Group-based ACT for Psychological Distress of Young People

Summary

This clinical study investigates the effectiveness of two psychological treatment formats for young people aged 16-25 with symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, or interpersonal difficulties. The study compares group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with treatment as usual (TAU), most frequent that would be individual psychotherapy, both of which are established treatment approaches.

The study uses a randomized controlled design (RCT), in which participants are randomly assigned to one of the two treatment conditions. This allows for a systematic comparison of treatment outcomes between ACT delivered in a group format and standard individual therapy.

The ACT group intervention consists of a structured program in which participants meet regularly over a defined treatment period. The treatment focuses on processes such as psychological flexibility, acceptance of internal experiences, and engagement in actions aligned with personal values.

The individual therapy condition consists of one-to-one sessions with a clinician, following standard therapeutic practice. Treatment content and duration are tailored to the participant's clinical presentation and therapeutic needs.

Outcome measures include standardized assessments of mental health symptoms, functioning, and psychological processes. These assessments are conducted at baseline, during the treatment period, at post-treatment, and at follow-up time points. Data collected from these measures will be used to evaluate changes over time and differences between the two treatment conditions.

The primary aim of the study is to determine whether group-based ACT is as effective as, or more effective than, individual psychotherapy for young people receiving mental health services. The results are expected to contribute to improved knowledge about treatment options for this age group and inform future clinical practice.

Conditions

• Depression - Major Depressive Disorder
• Depression Anxiety Disorder
• Anxiety
• Anxiety Depression

Interventions

OTHER

Group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Group-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) consists of a structured, manualized group intervention delivered according to established ACT principles and tailored for young people. The intervention is provided in a group format within specialized mental health services and focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility through core ACT processes. Treatment is delivered by trained clinicians, and the group format emphasizes experiential exercises, mindfulness practices, values-based work, and peer interaction. The frequency and duration of sessions follow the study protocol.

OTHER

TAU

Treatment as Usual (TAU) consists of standard mental health care provided according to routine clinical practice within hospital-based specialized mental health services, as well as through municipal health services and student health services when applicable. The type, format (e.g., individual or group-based), frequency, and duration of care are determined by clinical need and may vary between participants.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Oslo

  collaborator OTHER

• Helse Sor-Ost

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Karolinska Institutet

  collaborator OTHER

• Australian Catholic University

  collaborator OTHER

• Sorlandet Hospital HF

  lead OTHER_GOV

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-03-09

Primary Completion

2028-12-31

Completion

2028-12-31

Countries

• Norway

Study Locations