Trauma-Informed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy With Peer Coaching for College Students: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Alex A. Ajayi, Jacob Schachter, Noah Goblirsch, Rui Zhou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The current pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a mental health promotion intervention for college students based on trauma-focused acceptance and commitment therapy (Harris, 2021). This hybrid intervention combined web-based modules with peer coaching in a research lab setting. Seventy-eight students were randomized to either the intervention group, “Present and Open for Values” training, or an active control group, “Crash Course” training. Psychological distress and life satisfaction levels were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months postintervention. Open-ended feedback, rating scales, and completion rates suggested that both conditions were well-received and feasible. Longitudinal mixed-effects regression models with subject-specific intercepts were used to examine intervention effects. Participants in the Present and Open for Values condition reported significantly greater reductions in psychological distress levels compared to the control group, both at the end of the intervention and 3-month follow-up. Additionally, they reported significantly greater improvements in life satisfaction levels at these same intervals compared to baseline measurements. No significant changes in these outcomes were observed for the control condition. These findings suggest that the Present and Open for Values intervention with peer coaching is a promising approach for addressing mental health issues among college students, with the potential to be scaled up for broader implementation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)30-44
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of counseling psychology
Volume72
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 24 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 The Author(s)

Keywords

  • college students
  • peer coaching
  • randomized controlled trial
  • trauma-focused acceptance and commitment therapy
  • web-based intervention

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

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