Brief report: a feasibility study of acceptance and commitment therapy in group format for social appearance anxiety

Social appearance anxiety has been reported in diverse university student populations. The aim of this study was to examine feasibility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in a group format for social appearance anxiety in university students. The participants were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 17) groups. The experimental group received ACT intervention in group format in total of 8 sessions whereas, control group did not receive any intervention. The data were collected from all participants at baseline (pre-test), after the intervention (post-test) and 3 weeks after the intervention (follow-up). The questionnaire consisted of demographic information form, Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS) and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II). Findings indicated that social appearance anxiety scores significantly reduced in the experimental group at post-test. This effect remained even three weeks after the intervention. The current findings provide evidence on feasibility of ACT intervention in a group format for social appearance in university students.