Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Master of Arts
Program
Education
Supervisor
Malkin, Albert
Abstract
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic intervention that holds promise in improving well-being across various contexts. The current scoping review aims to examine the literature on the use of ACT interventions in higher education to improve aspects of student well-being and academic outcomes. Chapter 2 summarizes the results of the review and includes 34 peer-reviewed empirical research articles that applied ACT interventions with higher education students. Online and in-person interventions were both widely used and found to be effective. Though these outcomes are promising, nearly half of the articles reviewed provided insufficient detail to allow for replication and reported scant demographic details. Strengths, limitations, and directions for future research involving ACT interventions are discussed, in the interest of further aligning research with the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science Task Force recommendations, and most importantly, supporting students. Chapter 3 focuses on future areas of research and opportunities for the use of ACT.
Summary for Lay Audience
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an intervention that is used to address various difficulties, like anxiety, depression, physical pain, and inflexibility. The current dissertation includes three sections. The first aims to provide an overview of the mental health crisis in higher education as well as an overview of the history of ACT. Chapter 2 explores the available research on the use of ACT to improve psychological and academic well-being in students pursuing studies in college or university. 34 articles were included in the review and details on the ACT programs and impacts on psychological and academic well-being are discussed. Finally, chapter 3 discusses future areas of research and focuses on some of the limitations of the review in chapter 2.
Recommended Citation
Caimano, Sarah, "A Scoping Review of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Higher Education" (2023). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 9354.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/9354
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