Effect of Confucian-based acceptance and commitment therapy(C-ACT) on mental health and psychological flexibility improvement of college students: A randomized controlled trial

Chinese university students face multiple psychological pressures from social and economic aspects. Despite the availability of evidence-based psychological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), there is a widespread tendency among these students to forgo seeking help. Thus, there is an urgent need to design an efficient and concise psychological intervention method. Theoretical Model of Confucian Self-Development (TMCS), represented by Zeng Guofan's ethical practices and cultivation techniques of the Qing Dynasty in China, offers the possibility of cross-cultural adaptation of Confucian ethics and ACT through Psychological Flexibility, and from this, the development of the Confucian-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (C-ACT) intervention program. Through A Randomized Controlled Trial, 76 college student participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (C-ACT, n = 38) versus a control group (Mindfulness-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, M-ACT). All participants received an 8-week intervention session with a social worker and counselor. The results of the study showed that the C-ACT group and the M-ACT group showed significant improvements in the levels of Psychological Flexibility and Psychological Distress at all stages, and in addition, the C-ACT group showed a more significant level of improvement in Harnessing than the M-ACT group. Therefore, C-ACT is a compelling psychological intervention for college students in mainland China and has significant potential for cross-cultural improvement and intervention organization based on the group's cultural background.