A pilot evaluation of an intervention program to reduce psychological vulnerability and stress in university students

Abstract

This pilot study developed and evaluated a six-week acceptance and commitment therapy–based intervention with an emphasized mindfulness component. Four university students participated in the intervention, and four served as a control group. Psychological vulnerability, operationalized as risk work-related patterns, and perceived stress were assessed before and after the intervention. In the intervention group, two participants showed a shift toward more adaptive work-related patterns, and stress levels decreased in two participants, whereas no pattern changes and increased stress were observed in two cases in the control group. Participants in the intervention group also reported satisfaction with the intervention and perceived subjective benefits. These preliminary findings indicate potential effectiveness and support further evaluation.