Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS)
Volume 31, January 2024
Authors
Jade Burley, John McAloon
Abstract
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes et al., 1999) has gained evidence as an efficacious treatment for adolescent anxiety. The primary aim of this review was to evaluate research evidence about the efficacy of ACT when delivered in group-format for adolescent anxiety. The secondary aim was to undertake a subgroup analysis to assess the effect of group ACT on adolescent anxiety as a function of symptom severity. Finally, we aimed to assess the effect of group ACT on adolescent psychological inflexibility. Electronic databases PsycInfo (EBSCO); PubMed (NCBI); Scopus (Elsevier); Cochran Library; Embase (Ovid); MEDLINE (Ovid); Web of Science Core Collection (Thomson Reuters); and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses were searched for prospective longitudinal research involving 10–20-year-olds. No restrictions were placed on publication date. A systematic review and Meta-Analysis was conducted on studies that met inclusion criteria. Results indicated that group ACT had significant, positive, between group's effects on anxiety symptoms in adolescents post treatment. Within group's analysis revealed reductions in anxiety symptoms in adolescents at follow up that were greater than those observed post treatment. Subgroup analysis indicated differences in efficacy depending on symptom severity, suggesting that ACT may be most effective for adolescents with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety. Finally, group ACT had significant, positive, between group's effects on psychological inflexibility post treatment. Within group's analysis also revealed reductions in psychological inflexibility in adolescents at follow up. Limited publication bias was evident across the included studies. These findings indicate that group ACT may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in adolescents, particularly in cases involving clinically significant symptoms characterised by psychological inflexibility.