Online and in-person Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training for university students: a non-randomized comparative trial of feasibility and outcomes.

INTRODUCTION There is a growing need to implement cost-effective interventions for university students and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) - Skills Training (ST) has shown promising results as a stand-alone intervention in various settings.

Aims

This pre-post study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of an 8-week DBT-ST program provided in in-person and online formats.

Method

Pre- and post-treatment self-report assessments were administered, including measures of distress, emotion dysregulation, self-compassion, and academic self-efficacy. Feasibility and acceptability indicators included attendance, dropout, and satisfaction. Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach.

Results

One hundred twenty-three undergraduate and graduate students were included. Seventy-three participants (29 in-person, 44 online) completed the assessment battery at the end of the program. Significant improvements were observed in emotion dysregulation, self-compassion, and academic self-efficacy with smaller changes in psychological distress. Greater improvements were observed among participants with higher initial distress. Treatment dropout was minimal and overall satisfaction was high across both formats.

Discussion

Findings suggest that DBT-ST represents a feasible and acceptable group intervention for university students, with preliminary evidence of benefits in emotion regulation and academic self-efficacy. Further controlled studies are needed to establish effectiveness and clarify the role of delivery format.