A Pilot Evaluation of the Low-Intensity Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Li-ACT) for Young People with Psychological Distress in a Chinese Context

Background:
Low-intensity mental healthcare addresses prevalent mental health issues, eliminates barriers to treatment access and bridges the service gap.

Objective:
This pilot study explored the feasibility, acceptability and initial effectiveness of Low-intensity Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Li-ACT) for youth experiencing subthreshold to mild and moderate psychological distress provided by paraprofessionals known as Well-being Practitioners (WPs).

Method:
A total of 406 participants were involved: 268 participants aged 12–17 (151 females, 117 males, M = 14.06 years) and 138 participants aged 18–24 (97 female, 41 male, M = 21.29 years). Participants attended seven individual weekly, 60-minute sessions and one follow-up session after six weeks.

Results:
Repeated ANOVA results showed significant improvements in psychological distress and flexibility, quality of life, and therapeutic alliance over time. Effect sizes ranged from small to large for participants under 18 and moderate to large for those aged 18 and above. Mixed ANOVA results suggested different patterns of change among clinical/non-clinical subgroups. The overall recovery rate was 34.07%, with 26.17% for 12–17-year-olds and 69.7% for 18–24-year-olds. Qualitative feedback indicated the acceptability and feasibility of Li-ACT across age groups, with suggestions for improvement.

Conclusions:
Li-ACT was acceptable, feasible and potentially effective. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.