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Evaluation

Category: Treatment - Mindfulness & Acceptance

Symposium 57 - Evaluating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Outcomes Across Behavioral Health Contexts

Saturday, November 18, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Location: Chelais (305), Level 3
CE: 1.5

Keywords: ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy), Psychotherapy Outcome, Randomized Controlled Trial
Level of Familiarity: All
Recommended Readings: Twohig, M. P., Levin, M. E., & Ong, C. W. (2021). ACT in steps: A transdiagnostic manual for learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Oxford University Press.,   Luoma, J., Rossi, S. L., Sereda, Y., Pavlov, N., Toussova, O., Vetrova, M. V., Bendiks, S., Kiriazova, T., Krupitsky, E., Lioznov, D., Blokhina, E., Lodi, S., & Lunze, K. (In press). An Acceptance-Based, Intersectional Stigma Coping Intervention for People with HIV Who Inject Drugs – an Open-Label RCT in St. Petersburg, Russia. Lancet-Regional Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4182419 target="_blank">http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4182419,   LeJeune, J, & Luoma, J. (2019) Values in Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Helping Clients Explore Values, Increase Psychological Flexibility, and Live a More Meaningful Life. Context Press.,   Woods, D. & Twohig, M. P. (2023). Trichotillomania: An ACT-Enhanced Behavior Therapy Approach, Workbook, 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press.,   Karekla, M. & Kelly, M. M. (2022). Cravings and Addictions: Free Yourself from the Struggle of Addictive Behavior with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger Publications.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic approach aimed to increase vitality and create a meaningful life in the midst of painful emotional experiences. This symposium includes four studies, united with the goals of enhancing access to evidence-based treatment that promotes well-being. A range of ACT interventions will be discussed: (1) a group treatment aimed at reducing stigma for people who inject drugs, (2) a one-day workshop for physical activity in overweight or obese populations, (3) a digital app-based intervention for patients with chronic pain, and (4) a fully automated self-help website for trichotillomania. The research questions are approached through randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, including participants from across three countries. Treatment outcomes and processes of change (e.g., acceptance, psychological flexibility) will be discussed. These studies aim to reach and engage people who may not have access to adequate treatment across diverse contexts, addressing challenges navigating barriers to effective care.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the learner will be able to:
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of ACT interventions delivered across group, workshop, and digital formats.
  • Compare treatment outcomes of ACT interventions with treatment as usual and waitlist conditions.
  • Describe recent developments and challenges of in the application of ACT to promote behavior change in public health settings.
  • Discuss a variety of clinical applications using ACT to enhance well-being across diverse contexts.
  • Identify barriers to care across behavioral and chronic health populations.