Smoking cessation avatar-led Acceptance and Commitment Therapy digital intervention: feasibility and acceptability in young adults

Smoking remains a global concern especially among youth and smoking cessation interventions have not been particularly successful with this age group. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an innovative avatar-led, digital intervention grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for smoking cessation in youth. Participants were 49 university student smokers, aged 18-28 years old (Mage = 22.50, SD = 2.56; 64.3% females). Participants found the program satisfactory, useful, and motivating. Participants enjoyed the digitally unique components of the intervention, such as videos, metaphors, and games, more than the overall graphics and the appearance of the avatars. Results of this study are encouraging for the acceptability and satisfaction with avatar-led digitized ACT interventions for smoking cessation targeting young smokers. Participants suggested that future program advances should include a more reality-based user experience and more interactive avatars. Future adaptations should consider additional ways to decrease attrition rates and further increase satisfaction and motivation to complete the program and quit smoking.