New Publication Alert: Protocol Paper for Unburdened – Embedded ACTraining in Veterinary Professional Education Programs

While working in any animal-related job can be rewarding, it can also be challenging, especially in veterinary medicine. Over the years, there has been growing recognition that evidence-based approaches are needed to  support the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary healthcare providers.

The Veterinary Psychology Lab at Kent State University has been working hard to better understand the contributors to stress and burnout in veterinary medicine and to develop tools that offer meaningful support. One of these efforts is Unburdened, an Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACTraining)-based intervention. Prior research from our lab  has demonstrated Unburdened’s effectiveness in enhancing mental health outcomes, and we are thrilled to share that our next phase of work has been published as a protocol paper!

Our new article, “Effects of Embedded Acceptance and Commitment Training in Veterinary Medical and Technology Programs as Students Transition in the Workforce: A Study Protocol,” is now available on PLOS ONE. This paper was authored by Drs. Spitznagel, Martin, and Bennett, from the Veterinary Psychology lab, with collaborators across Kent State University’s Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus State Community College’s Veterinary Technology Program, and Utah State University’s Psychology Department.

With data collection already underway at both Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Registered Veterinary Technology programs, this study will evaluate whether the digital, self-guided version of Unburdened – embedded directly into the final year of veterinary education – helps protect them from stress, burnout, and symptoms of depression and anxiety as trainees transition into the workforce. This transition period is a vulnerable time for emerging veterinary professionals, making early proactive support especially important.

Thanks to open access, anyone can read the full protocol here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0334898

To learn more about our lab’s ongoing research – or opportunities for prospective graduate students – visit: https://www.unburdened.online/research and https://www.petcaregiverburden.com/single-post/announcing-graduate-assistantship-fall-2026