Abdul Khaiyom, Jamilah Hanum and Abdul Aziz, Amani Fadzlina and Md Rosli, Ahmad Nabil and Bahari, Che Amnah and Abdullah, Nur Sakinah Thomas (2022) i-ACT for life: a prevention module featuring integrated elements of Islamic Spirituality and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. ISBN 978-967-19812-6-9
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Abstract
“How can we help our young adults to thrive during COVID-19?” It is all started with this question. As academics and mental health professionals, we observed that university students struggle with multiple responsibilities, expectations, and the need to adapt fast during the early COVID-19. Many try to get help. Unfortunately, resources such as psychological services were scarce. For many months, one-on-one, face-to-face psychological services were halted during the early pandemic. Understandably, everybody was adjusting and trying to adapt. It does not exclude mental health professionals. In our region, not many were trained to conduct psychological services online. Ethical issues such as confidentiality and threats to the security and integrity of information were some of the challenges faced by mental health professionals. This slower the transition process to e-psychosocial services. Nevertheless, we learn, and we learn fast. We embody resilience. We continue reaching out to our young adults. Guided by the stepped care model, we believe the first step is to empower young adults to self-help using the tools in their hands – digitalized technology. Self-Help Plus (SH+) WHO’s 5-session stress management course, with pre-recorded audio and an illustrated guide (Doing What Matters in Times of Stress), is the perfect module to be adapted and utilized. Moreover, many people turn to religion and spirituality in times of crisis; hence, the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental disorders must be integrated with spiritual elements. Knowing that people are overwhelmed with information during the pandemic leads us to believe that the services we want to provide must be simplified following a micro-content framework. It must also not take much of our young adults’ time to learn and practice the skills. Yet, we believe it must be frequent. With the above plan, we crafted the i-ACT For LifeTM module and designed it to appeal to young adults. Then, we piloted it and found it was feasible, appropriate, and, most importantly, accepted by our young adults. We further tested it in a Randomized Controlled Trial, and we found positive results. i-ACT For LifeTM was able to reduce the psychological distress of our young adults. Not only that, but it also increases their self-compassion, psychological flexibility, and resilience! We hope to continuously run the programme using digitalized technology and move towards more sustainable services. Meanwhile, we know we must not stop. This self-help book is published to materialize our i-ACT For LifeTM. So, while reaching our goals to digitalize it permanently, we hope the materials here will be helpful for people who find it beneficial in this format.
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