Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Grief Program for Students (GPS)

Abstract ―​

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzes the grief experiences of people who lost their loved ones (death) and those who had difficulty adjusting to the new normal or a broken relationship (non-death). This research aims to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Grief Program for Students (GPS). Among the twelve participants who voluntarily agreed to be included in the study, nine student participants were able to meet the criteria: 18-26 years old with mild to moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress as reflected on the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS21) and high levels of psychological inflexibility based on Acceptance and Commitment Questionnaire (AAQ-II) and enrolled in the present school year from any levels and degrees. The researchers utilized the multiple case design to evaluate the GPS. DASS21 and AAQ-II were administered to the participants before and after the intervention to measure the effectiveness of ACT in GPS. An in-depth interview was conducted, and responses were transcribed, coded, and categorized into themes. Findings revealed that participants acquired lower degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress and lower levels of psychological inflexibility. Identified strengths are organization and structure of the sessions, psychological flexibility skills, counselor-counselee relationship, and overall experience and significant learning. The areas for improvement are additional activities and discussion during the intervention phase.