ACTsocially: The (Dis)Similarities of ACT for Changing Internalizing and Externalizing Symptomatology in Adolescence

Social functioning, fundamental to adolescent's development and mental health, may be impaired by polarizing problematic social functioning, namely externalizing symptoms manifested by Oppositional Defiant Disorder and internalizing symptoms portrayed by Social Anxiety Disorder. Despite their high prevalence and similar associated impairments, interventions targeting these disorders are differently conceived. Alternatively, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) proposes that those apparently dissimilar social difficulties are rooted in similar processes. Though research has shown ACTs' efficacy in changing adults' internalizing and externalizing symptoms, studies on the potential of ACT in changing those problematics in adolescence are still scarce. This project proposes to conduct three clinical trials to test the efficacy and (dis)similarities of an transdiagnostic ACT intervention for changing internalizing and externalizing symptomatology in adolescents. It will amplify the transdiagnostic and evidence-based application of ACT to adolescents presenting polarizing disorders in the social functioning spectrum.