Novel ACT-based eHealth psychoeducational intervention for students with mental distress: a study protocol for a mixed-methodology pilot trial

Abstract

IntroductionRecent studies have revealed a high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among university students, highlighting an urgent need for preventative measures at low cost to better support often overwhelmed support services.ObjectiveHere we propose a protocol for assessing the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) for an online transdiagnostic psychoeducational intervention called ‘A Bite of ACT’ compared with a waitlist control.Methods and analysisThis is an RCT with crossover design involving baseline assessments and two follow-up periods. The primary outcome measure will be the Acceptance Checklist for Clinical Effectiveness Pilot Trials (ACCEPT) for measuring the feasibility of the trial design and methods. Secondary outcomes include measures of well-being, social connectedness, quality of life (EuroQol Five Dimensions), depression, anxiety and stress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21), as well as the process measures: psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Second Version and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale) and heart rate variability. Analysis will involve calculating descriptive statistics, examining trial feasibility outcomes through ACCEPT, and determining effect size measures to determine the sample size needed in a future trial (if indicated). Qualitative interviews and preliminary health economics analysis will provide additional insights into the feasibility of the intervention and trial methods.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Department of Psychology Research Ethics Committee in the College of Human and Health Sciences at Swansea University. Dissemination will involve publication in international peer-reviewed journals, presentation of findings at relevant local, national and international conferences, and promotion of study outcomes using social media and other channels for disseminating findings to the wider community.Trial registration numberNCT03810131; Pre-results.

The Complex Construct of Wellbeing and the Role of Vagal Function

“…“Self-connection” is rooted in the awareness of oneself, and the acceptance and alignment of behavior based on that awareness (e.g., Klussman, 2021 ). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), for example, utilizes mindfulness, acceptance, awareness and value-based action (i.e., behavioral alignment) to bring about a more connected (transcendent) self (Edwards et al, 2019 ; Hayes, 2019 ). We further suggest that self-connected individuals will display stronger mind-body integration, indexed through higher levels of vagal function.…”

Pengaruh Edukasi Gizi “Empire” Terhadap Kualitas Diet Dan Aktivitas Fisik Pada Wanita Dengan Gizi Lebih

“…Mindful eating merupakan makan dengan penuh perhatian, termasuk meningkatkan kesadaran dan fokus pada makan, kepekaan kepada tanda-tanda fisiologis dari rasa lapar, rasa kenyang, lingkungan makanan, dan karakteristik makanan. 11 Dalam penelitian Dunn et al didapatkan bahwa dengan penggunaan ESMMWL (Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less) yang menerapkan perhatian penuh pada saat makan menunjukkan adanya hubungan yang menguntungkan antara pola makan sadar dan penurunan berat badan. 11 Sejalan dengan studi Nurmasyita et al (2015) pemberian edukasi untuk peningkatan pengetahuan gizi dapat menurunkan tingkat kecukupan energi, protein, persentase asupan karbohidrat, lemak, dan peningkatan asupan serat.…”

“…11 Dalam penelitian Dunn et al didapatkan bahwa dengan penggunaan ESMMWL (Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less) yang menerapkan perhatian penuh pada saat makan menunjukkan adanya hubungan yang menguntungkan antara pola makan sadar dan penurunan berat badan. 11 Sejalan dengan studi Nurmasyita et al (2015) pemberian edukasi untuk peningkatan pengetahuan gizi dapat menurunkan tingkat kecukupan energi, protein, persentase asupan karbohidrat, lemak, dan peningkatan asupan serat. 12 Disamping itu, pelayanan kesehatan juga ditantang untuk menemukan alternatif yang inovatif, hemat biaya, dan meningkatkan layanan yang ada guna memenuhi kebutuhan masalah kesehatan.…”

Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso para Redução do Estresse em Universitários: Um Estudo Qualitativo

“…Além disso, diversos aspectos colaboram para o sofrimento psíquico dos estudantes universitários, como desempenho e rigor acadêmico, volume de trabalho escolar, problemas financeiros, mudanças no suporte social e nas situações de vida, e baixo equilíbrio entre trabalho, estudo e outras áreas (Leppink et al, 2016;Dachew et al, 2015). Assim, estudos recentes evidenciam uma alta prevalência de sintomatologia de depressão, estresse e ansiedade entre estudantes universitários, ressaltando a necessidade urgente de ações preventivas, de baixo custo, que promovam apoio e suporte emocional nas instituições de ensino superior (Edwards et al, 2019;Maia & Dias, 2020).…”