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

OBJECTIVE: 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). METHODS: 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. RESULTS: Psychological flexibility remained relatively stable, and psychological inflexibility and anxiety decreased slightly. Participants rated the treatment as acceptable and positive. CONCLUSIONS: 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.