intervention significantly reduced generalized and social anxiety and improved wellbeing. This research was conducted by Zahir Vally, Harshil Shah, Sabina-Ioana Varga, Widad Hassan, Mariam Kashakesh, Wafa Albreiki, and Mai Helmy.

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~3 min • Beginner • English

Index

Abstract

Background: College students are at elevated risk for anxiety and depression, and sociocultural barriers in Middle Eastern contexts impede help-seeking. Internet-delivered, self-directed programs may address this gap. Method: A bespoke 4-module, internet-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program was developed and evaluated in a randomized, parallel, two-group, waitlist-controlled trial with 129 college students. Outcomes (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, wellbeing) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: The intervention significantly reduced generalized and social anxiety and improved wellbeing. Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of internet-delivered ACT in a Middle Eastern college student context.

Publisher

PLOS ONE

Published On

Dec 05, 2024

Authors

Zahir Vally, Harshil Shah, Sabina-Ioana Varga, Widad Hassan, Mariam Kashakesh, Wafa Albreiki, Mai Helmy

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0313243

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