An interventional study of Web-based ACT intervention for University Students in No Disease, sponsored by National University of Modern Languages. Completed at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 25 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-04.
Sponsored by National University of Modern Languages · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
University students frequently experience psychological distress, reduced wellbeing, and academic challenges associated with the transition to higher education. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted web-based intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving an eight-session online mindfulness program or a wait-list control group. The intervention was designed to improve mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, quality of life, and academic functioning. Outcomes were assessed using standardized self-report measures administered before and after the intervention. The study examined whether participation in the intervention resulted in significant improvements compared with the wait-list control condition.
University students commonly encounter academic, social, and personal stressors that increase their risk of psychological distress and negatively affect wellbeing and academic performance. Although mindfulness-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving mental health outcomes, evidence regarding culturally adapted web-based interventions for Pakistani university students remains limited.
This study developed and evaluated a culturally appropriate web-based intervention grounded in the six core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), including acceptance, cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. The intervention was delivered online over eight weekly sessions and included psychoeducation, mindfulness exercises, breathing practices, experiential activities, and home assignments.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted among undergraduate psychology students enrolled at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group or a wait-list control group. Standardized measures of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, quality of life, academic psychological capital, work engagement, and general psychological health were administered before and after the intervention to evaluate its effectiveness.
National University of Modern Languages is the lead sponsor of 9 studies on the registry; 4 are open to participants now.
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Undergraduate university students enrolled at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Islamabad.
Aged 18 years or older. Able to read and understand English and Urdu (or the language used for the intervention and questionnaires).
Willing to participate and provide written . Able to access the internet and complete the web-based intervention activities.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants currently receiving any psychological treatment or psychotherapy. Participants with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder that would interfere with participation.
Participants unable to complete the web-based intervention or study assessments.
Participants who did not provide .
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants received an eight-session web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention designed to improve mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and quality of life
Behavioral: Web-based ACT intervention for University Students
Participants were assigned to a wait-list control group and did not receive the intervention during the study period. They were offered the intervention after completion of the post-intervention assessment.
Participants received an eight-session web-based intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The intervention was delivered online and included psychoeducation, mindfulness meditation practices, breathing exercises, experiential activities, values clarification, acceptance and cognitive defusion exercises, present-moment awareness, self-as-context activities, committed action tasks, and weekly home practice assignments. Each session was designed to enhance mindfulness, psychological flexibility, wellbeing, and quality of life among university students
Change in wellbeing scores measured by the WHO-Five-Well-being Index
Wellbeing was assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in mindfulness scores measured by the Five facet mindfulness questionnaire (FFMQ)
Mindfulness was assessed at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Psychological Flexibility score measured by the Acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ-II)
It was administered at baseline and immediately after completion of the eight-session web-based intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Quality of Life score measured by the WHOQOL
it was assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Academic Psychological Capital score measured by Academic Psychological Capital Questionnaire
Academic Psychological Capital was measured before and after the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Academic Engagement score measured by Utrecht Work Engagement Scale for students (UWES)
Academic engagement was assessed before and after the intervention. before and after the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Change in Mental Health score measured by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12)
Mental health scores were assessed before and after the intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention (8 weeks)
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Ran from Mar 2024 to primary completion in Apr 2024, 0 months.
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This study is completed, as verified in Sep 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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National University of Modern Languages