Early Phase Clinical Trial to Test the Feasibility of an ACT-based Physical Activity Promotion Program for Adults With Depressive Symptoms

The goal of the proposed project is to conduct a feasibility clinical trial comparing group-based acceptance and commitment therapy for physical activity, (ACT; ACTivity) to a time- and attention-matched standard PA intervention (i.e., PA education, goal-setting, and self-monitoring) plus relaxation training comparison condition (Relaxercise) among 60 low-active adults (ages 18-65) with elevated depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomized to treatment condition, followed for 6 months, including the 8-week treatment. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to treatment condition, followed for 6 months, including the 8-week treatment, and receive a 6-month YMCA membership to equate access to PA facilities.

Inclusion Criteria: * Elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D score of greater than or equal to 10) * Low-active (less than 60 minutes per week of moderate intensity PA) * Willing and able to attend weekly virtual video sessions via Zoom Exclusion Criteria: * Regular mindfulness meditation practice (more than once per week) * Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5 or greater than 40 * History or presence of any condition that may limit or substantially increase the risks of physical activity * Active suicidal thoughts or behaviors * Currently participating in any exercise or weight-loss research studies * Household member is participating in this study * Does not have a Rhode Island mailing address OR if only Rhode Island mailing address is a PO box * Unable to receive materials in the mail at residential mailing address * Does not plan to live in Rhode Island for the next 6 months * Unable to speak, read, and/or write fluently in English