Italian YOLO: a web-based ACT program to boost student wellbeing
Official title: Italian YOLO: A Web-Based ACT Mental Health Promotion Intervention for University Students
Run by University of Bologna · NCT07654569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A web-based ACT program called Italian YOLO is tested to see if it improves psychological wellbeing and reduces distress among university students.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Bologna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bologna, BO) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07654569 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students currently enrolled who experience subclinical to mild-to-moderate distress and are seeking a flexible, online mental health resource.
✕Probably not a fit
Students with severe mental illness or those needing urgent clinical treatment may not benefit from this self-help online program alone.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study tests a web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program designed to promote mental health in university students. The program targets psychological distress, wellbeing, and academic stress by increasing psychological flexibility and reducing avoidance of difficult thoughts and emotions. It uses a transdiagnostic approach to address a range of student mental health needs and aims to fit into busy academic schedules with online delivery. The study builds on prior work showing ACT-based, internet-delivered interventions can reduce distress and improve well-being in students. Research is conducted with students enrolled at the University of Bologna, with collaboration from The University of Queensland, to evaluate feasibility and potential benefits of the Italian YOLO program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide a scalable, accessible way for students to improve mood and functioning without long wait times or in-person appointments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous web-based ACT interventions with university students have shown reductions in distress and improvements in well-being and related processes.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * University Students Exclusion Criteria: * Not enrolled in university
Where it's running
-
Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestari"
Bologna, Bo, Italy Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Giulia Landi Senior assistant professor, PhD
- Email: giulia.landi7@unibo.it
- Phone: +39 0547 338535
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.