Effectiveness of the acceptance and commitment therapy for resilience promotion in a non-clinical sample: A randomized controlled and a pilot study

Background: This research investigates the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in fostering resilience among non-clinical adolescents. The prevailing socio-economic and psychological challenges have notably affected vulnerable demographics, particularly adolescents, thereby underscoring the importance of resilience for mental health. Methods: This randomized controlled pilot study, carried out in Istanbul, sought to assess the effects of ACT interventions on resilience, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility in high school students. A total of 89 participants were assigned to either the ACT intervention group or a control group, with the intervention comprising six weekly sessions that emphasized key ACT principles, including mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. Results: Utilizing the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire, the findings indicated significant enhancements in resilience and self-compassion, alongside a decrease in psychological inflexibility within the ACT intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that ACT may be a promising approach for enhancing psychological resilience and self-compassion among adolescents. However, given the small sample size and baseline differences between groups, these findings should be interpreted with caution and warrant further investigation with larger, more diverse populations.