Group-based acceptance and commitment therapy and long-term conditions: a quantitative exploration of effectiveness

Majumdar, Sarah 2017. Group-based acceptance and commitment therapy and long-term conditions: a quantitative exploration of effectiveness. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Approximately a quarter of people with a long-term condition experience a comorbid mental illness. This can result in poor clinical outcomes, quality of life and prognosis. Cost-effective psychological interventions which can improve outcomes are required. Although empirical support for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been growing in the last ten years, reviews in the context of group-based ACT are lacking. Paper 1 presents a systematic review of randomised-controlled trials of group-based ACT for adults with long-term conditions. PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were electronically searched and twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed and study outcomes are summarised across a range of domains including depression, anxiety, quality of life and disability. Overall, findings suggest that group-based ACT appears to be more effective than waiting list controls and as effective as other psychological interventions. Paper 2 presents a randomised pilot study of group-based ACT for stroke survivors. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first randomised study of group-based ACT with stroke survivors. Fifty-three participants (60% male; mean age: 63 years) were randomly assigned to group-based ACT or to a treatment as usual (TAU) group. The ACT intervention consisted of four weekly 2-hour group sessions. Measures were completed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and two month follow-up. Results found that compared to participants in the TAU control, group-based ACT significantly reduced depression and increased self-rated health status and hopefulness in stroke survivors, with medium effect sizes. Significantly more participants reached clinically significant change of depression in the ACT intervention in comparison to the control group. Paper 3 is not intended for publication and consists of a critical appraisal of the research process. Strengths and limitations of the research are discussed, as well as implications for future research, theory and clinical practice. Personal-professional reflections are offered.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Submission
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Acceptance and commitment therapy,stroke, long-term conditions, group-based
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	14 August 2017
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2021 16:43
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/103604

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