Brief online ACT intervention to improve adolescents’ well-being: Effectiveness among adolescents with depressive symptoms during COVID-19

Background: The mental health and well-being of children and adolescents declined globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people need support, yet relatively few receive psychological help, even among those who experience psychological symptoms. The existing options for support that focus on the traditional one-on-one treatment delivery approach require alternatives that can be widely disseminated. Purpose: The current study examined the effectiveness of a brief acceptance- and values-based online intervention for alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and for improving psychological flexibility among adolescents who experience depressive symptoms. Methods: A total of 43 adolescents reporting elevated levels of depression symptoms who were selected from a total of 348 adolescents were randomized to receive a five-week intervention with support from a coach and/or virtual coach or to participate in the treatment-as-usual control condition. Results: The results suggest that the online intervention alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety, while adolescents who received only the usual support from their schools reported increasing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic (Cohen’s d = 0.70 and d = 0.66, respectively). Conclusions: The online intervention is a promising alternative to respond to the increased need for support among young people who experience ill-being. Technology-based approaches can increase the reach of evidence-based psychological support while also offering an acceptable and motivating approach to young people who may not actively seek traditional face-to-face treatment. The current results support the inclusion of online support in the services provided to young people facing mental health problems.