The effects of a hybrid trauma-informed acceptance and commitment therapy intervention on stress and trauma symptoms among college students

Objective: This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled pilot trial examined whether a brief, hybrid trauma-informed acceptance and commitment therapy intervention, Present and Open for Values (POV), improved perceived stress, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and self-compassion among college students relative to an active control condition, and whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) moderated effects. Methods: Seventy-eight undergraduates were randomized to POV or control and completed assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Results: Compared with control participants, POV participants reported greater reductions in perceived stress at post-intervention, with a medium interaction effect. This differential effect was not maintained at follow-up. Self-compassion increased at follow-up in both conditions, with no evidence of differential change. No differential effects emerged for posttraumatic stress symptoms. ACE scores moderated follow-up self-compassion scores, such that higher ACE scores were associated with higher self-compassion in POV but lower self-compassion in control. Discussion: Findings underscore the potential of trauma-informed ACT interventions for college students.