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.