The randomized controlled trial aims to assess effects of a coach-guided online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention on distressed family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) compared to the control group. A total of 64 family caregivers of PwD who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited and randomized to either the intervention group or the control group. Caregivers assigned to the intervention group will receive individual ACT sessions guided by a trained coach for one hour per week over 10 weeks through Zoom videoconferencing with supplemental psychoeducation materials provided. Caregivers assigned to the control group will receive care as usual with psychoeducation materials provided during the study period. Outcomes regarding caregivers' mental health will be collected at three time points (i.e., pretest, posttest, and 3-month follow-up) and compared between groups over time. Exploratory hypotheses are that the ACT group will show decreases in caregivers' psychological distress and burden and improvements in psychological quality of life and engagement in meaningful activities at posttest and 3-month follow-up, compared to the control group.
The randomized controlled trial aims to assess effects of a coach-guided ten-week online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention on distressed family caregivers of people with dementia (PwD) compared to the control group. A total of 64 family caregivers of PwD who meet the inclusion criteria will be recruited and randomized to either the intervention group or the control group. Exploratory hypotheses are that the ACT group will show decreases in caregivers' psychological distress and burden and improvements in psychological quality of life and engagement in meaningful activities at posttest and 3-month follow-up, compared to the control group.