A Brief Behavioral Intervention to Increase Social Connection in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Kristen Pedersena, Savannah Millerb, Mavis Tsaic

Abstract
Social connection is fundamental to humans’ mental and physical well-being. Developed with Functional Analytic Psychotherapy’s principles of Awareness, Courage & Love (ACL), a three-week group intervention aimed to increase social connection among undergraduates. This intervention is especially relevant given that students’ sense of social isolation and mental health challenges have been magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACL intervention condition (n=16) engaged in exercises involving self-reflection, self-disclosure, and responsiveness to others. The control group (n=14) took part in a structured study hall. Intervention participants reported increased feelings of belonging on campus and closeness to one another. Results underscore the potential for targeted ACL interventions to help increase college students’ feelings of belonging and social connection.

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