Evaluating the Efficacy of ACT Your Way: Individual vs. Group Formats on Psychological Inflexibility and Symptoms of Psychopathology Among Transitional Age Youth

Abstract

Many adolescents and young adults, also referred to as transitional aged youth (i.e., youth aged 16 to 25; TAY), experience mental health challenges during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Despite the high prevalence of mental health issues during this period, TAY often receive treatment that does not address their specific developmental needs. ACT Your Way is a transdiagnostic intervention designed to address the unique challenges faced by TAY. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT Your Way in improving psychological flexibility and reducing symptoms of psychopathology, both internalizing and externalizing and compared these effects to treatment as usual (TAU). Additionally, the study examined the differential effects of group versus individual ACT Your Way. Results indicated that ACT Your Way showed significant improvements in psychological flexibility and decreased symptoms of internalizing problems. A trend towards significance was observed for externalizing problems. No significant differences were found between ACT Your Way and TAU. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the group and individual ACT Your Way format. These findings suggest that ACT Your Way may be a valuable intervention for TAY, offering benefits comparable to TAU and adaptable to individual or group settings. These results have implications for mental health practitioners and policymakers in selecting interventions that effectively address the needs of TAY. Future research with larger sample sizes is warranted to further explore the effectiveness of ACT Your Way and its potential benefits for TAY mental health care.