Initial Acceptability and Outcomes of Group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescent Anxiety

Anxiety among adolescents is pervasive, necessitating novel treatment approaches, such as DNA-v (Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor, along with values), a developmental adaptation of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

This study was a preliminary test of group DNA-v with a racially diverse sample of youths (N=7; mean age=16.28 years) already receiving mental health services for anxiety. Treatment comprised eight 90-minute weekly group sessions. Participants completed measures of psychological flexibility weekly, as well as anxiety and psychological inflexibility at pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up. Data were analyzed at the individual and aggregate level via means, percentage change, and reliable change indices.

Psychological flexibility remained relatively stable, and psychological inflexibility and anxiety decreased slightly. Participants rated the treatment as acceptable and positive.

This study offers initial promise for DNA-v as an intervention for racially diverse adolescents with anxiety and points to the need for more research on DNA-v.