NCT06843395

ACT-based EMI in College Students

Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability and Effectiveness of an Transdiagnostic Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based Ecological Momentary Intervention in College Students: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: —
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a transdiagnostic, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based ecological momentary intervention (EMI) among college students. A mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to assess its impact on psychological flexibility, well-being and mental health outcomes.

Detailed description

Mental health issues are prevalent among college students, yet traditional interventions often face barriers related to accessibility and engagement. This study explores the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a transdiagnostic ACT-based EMI designed to deliver in-the-moment psychological support via digital platforms. A mixed-methods pilot RCT will be conducted, with participants randomly assigned to either the ACT-based EMI group or a mood monitoring group. Quantitative measures will assess changes in psychological flexibility, stress, anxiety, depression, and well-being, while qualitative interviews will provide insights into user experience, engagement, and perceived benefits or barriers. Findings from this study will inform the optimization of ACT-based digital interventions for college students and contribute to the growing field of personalized, technology-assisted mental health care.

Conditions

• Healthy Participants Study

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	ACT-based ecological momentary intervention	The intervention is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and includes the six core processes (being present, acceptance, defusion, self-as-content, values, and taking action). It is delivered in the form of an ecological momentary intervention (EMI), lasting for 7 days with two sessions per day. The intervention aims to enhance mental health, well-being, and psychological flexibility.
OTHER	Mood monitoring	Participants do not receive any intervention. During the intervention period, they only need to complete ecological momentary assessments twice a day.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-15
• Primary completion: 2025-08-01
• Completion: 2025-12-31
• First posted: 2025-02-25
• Last updated: 2025-03-11

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China