PowerPoints & Handouts

We encourage you to use the 2026 WC PowerPoint template. 

Please title your files using the following examples (session number, first presenter, title or truncated title, type):

• 23 - García- ACT for Pain - PPT
• 23 - García - ACT for Pain - Handout 1 and 2
• 23 - García - ACT for Pain - Handout 2
• 59 - Valenzuela - Derived Relational... - PPT

https://www.dropbox.com/request/R1LQIWanmLtj8JkEjQxd

Please add your POWERPOINT files above prior to June 30. ACBS will attempt to make as many English/French PPT translations as possible to make them available to attendees via the conference app.  This is ONLY POSSIBLE with PPT files, not PDFs.  (PPT files are happily accepted after June 30, but after that we can not guarantee that they will be available to attendees prior to your session.)

Printing Handouts

In an effort to reduce paper consumption at the conference, we will only be printing handouts that are worksheets to be completed during sessions. (PPT slides with space for notes are not considered worksheets.) If you have a worksheet that you would like to make available to your attendees, add it to the Dropbox folder (links above) by June 30 so that it can be printed. Make sure to indicate in the file name what needs to be printed (for example, “23 - García - ACT for Pain - Handout 1 - PRINT”). Copies will be delivered to your room just prior to your session during the conference.

Audio/Visual

In Lyon, each room is equipped with a HDMI and VGA+ cables.  Each room has a built in speaker system for playing sound from your laptop.  Each room also has a dry erase board (flip charts will not be available, because of the presence of the dry erase boards). 

All rooms have fixed, immovable seating except for rooms noted as "classrooms". We know that this isn't always ideal for workshops, so we wanted you to be aware so that you can plan.

Posters

Find detailed poster guidelines here.

Poster size: no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches, or A0 size. A smaller size is also permitted. VERTICAL orientation required.

Please consider using an engaging poster format such as the one described here. This should aid you in reaching your audience and getting the conversation started about your work.

**Please note, we are unable to print posters for presenters (or pay for poster printing), so please come to the conference prepared with your printed poster.

We are planning to post poster titles/authors/abstracts on our website prior to the conference, so that attendees can read about the posters before attending the event. We would also love to collect PDFs of the posters, so that we can show your work to our members, even those not attending the conference. This is not required, but highly encouraged. If you're willing and able, submit a PDF of your poster here by June 30: https://www.dropbox.com/request/FnldKteXRwb0PBlDzvUu

*Make sure the poster title is in the file name
We welcome poster PDFs after June 30, but they may not be added to our website until August.

Presenter Invitation Template

If you require a visa invitation letter for your role as a presenter or for travel to the USA, please use the attached template to personalize it with your name. Please login to your ACBS member account to view the attachment. 

Social Media Toolkit

Let your network know that you are presenting! Share on social media using our ready-made graphics and suggested copy. It’s a simple way to boost your visibility and build excitement for the event. Please click here to view and download images. 
 

How to get to Catholic University of Lyon (10 place des archives, 69002, Lyon, France)

From Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)

• Option 1 - Tram + Bus (45-60 minutes, €17–19 total)
  • At Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) Follow signs for the Rhônexpress shuttle tram Buy your ticket on-site or online (€16–€17 one-way)
  • Take the Rhônexpress Ride to Lyon Part-Dieu (timetable here)
  • At Lyon city centre From Part-Dieu, walk to the tram/light rail platform and take Tram T1 toward Debourg. Purchase a ticket via the ticket machine, or via the TCL app available on Android and iOS  (€2.50 for one way ticket). Get off at Place des Archives station. It's a short walk (2-3 min) to UCLy. 
• Option 2 - Ride-Share (Uber or Bolt)(30-40 minutes, €35 – €60+)
  • Download/Open the Uber or Bolt app
  • Enter the destination “10 Place des Archives, 69002 Lyon, France"
  • You’ll be dropped off right near UCLy Saint-Paul Campus
• Option 3 - Taxi (30-40 minutes, ~€55 – €90+)
  • There are designated taxi ranks right outside the arrivals terminals (exits outside of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2) where licensed taxis operate 24/7. No app needed, just queue in line for the next available taxi.

From Lyon Part-Dieu Station

• Option 1 - Uber or Bolt (10-15 minutes, ~€10–€20+) 
  • Use app to put destination as “10 Place des Archives, 69002 Lyon, France"
• Option 2 - Tram (15-18 minutes, one-way ticket ~€2.20)
  • Automatic ticket machines are available right at the tram and metro stops near the station entrances. You can pay with credit/debit card or coins (note: does not always accept cash). You can also download the TCL app and purchase/validate tickets directly on your smartphone (Android and iOS versions available)
  • Exit the station toward the tram (follow signs)
  • Walk to Tram T1 stop “Part-Dieu” (outside the station area). Take Tram T1 toward Debourg.
  • Get off at Place des Archives  (about 8-10 minutes ride)
  • Walk ~3 minutes to UCLy

From Lyon Perrache Station

• You’re already close! From Gare de Lyon Perrache, it’s a short walk of about 5–7 minutes to UCLy.
  • At station, follow signs for “Centre-Ville / Presqu’île”
  • Exit on the north side of the station (toward the city center, not the motorway side)
  • Walk onto Cours de Verdun-Rambaud (the large street directly in front of the station)
  • Walk north-east (away from the station)
  • Turn left onto Rue Casimir Périer (this is a smaller street heading into the neighborhood)
  • Continue straight. 10 Place des Archives is right on the square. You’ll see UCLy buildings around the plaza.

Additional Taxi Services

Licensed taxis in Lyon operate with regulated fare rules, so difference in pricing between companies is usually small.

• Base pickup fare: €3.00
• Minimum fare: €8.00
• Distance rates: About ~€0.98/km (day) or ~€1.47/km (nights, Sundays & holidays)
• Waiting time: ~€39.47 per hour (meter counts waiting time in traffic)

• Taxi Radio de Lyon
  • Phone Number: +33 4 72 10 86 86
  • Open daily, 24/24
  • Languages available in: Italian, German, English, Spanish, French
  • Booking available by phone, app, online, at a station, or hailing on the street (without pre-booking)
• Taxi Lyon, TL
  • Phone Number: +33 4 78 26 81 81
  • Open daily, 24/24
  • Fixed rates (know amount due in advance vs an odometer)
  • Pre-booking available by phone or online.
• Taxi Lyon Aéroport / Vans & Berlines
  • Phone Number: +33 6 58 76 78 64
  • Open daily, 24/24
  • Specialized for all trips to and from the Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
  • Can be booked by phone or online.

A list of potential providers and additional information about child care is included below. Note that this is a referral list and in no way suggests an affiliation, recommendation, or endorsement. ACBS does not officially recommend or endorse any particular child care facility or provider, nor can we assure you of the quality of care.

Babysitting Options

Babysits 

• Online directory of babysitters available in Lyon, France. Can filter by experience, hourly rate, language, available times, and more
• Website: https://en.babysits.fr/babysitter/lyon/?query=Lyon,%20France&lat=45.75781379905973&lng=4.83201127499342

Momji

• Offers French and English services. Please contact ahead of time for a quote
• Website: https://www.momji.com/en/our-agencies/childcare-lyon

Les Enfants d'Abord

• Babysitting service specifically for families visiting France
• €11 per hour (minimum 2 hours) and €25 agency fee per day
• Website: https://www.lesenfantsdabord.fr/baby-sitting-in-france/

CHILDCARE CENTERS

Les Petits Plus

• Offers a bilingual (French and English) holiday club during summer holiday (6 July-24 July) for children 3-8
• €225 per week (Monday-Friday) or €50 per day, from 8:30-16:30
• Website: https://lespetitsplus.org/en/registration-for-summer-holiday-club-club-vacances-ete/#inscriptions

Babilou Nursery

• Nursery for children ages 10 weeks to 4 years
• Open Monday to Friday: 7:30-18:30
• Please contact nursery ahead of time to make arrangements and obtain quote.
• Website: https://www.babilou.fr/creches/babilou-lyon-vallee?campaign_id=CM200013&utm_medium=dir&utm_campaign=LYON

Read detailed reservation instructions here.

The ACBS World Conference 2026 will be held at:

Catholic University of Lyon
10 place des archives
69002 Lyon 
France

This year we have a variety of options to share with you across multiple smaller hotels. Walking times listed are to the university venue.

Suggested hotels are:

Hotel Charlemagne (5 minutes walk) (ACBS room block is full, but you may attempt to contact them about additional rooms)

Hotel Chromatics (3 minutes walk) (ACBS room block is full, but you may attempt to contact them about additional rooms)

Hotel du Simplon (10 minutes walk) (link) Use code 'ACBS' at registration for 25% off any stays from 13 July - 19 July

Greet Hotel Lyon Confluence (4 minutes walk) (link)

Ibis Lyon Centre Perrache (4 minutes walk) (link)

Novotel Lyon Centre Confluence Bord de Saone (21 minutes walk) (link)

Mercure Lyon Centre Château Perrache hotel (8 minutes walk) (link)

100 Key Points and Techniques in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Practical Introductory Workshop

Registration

Dates and Location of this VIRTUAL 2-Day Workshop:

VIRTUAL LIVE online via Zoom
Recordings will be available through 25 June 2026. We regret that we are unable to provide extended access to any registrant beyond 25 June.

Automated Zoom captioning and automated Zoom translation available.

Friday, 5 June from 14:00 - 18:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Saturday, 6 June from 14:00 - 18:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Contact Hours: 7.5

Workshop Leaders:

Joseph Oliver, PhD, PG Dip Clinical Psychology	Richard Bennett, DClinPsyc

Workshop Description: 

This experiential workshop offers a practical and accessible introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), organised around the “head, hands, and heart” of ACT practice. The workshop places a strong emphasis on learning through experience, with participants actively engaging in experiential exercises, live demonstrations, role play, and behavioural rehearsal throughout the session.

Participants will be introduced to ACT’s theoretical foundations and core behavioural principles, alongside concrete techniques and in session strategies that can be applied immediately in clinical work. The workshop balances clear conceptual teaching with hands on practice, allowing participants not only to understand ACT intellectually, but to experience how ACT processes are actively modelled and practiced within sessions.

The structure is deliberately flexible. The beginning focuses on building a coherent conceptual foundation for ACT, while the later part is shaped by participant questions and clinical challenges. This allows the facilitators to respond to the needs of the group while demonstrating ACT consistent clinical decision making in real time. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of ACT and a practical toolkit to support integration into their existing therapeutic approach.

Background and rationale
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is increasingly recognised as an effective and flexible approach for addressing a wide range of psychological difficulties. Despite this, many therapists report feeling overwhelmed by ACT’s theoretical breadth and uncertain about how to translate ACT concepts into moment to moment clinical interventions.

This workshop is designed to bridge that gap by offering a clear, structured introduction that integrates theory, technique, and therapeutic process. ACT is presented through the organising framework of the “head” (theoretical foundations), the “hands” (interventions and techniques), and the “heart” (context, strategy, and the therapeutic relationship). This structure supports participants to develop confidence in both understanding ACT and applying it flexibly in practice.

Workshop structure and teaching methods
The workshop combines structured teaching with intensive experiential learning delivered in an online format.
The early part focuses on introducing ACT’s theoretical foundations and core processes through interactive teaching, brief experiential exercises, and live demonstrations by the presenters.

The later session is participant led and responsive to the group’s learning needs. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, clinical dilemmas, and cases. These are explored through live demonstrations, role play conducted in breakout rooms, behavioural rehearsal, video examples, and facilitated large group discussion. Throughout the workshop, participants are supported to reflect on both the techniques used and the therapeutic process, with particular attention to how experiential ACT work can be delivered effectively.

Who should attend
This workshop is suitable for mental health professionals with prior therapy training who are interested in learning ACT. It is appropriate for participants with no previous ACT experience, as well as those with some familiarity who want to strengthen their conceptual understanding and practical skills.

The workshop will be especially useful for clinicians trained in cognitive behavioural approaches who want to expand their therapeutic repertoire with an evidence based, process focused model that integrates readily with existing practice.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Joseph Oliver, Ph.D., PG Dip Clinical Psychology

Dr Joe Oliver is a consultant clinical psychologist and founder of Contextual Consulting, an organisation providing training, supervision, and therapy in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is also an Associate Professor and Programme Director for the University College London CBT for Severe Mental Health Problems postgraduate programme.

Joe is an active member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) and previously served as Secretary of the ACBS UK and Ireland Chapter Board. He is a peer reviewed ACT trainer and an ACBS Fellow. Joe regularly delivers ACT and contextual cognitive behavioural therapy training nationally and internationally.

He has authored six ACT books, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness for Psychosis and ACTivate Your Life (2nd edition), as well as several professional texts including Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, ACT: 100 Key Points and Techniques, and The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self Esteem.

Richard Bennett, DClinPsyc

Dr Richard Bennett is a clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, and an Associate Professor in Psychology at the University of Birmingham. He worked for over 20 years in adult and forensic mental health services within the NHS before establishing Think Psychology, an independent psychology practice providing therapy, supervision, and training, and ACTivatingyourpractice.com.

Richard is an active member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) and the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). He is accredited by the BABCP as a psychotherapist, supervisor, and trainer, certified as a supervisor by the Albert Ellis Institute, and recognised as both an ACBS Fellow and peer reviewed ACT trainer.
He is co editor of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy in Sport and Exercise and co author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: 100 Key Points and Techniques, The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self Esteem, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions. Richard also co hosts the podcast Two Old Psychologists Talking About Stuff.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Describe the core philosophical and behavioural principles that underpin Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
2. Identify the six core ACT processes and explain how they interact to promote psychological flexibility.
3. Demonstrate basic ACT consistent assessment and case formulation strategies.
4. Apply a range of ACT techniques to activate acceptance, defusion, present moment awareness, values, and committed action.
5. Structure ACT interventions within therapy sessions in a way that is coherent and flexible rather than protocol driven.
6. Make strategic clinical decisions informed by ACT processes and functional analysis.
7. Describe common process level challenges in ACT practice, including experiential avoidance and over intellectual engagement.
8. Demonstrate how to engage clients experientially in ACT exercises rather than focusing primarily on verbal explanation.
9. List therapist stance and therapeutic relationship factors that support effective ACT work.
10. Demonstrate how to integrate ACT principles and techniques into their existing therapeutic model.

Target audience: Beginner, Intermediate

Components: Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Case presentation, Role play

Topic Areas: Clinical, Relational Frame Theory

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (7.5 hours): CEs for psychologists 
CEs are not available for recorded viewing.

Registration

ACT Beyond Protocols: Finding Beauty in the Midst of Darkness

Presented in English, also available for session attendees (in Lyon) via simultaneous AI (artificial intelligence) translation software in 50+ languages. More details available here.

Dates and Location of this IN-PERSON 2-Day Workshop:

IN-PERSON at Catholic University of Lyon (UCLY)

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Contact Hours: 13  

Workshop Leader:

Kelly G Wilson, Ph.D.

Workshop Description: 

Beginning in the mid-1980s, clinical psychology borrowed a scientific template designed for testing drugs—and quietly reshaped psychotherapy in its image. Treatment manuals became the “active ingredient,” DSM diagnoses became the disease, and randomized trials became the arbiter of legitimacy. This metaphor has been costly. It has distorted how we think about psychotherapy, how we train clinicians, and what we count as clinical knowledge.

Psychotherapy is not a pill. It is not inert, stable, or independent of the person delivering it. An antibiotic works the same no matter who hands you the pill. But who the therapist is matters—how they listen, how they respond, how they participate. The therapist is not a vessel from which a protocol is poured. And psychological suffering is not disease. Despite its claims to neutrality, the DSM rests on a latent disease model that treats syndromes as placeholders for to-be-discovered diseases. But most DSM categories function more like symptoms than illnesses—signals that invite process-level understanding rather than diagnostic finality.

Good therapy does not simplify this complexity; it works inside it. And in doing so, it can free people to live with more openness and vitality. The discomfort of not knowing precisely where the arc of therapy will take us is not a flaw—it is a feature.
From this perspective, psychotherapy is creative work. It is co-constructed, moment by moment, by therapist and client. While many frameworks offer guiding principles, my own work is grounded in contextual behavioral science. I will not offer a procedural roadmap. Instead, I will focus on the phenomenology of the work, while remaining faithful to underlying processes.

Every major psychotherapy model began as a process-based approach. Psychoanalysis never lost sight of process. Early behavior therapy and later cognitive therapy were also built from process models, even as they diverged in emphasis. Importantly, the treatments we now label “evidence-based” were developed before the DSM had stabilized and before modern RCTs existed. They emerged from theory, observation, and sustained engagement with individual lives. It may be time to question whether our fixation on averages has cost us attention to what actually moves therapy forward, here and now.

ACT does not divide the world into sick clients and healthy therapists. We are not different kinds of beings. Some suffering is more acute, more constraining, more unjust—but the roots of suffering are shared. If you look honestly at your own struggles, you will find echoes of the struggles that bring people to therapy. This is a tremendous asset and properly understood can help you to guide treatment.

Language-capable humans are uniquely vulnerable to suffering because of language itself. We do not merely feel pain—we narrate it, revisit it, anticipate it. We suffer that we have suffered, and that we might suffer again. Our primary response is problem-solving, a mode of mind that has enabled extraordinary human achievements. It also produces endless stories—about who we are, what is possible, and what must (or must never) happen in order for life to improve.

Some stories expand life. Others quietly shrink it. They impose limits that feel necessary, inevitable, and “true.” And once life becomes small enough, people stop imagining anything else. They learn to live inside the ache.

Many clients arrive having once expected more from life—and having slowly given that expectation up. Some because the world disappointed them. Some because they concluded they were undeserving. Some because they never learned to imagine otherwise.
ACT rests on a basic science suggesting that these stories need not make a prison of life. Their grip can loosen. When it does, life does not become easy—but it often becomes wider, richer, and worth every ache and pain.

This workshop will approach ACT as lived practice rather than protocol. It will be experiential and creative. Work with self and identity will be woven throughout acceptance, defusion, present-moment awareness, values, and committed action—not as an add-on, but as a central thread. We will examine these processes from the inside out.

Although this workshop is not an introduction to ACT, it will be conducted in plain language, with an emphasis on staying close to lived experience. No prior background in ACT is required. For those familiar with ACT, the workshop will deepen understanding of core principles and expand the capacity to use them flexibly in the service of therapeutic connection. The workshop is appropriate for beginners and veteran therapists alike.

Principles will be introduced sparingly. Most of our time will be spent doing the work—so that what happens here changes how you sit with your very next client.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Kelly G Wilson, Ph.D.

Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Mississippi and a co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is the author of over 100 articles and chapters and eleven books, including Mindfulness for Two, Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong, and Terapia de Aceptión y Compromiso: Un Tratamiento Conductual Orientado a los Valores. Dr. Wilson is known for his deeply human, story-infused teaching style and his emphasis on the emotional and relational core of ACT. He has led workshops in over 40 countries, training clinicians in contextual behavioral science and the art of therapeutic presence. His work integrates behavioral science, mindfulness, compassion, and an abiding appreciation for lived human experience.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Describe how the adoption of medical and pharmacological research models in the late 20th century influenced prevailing assumptions about psychotherapy, therapist roles, and treatment development.
2. Differentiate protocol-driven psychotherapy from process-based approaches, including how each model organizes therapist–client collaboration in clinical practice.
3. Identify therapist variables (e.g., presence, responsiveness, participation) that function as active components of the therapeutic context.
4. Explain how a process-oriented understanding of psychological suffering supports collaborative case formulation and ongoing clinical decision-making.
5. Demonstrate the ability to notice and track, in real time, shifts in therapeutic dialogue between contexts of limitation and contexts of possibility.
6. Apply ACT-consistent, collaborative methods to explore with clients how verbal narratives, rules, and self-stories influence lived experience and behavioral flexibility.
7. Integrate work with self and identity into acceptance, defusion, present-moment awareness, values, and committed action through shared experiential practice.
8. Use the principles slow is fast, small is big, and less is more to guide the pacing and sequencing of collaborative therapeutic interactions.
9. Formulate values-based therapeutic directions and next steps collaboratively with clients, grounded in the client’s current context and expressed values.
10. Engage in experiential exercises and structured dialogues that enhance the therapist’s capacity for flexibility, presence, and creativity in the face of clinical uncertainty.

Target audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Clinical

Components: Conceptual analysis, Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Roleplay, interviewing to foster creativity

Topic Areas: Clinical, Theoretical and philosophical foundations

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (13 hours): CEs for psychologists

Registration

Deep Process, Brave Work: ACT and Exposure for Trauma Recovery

Presented in English, also available for session attendees (in Lyon) via simultaneous AI (artificial intelligence) translation software in 50+ languages. More details available here.

Dates and Location of this IN-PERSON 2-Day Workshop:

IN-PERSON at Catholic University of Lyon (UCLY)

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Contact Hours: 13  

Workshop Leader:

Robyn Walser, Ph.D.

Workshop Description: 

Trauma and its fallout do more than generate symptoms, they reorganize behavior, learning histories, and relational patterns in ways that can entrench rigidity and restrict meaningful living. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a powerful, process-based, and client-centered approach that addresses these complexities by targeting psychological flexibility at its functional roots. Rather than relying on protocolized steps, ACT helps trauma survivors establish safety, compassion, perspective, and willingness in support of engaging meaningfully with painful histories. Within this framework, exposure becomes not simply a recounting of traumatic events but a carefully timed, functionally informed experiential process that reduces avoidance, fosters reconnection, and enables clients to move toward values-based living. This workshop is designed for clinicians who want to deepen their skills in ACT’s nuanced application to trauma while incorporating exposure principles that are both effective and consistent with ACT’s ethos of openness, courage, and compassionate engagement.

Across two days, we will examine clinical strategies for integrating ACT with trauma-focused work, including ACT-informed exposure, functional assessment of avoidance repertoires, precision timing of interventions, and process discrimination skills. We will explore how to work effectively with clients experiencing complex trauma, chronic dissociation, entrenched avoidance, and moral injury—contexts in which psychological inflexibility is often maintained within the relational space itself. Participants will learn how to shape exposure that is not merely retelling, but an experiential reintegration process rooted in present-moment awareness, self-as-context, compassion, and values-based meaning-making. We will also address how to navigate clinical dilemmas such as therapeutic ruptures, activation that outpaces regulation, and therapist-side behavioral responses shaped by the client’s interpersonal cues—signals that can emerge in boundary-challenging or morally evocative trauma presentations and that require skilled functional analysis to work with effectively.

This workshop will be highly experiential and practice-oriented, offering opportunities for live demonstrations, small-group process work, and deliberate practice focused on the subtler competencies of trauma-focused ACT. We will address pacing and titration, recognizing “early warning signs” of functional drift, the subtle shift in therapist or client behavior from promoting psychological flexibility to inadvertently reinforcing avoidance or control, and using moment-to-moment behavioral data, including relational cues, to guide intervention choices with greater nuance and integrity. Clinicians will leave with a refined conceptual framework, increased precision in applying ACT processes under emotionally and ethically complex conditions, and enhanced confidence in guiding clients through transformative exposure work that supports reconnection, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. Ultimately, participants will emerge better equipped to help clients move from trauma-shaped living toward a more open, values-guided way of being and living in the world.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D.

Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, educator, and author. She is the Director of Trauma and Life Consultation and Psychology Services, Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of Research at Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services. Dr. Walser has made significant contributions to the dissemination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and held a pivotal role in implementing ACT within one of the US's largest national healthcare systems. She worked at the National Center for PTSD, where her work focused on trauma recovery, depression, and moral injury. A writer and scholar, Dr. Walser has co-authored nine influential books on ACT, including "You Are Not Your Trauma" and "The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible, Process-Based, and Client-Centered Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy." Her research and clinical expertise have made her a sought-after voice in advancing the application of ACT to address various complex psychological challenges. Since 1997, Dr. Walser has led ACT workshops worldwide, bringing her deep understanding and passion for process-based, experiential learning to therapists and clinicians. Known for her client-centered approach, Dr. Walser's teaching emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practices with human connection and flexibility. To learn more about her work and join her newsletter list, visit robynwalser.com.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Design ACT-informed exposure procedures that emphasize experiential reintegration, psychological flexibility processes, and values-based engagement rather than rote retelling of traumatic events.
2. Use the therapeutic relationship as a live context for shaping psychological flexibility, recognizing moments when relational contact, vulnerability, and interpersonal tension can function as opportunities for experiential learning.
3. Conceptualize trauma presentations using a process-based ACT model, identifying how psychological inflexibility is maintained through experiential avoidance, disrupted learning histories, shame, and other fallout of trauma.
4. Identify and address common barriers that arise during exposure, including emotional numbing, cognitive detours, dissociation, and avoidance masked as engagement.
5. Apply self-as-context, present-moment awareness, and compassion processes to support stabilization, perspective-taking, and emotional openness during trauma-focused work.
6. Use moment-to-moment behavioral data, including verbal and nonverbal relational cues, to shape intervention timing, pacing, and titration during exposure and trauma processing.
7. Navigate relational challenges and therapeutic ruptures by analyzing the function of ruptures and implementing ACT-consistent repair processes that restore safety and therapeutic momentum.
8. Differentiate therapist-side behavioral responses shaped by client cues (e.g., avoidance, accommodation, overprotection) and implement strategies to maintain therapeutic flexibility and presence.
9. Adapt ACT and exposure interventions for clients with complex trauma presentations, including dissociation, moral injury, and high shame/avoidance patterns.
10. Enhance their own psychological flexibility in moments of relational activation, using self-as-context, compassion, and willingness to remain present and effective during emotionally charged therapeutic encounters.

Target audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Clinical

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Case presentation, Role play

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (13 hours): CEs for psychologists

Registration

Focused ACT: Expanding the Reach of Contextual Behavioral Science in a Troubled World

Presented in English, also available for session attendees (in Lyon) via simultaneous AI (artificial intelligence) translation software in 50+ languages. More details available here.

Dates and Location of this IN-PERSON 2-Day Workshop:

IN-PERSON at Catholic University of Lyon (UCLY)

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Contact Hours: 13  

Workshop Leaders:

Kirk Strosahl, Ph.D.	Patti Robinson, Ph.D.	Thomas Gustavsson, M.Sc.

Workshop Description: 

Helping professionals around the globe are facing an unprecedented increase in requests for behavioral healthcare, often in the context of diminishing community resources. To address this crisis, there is pressing need to implement time-efficient, effective brief intervention approaches that can increase access to care for those in need. Focused ACT (FACT) is one such brief intervention approach that promotes engagement with a broad range of people of different cultures. FACT emphasizes immediate access to care, a family focus, sensitivity to cultural context, and immediate attention to improved functioning.

In this 2-day workshop, participants will learn a core-competency-based approach to developing FACT skills for assessing, conceptualizing, reframing and promoting radical behavior change for people of all ages presenting with mental health, substance use, and/or medical problems. Healthcare providers with less training in talking therapies can learn FACT from mental health providers trained to competency in this highly transferable approach to reducing human suffering. The practice of FACT can be adapted by the user to their practice context and the expectations and needs of patients driven by setting demands. This means that FACT, as a behavioral consultation approach to behavior change, can be used in traditional mental health settings and in hospital and outpatient healthcare settings.

The FACT model is organized around a four step model known as CAARE (Context, Approach, Avoidance, Redesign, Expand). Each letter stands for a set of specific clinical tasks completed by the helping professional. The workshop provides a package of practice tools to facilitate learning and “teaching Focused ACT forward” to others. Our educational methods involve a mix of didactic, experiential, and skill-based training activities. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will use the FACT Core Competency Tool as a self-assessment, and, based on results, develop an individual learning plan to further develop needed skills and knowledge.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Kirk Strosahl, Ph.D.

Dr. Strosahl is a co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and has long been a chief proponent of using Focused ACT (FACT) as a brief intervention. He has co-authored professional books on FACT, including Brief Interventions for Radical Change: Principles and Practice of Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. (Robinson & Gustavsson, co-authors, 2012, New Harbinger Publications), and Inside This Moment: Promoting Radical Change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Robinson & Gustavsson, co-authors, 2015, New Harbinger Publications). He has also co-authored best-selling ACT self-help books, including The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression, 2nd Edition (Patricia Robinson, co-author, 2018, New Harbinger Publications). He co-authored a book on Focused ACT for psychiatric practitioners, Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Essential Guide to the Process and Practice of Mindful Psychiatry (co-authors Goubert, Torneke, Purrsey, Loftus & Roberts, 2020, American Psychiatric Publishing). Recently, he co-authored a book on using FACT for clients in crisis, Crisis integration with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Theory and practice (co-author Carlsson, 2023, American Psychiatric Publishing). Dr. Strosahl has conducted numerous training workshops on FACT around the world. Because his approach to teaching is so clinician oriented, accessible and practical, Dr. Strosahl has been referred to as the “hands of ACT”.

Patti Robinson, Ph.D.

Dr. Robinson, PhD, is currently the President of Mountainview Consulting Group (www.Mtnviewconsulting.com) (winner of an APA Presidential Innovative Practice Award). She received the Don Bloch Award for excellence in integrated care in 2023 and the Primary Care Luminary Award in 2025. Dr. Robinson is co-founder of the Primary Care Behavioral Health model and Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She provides consultation and training services internationally and is committed to improving access to healthcare services and to realization of health equity. Earlier in her career, she worked as a researcher and clinician and then as a Behavioral Health Consultant. She has published extensively, and with Jeff Reiter, completed the 3rd Edition of Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care: A Guide to Integrating Services (http://SpeaktoyourDoctor.com). “Patti” lives in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with her partner and their pups, Mac and Molly.

Thomas Gustavsson, M.Sc.

Thomas Gustavsson, M.Sc., and clinical psychologist, peer reviewed ACT-trainer has worked with brief interventions based on ACT and other contemporary behavior therapies within different organizations for the last 18 years. He is one of the founders of Psykologpartners, a fast growing company working with consulting services both for health care services and others. During 2005-2012 main focus was on developing brief interventions in psychiatric clinics for clients with self harming, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. One of the concepts developed and evaluated in psychiatric care is transdiagnostic group therapy. A model that increases availability to treatment and shortens time on waiting list for clients. That model has been trained in numerous workshops in Swedish health system and implemented in different settings. Besides this work Thomas has been working with training, supervision and clinical work based on ACT and behavior therapy.

From 2012-2021, Thomas worked 75% as a treatment developer, supervisor and clinical psychologist at Segesholms treatment center in south Sweden (3 units). The main population is young woman with severe mental and behavioral disorders such as self harming behaviors, suicidal behaviors, eating disorders, OCD, depression, anxiety and different developmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities.
Between 2014-2016 Thomas worked as a treatment developer and clinical psychologist at EMBLA treatment center. The main population was women with substance abuse in combination with severe mental illness. From 2016-2021 Thomas was a co owner, treatment developer and clinical psychologist at Osterlenportens treatment center for young women. Suicidal behaviors, PTSD, eating disorders, OCD and self harming behaviors with or without disabilities are the main clientele
at Osterlenporten.

Thomas are also working part time training staff in FACT in numerous settings. That also includes more complex implementations and consulting. From March 2021 Thomas runs Skånes Psykologiska Utbildningsinstitut AB for clinical work, training, supervison and consulting.
He runs a small company (Beteendekollektivet) together with his wife solely for the purpose of writing. He is also a co writer of four books. When Thomas doesn´t work he spends time with his 4 kids and also loves to hunt boar and fly
fishing for salmon.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Describe psychological flexibility in approach-avoidance terms.
2. Demonstrate FACT session flow using the CAARE acronym (Context, Approach, Avoid, Redesign, Expand).
3. List core components of the Life Context part of the FACT Contextual Interview.
4. List the core components of the Problem Context of the FACT Contextual Interview.
5. Demonstrate how to incorporate the approach-avoidance dynamic within the Contextual Interview.
6. Describe the three FACT in-session rating scales and their application to metrics-informed practice.
7. Conceptualize possible ways of helping a person using the FACT Four Square tools and Pillars Assessment Tool.
8. Describe different ways to frame problems to increase client agency and motivation for experimentation.
9. Describe ways to use present moment interventions to ignite the rapid change process.
10. Explain how to use two core FACT metaphors to promote behavior change (e.g., FACT Life Path, FACT Bull's Eye, FACT Web of Life).
11. Use the CAN-DO checklist to evaluate the quality of a FACT behavioral experiment.
12. Discuss the core purposes and clinical activities of a FACT follow-up visit.
13. Complete a self-assessment of core FACT clinical skills using the FACT Competency Assessment Tool.
14. Create a learning plan to guide subsequent study and practice activities that support mastery of FACT.

Target audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Clinical

Components: Conceptual analysis, Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Case presentation, Role play

Topic Areas: Clinical, Brief Interventions

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (13 hours): CEs for psychologists, BCBA

Registration

Metaphors that Move, Matter and Make a Difference - A Creative, Experiential Workshop on Crafting Functionally Guided Metaphors That Bring Psychological Flexibility Processes to Life

Registration

Dates and Location of this VIRTUAL 2-Day Workshop:

VIRTUAL LIVE online via Zoom
Recordings will be available through 25 June 2026. We regret that we are unable to provide extended access to any registrant beyond 25 June.

Automated Zoom captioning and automated Zoom translation available.

Friday, 5 June from 9:00 to 13:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Saturday, 6 June from 9:00 to 13:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Contact Hours: 7.5

Workshop Leaders:

Rikke Kjelgaard, M.Sc.

Workshop Description: 

Metaphors are a powerful and deeply versatile tool in contextual behavioral therapies. They help us turn complex ideas into something people can immediately relate to, understand and connect with. When grounded in function, metaphors can open space, shift perspective, strengthen alliance and promote psychological flexibility in ways that simple explanations cannot. This workshop explores how to craft metaphors that truly move, matter and make a difference.

Many practitioners rely on scripted metaphors or familiar exercises they have memorized. These can be helpful, but they often lose impact when delivered rigidly or without connection to the client’s unique context. In this workshop you will learn how to move beyond pre-written scripts and instead create metaphors that emerge naturally from multiple sources: the moment-to-moment interaction, the client’s own language and lived experience, and your own well of inspiration drawn from films, music, everyday observations and personal stories. We will explore how relational framing processes shape meaning and how understanding these dynamics can help you design metaphors that resonate more deeply and support the psychological flexibility model.

Across two interactive online half-days, we will work experientially through demonstrations, creative exercises and micro-skills practice. You will learn simple, playful and highly practical methods for generating metaphors that illuminate openness, awareness and effective action. We will look at how to use clients’ words and narratives as raw material, how to adapt metaphors spontaneously as a session unfolds and how to use metaphor to clarify values, soften struggle and inspire meaningful change.

You do not need to consider yourself a creative person to benefit from this workshop. Curiosity and willingness are enough. By the end, you will have a functionally guided metaphor toolkit you can apply immediately in therapy, teaching or supervision, along with the confidence to craft new metaphors whenever you need them. Come ready to explore, play and create metaphors that bring psychological flexibility processes to life.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Rikke Kjelgaard, M.Sc., Licensed Psychologist

Rikke Kjelgaard is a licensed psychologist and international CBS educator known for her warm, playful and experiential approach to teaching. With nearly 20 years of experience and more than 500 workshops delivered worldwide, she has become especially recognized for making complex ideas simple, practical and deeply human. Rikke is often described as a “chief rock’n’roller” in the ACT and CBS community because of her unique ability to blend science, creativity and heartfelt connection in ways that inspire real change. She is passionate about helping practitioners bring psychological flexibility processes to life through creative, functionally guided clinical work, including the use of metaphors that truly resonate and make a difference.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Describe the role of metaphors in contextual behavioral therapies and how they support the processes of psychological flexibility.
2. Identify what makes a metaphor functionally guided rather than scripted or decorative.
3. Generate original metaphors that illuminate openness, awareness and effective action in accessible and meaningful ways.
4. Create metaphors that arise from multiple sources, including the client’s language and lived experience, the moment-to-moment interaction and the therapist’s own experiences, stories, films, music and everyday observations.
5. Use clients’ words and narratives as functional cues for shaping metaphors that resonate personally and contextually.
6. Adapt metaphors flexibly in-session to match the client’s emotional state, motivation and behavioral patterns
7. Integrate metaphors to soften experiential avoidance, promote willingness and deepen acceptance.
8. Apply metaphors to clarify values, strengthen motivation and support committed action.
9. Utilize functionally guided metaphors to enhance therapeutic alliance, shared understanding and emotional connection.
10. Demonstrate creative micro-skills for delivering metaphors with presence, warmth and psychological flexibility.

Target audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Clinical

Components: Conceptual analysis, Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Role play

Topic Areas: Clinical, Relational Frame Theory

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (7.5 hours): CEs for psychologists
CEs are not available for recorded viewing.

Registration

Process-Based Pathways to Self-Compassion in Neurodivergent People

Registration

Dates and Location of this VIRTUAL 2-Day Workshop:

VIRTUAL LIVE online via Zoom
Recordings will be available through 25 June 2026. We regret that we are unable to provide extended access to any registrant beyond 25 June.

Automated Zoom captioning and automated Zoom translation available.

Friday, 5 June from 9:00 to 13:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Saturday, 6 June from 9:00 to 13:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Contact Hours: 7.5

Workshop Leaders:

Jennifer Kemp, MPsych(Clinical)

Workshop Description: 

Living as an Autistic person or ADHDer in a society that does not accept or accommodate your needs leads to powerful, lasting feelings of failure, shame and inadequacy. Over time, stigmatising and ableist attitudes are internalised, resulting in lower levels of self-compassion compared to non-neurodivergent peers, and relentless self-criticism (Beaton, Sirios, & Milne, 2020 & 2022; Cai & Brown, 2021; Howes, Richards, & Galvin, 2021). For many neurodivergent people, the outcomes include significantly worse physical health and psychological well-being, higher rates of self-harm and completed suicide, and shorter life spans.

Self-compassion is associated with improved mental health and well-being, and a greater ability to regulate emotions (Cai, Gibbs, et al., 2022; Willoughby and Evans, 2019). Compassion-focused approaches offer the potential to increase self-acceptance and improve quality of life. However, to be effective, therapy must be grounded in an understanding of social and neurobiological contexts and target the essential skills that underpin and enable self-compassion.

This intermediate-level workshop will apply a process-based approach to providing effective, affirming therapy for neurodivergent people.

Participants will explore four key processes that neurodivergent people often find challenging yet are essential to self-compassion and self-acceptance. (Incidentally, these are also domains that are rarely addressed in professional training and where therapists can feel particularly stuck.)

These four processes are:
1. Interoceptive awareness of one’s own needs
2. Emotional awareness in alexithymia
3. Intentional self-soothing through the senses
4. Strengths-based approaches to executive functioning

Over 7.5 hours of interactive and engaging activities, participants will learn how to help their clients transform harsh self-criticism, self-stigma, and internalised ableism into psychological and emotional well-being, by facilitating practical self-compassion, radical self-acceptance, and pride in their neurodivergent identity. Participants' learning will be supported with a wide range of resources, including e-books, client handouts and worksheets.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Jennifer Kemp, MPsych(Clinical)

Jennifer Kemp
BSc(Psych)Hons, MPsych(Clinical), GradDipApplSc(Psychology of Coaching), MAPS, FCCLP
Adjunct Lecturer, School of Psychology, University of Adelaide

Jennifer Kemp is a privately practising clinical psychologist in Adelaide, Australia. Her neurodiversity-affirming approach is founded on her own experience of being late-diagnosed with Autism and ADHD and the latest research. Jennifer listens deeply to the experiences of her neurodivergent clients, acknowledging the unique perspectives and strengths of people with intersectional and neurobiological differences.

In her therapeutic practice and when training other therapists, Jennifer uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with compassion-focused approaches to help her clients improve their mental health and develop greater self-acceptance, self-compassion, and pride in their neurodivergent identity.

Jennifer is the co-author of The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD: Cultivate Self-Compassion, Live Authentically, and Be Your Own Advocate and author of The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism: Build Your Best (Imperfect) Life Using Powerful Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Self-Compassion Skills.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Identify and explore internalised ableism, social stigma, and the neurobiological and social contexts that contribute to chronic shame and self-criticism with Autistic and ADHD clients.
2. Apply a process-based approach to identify gaps in knowledge, skills, and/or understanding and improve well-being with neurodivergent clients.
3. Implement practical therapeutic strategies to enhance interoceptive awareness of physical, emotional, and sensory needs.
4. Provide targeted interventions to build emotional awareness in clients with alexithymia, facilitating more accurate identification and labelling of emotional states.
5. Develop intentional sensory self-regulation strategies to support self-soothing and emotion regulation and replace unhelpful patterns.
6. Implement approaches that support executive functioning by harnessing strengths and making practical, self-compassionate choices.
7. Integrate principles of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) with the social model of disability to foster radical self-acceptance and neurodivergent pride.
8. Utilise the provided clinical resources, including e-books, client handouts and worksheets, to immediately implement these strategies in their ongoing clinical practice.

Target audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Clinical

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Case presentation, Role play

Topic Areas: Clinical, Theoretical and philosophical foundations

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (7.5 hours): CEs for psychologists
CEs are not available for recorded viewing.

Registration

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Through an ACT Lens: Preparation, Dosing, and Integration

Registration

Dates and Location of this VIRTUAL 2-Day Workshop:

VIRTUAL LIVE online via Zoom
Recordings will be available through 25 June 2026. We regret that we are unable to provide extended access to any registrant beyond 25 June.

Live, simultaneous translation into Spanish available (courtesy of members from ACBS Argentina, Colombia, and Perú Chapters)
Traducción simultánea en vivo al español (Cortesía de los miembros de los capítulos de ACBS de Argentina, Colombia y Perú.)

Automated Zoom captioning and automated Zoom translation available.

Friday, 5 June from 14:00 - 18:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Saturday, 6 June from 14:00 - 18:00 UTC/GMT +2 (Central European Summer Time) - click here to convert to your time zone
Contact Hours: 7.5

Workshop Leaders:

Brian Pilecki, Ph.D.	Jason Luoma, Ph.D.	Temple Morris, LCSW-C	Jenna LeJeune, Ph.D.	Miranda Morris, Ph.D.

Workshop Description: 

As psychedelic-assisted therapy moves toward broader accessibility, this two-day workshop equips clinicians with an ACT framework for understanding and discussing psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) with clients. Led by clinician-researchers with extensive experience integrating ACT and psychedelics in clinical trials, retreats, and psychotherapy, participants will explore how psychological flexibility processes provide a coherent model for understanding PAT's mechanisms and applications through the EPPC framework (Embodiment, Perspective, Purpose, Connection)—an adaptation of ACT for psychedelic contexts. Clinicians familiar with ACT will find EPPC a natural extension of concepts they already use, while those new to ACT will appreciate EPPC's pragmatic, clinically intuitive approach that can be readily applied without extensive prior training.
The workshop reviews recent psychedelics research, the evolving legal landscape, and risks and benefits across substances (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine), while addressing foundational elements of the clinical PAT model. Diversity, equity, and cultural humility considerations will be integrated throughout, including access barriers for underserved populations and risks of cultural appropriation. Participants will learn how psychedelics may enhance psychological flexibility and how EPPC principles guide preparation, dosing support, and integration.
Through didactic presentation, case examples, and experiential exercises, clinicians will develop practical tools for having informed conversations with interested clients and supporting them through psychedelic experiences in clinical trials, legal settings, or integration-focused work.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Brian Pilecki, Ph.D.

Dr. Brian Pilecki is the Clinical Services Manager and an Associate Scientist at the Portland Institute of Psychedelic Science, a subsidiary of Portland Psychotherapy Therapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center. He is an active researcher and a study therapist on several clinical trials including the investigation of the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Brian is also an instructor for Fluence, a leading psychedelic training organization where he provides training to psilocybin facilitators in state-level programs or to study therapists in clinical trials across the country. He is co-founder of Perspective Retreats which offers group psilocybin retreats in the Netherlands, and provides psilocybin facilitation to individuals and groups in the state of Oregon. Brian is a co-founder of Portland Integration Network, a network of professionals offering specialized care related to p sychedelics in Oregon. He is also the author of the book ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety and co-host of Altered States of Context, a podcast about psychotherapy and psychedelics.

Jason Luoma, Ph.D.

Jason  Luoma, Ph.D.  is Director of Research at the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science (https://www.pipsinstitute.com/) and CEO of Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center in Portland, OR, a social enterprise that generates revenue to support research. He is also Associate Scientist at the Oregon Research Institute and affiliate faculty at the Oregon Health Sciences University.
His research focuses on shame, self-stigma, connection, and the application psychedelic assisted therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as an intervention for reducing shame and increasing self-compassion. He was the principal investigator of a recently completed trial of MDMA-assisted therapy for social anxiety disorder and is an investigator on a soon to launch open trial of psilocybin-assisted therapy for chronic pelvic pain. He co-founded the Open Psychedelic Evaluation Nexus (OPEN), a practice-research network that is studying the implementation of supported psilocybin services in Oregon.
He is an internationally recognized trainer in ACT and past president of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. He has over 80 peer-reviewed publications and has co-authored two books: Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Values in Therapy. He provides psychedelic-assisted therapy training for therapists via Perspective Retreats

Temple Morris, LCSW-C

Temple Morris, LCSW-C, is co-founder of True North Therapy & Training, a group dedicated to sharing contextual behavioral therapies with clients, practitioners, and the broader community. As a therapist, she specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration (PHRI), and provides clinical supervision and consultation in both modalities. Temple works as a Consultant Therapist at Sunstone Therapies, providing psychedelic-assisted therapy to study participants with PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. She co-founded Perspective Retreats, which offers ACT-informed experiential training to help professionals support psychedelic experiences safely and effectively. She also co-founded Psychedelic Assisted Therapy and Healing (PATH), a nonprofit working to make legal psychedelic therapy accessible and affordable. Temple serves as co-chair of the ACBS Psychedelic Special Interest Group boar d, where she co-leads monthly ACT-informed PHRI peer consultation groups

Jenna LeJeune, Ph.D.

Jenna LeJeune, Ph.D. is President and co-founder of Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research and Training Center in Portland, Oregon. She is also a study therapist at the Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science where she is involved in various clinical trials involving psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. She is a co-founder of Perspective Retreats where she is involved in running ACT-based psychedelic training retreats for mental health professionals. As a licensed psychologist, Jenna is deeply interested in issues related to meaning, purpose, belonging, and values. She is the co-author of the book Values in Therapy: A Clinician's Guide to Helping Clients Explore Values, Increase Psychological Flexibility, and Live a More Meaningful Life as well as numerous other book chapters, journal articles, and other publications. Dr. LeJeune is also an ACBS Fellow and a peer-reviewed ACT trainer and provides ACT trainings for professionals around the world. 

Miranda Morris, Ph.D.

Miranda Morris, PhD is a psychologist in Bethesda, MD and a Peer Reviewed ACT Trainer who conducts regular workshops in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and related therapies including Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP).  She is currently a Past President of the Board of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). In addition, Miranda is a co-founder and trainer with Perspective Retreats, an organization which offers professional training retreats integrating ACT with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.  She is the clinical director and co-founder of True North Therapy and Training, a group dedicated to sharing contextual behavioral therapies with clients, practitioners, and the broader community.  

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Describe the current state of psychedelics research across mental health conditions.
2. Explain how psychedelics may enhance psychological flexibility through increased embodied awareness, perspective-shifting, values clarity, and meaningful connection.
3. Map EPPC’s four core processes onto therapeutic change mechanisms in psychedelic-assisted therapy.
4. Identify three key components of the PAT model.
5. Identify at least three potential therapeutic benefits of PAT.
6. Identify at least 3 risks of PAT.
7. Identify 3 ACT principles, metaphors, and experiential techniques specifically adapted for psychedelic preparation and integration work.
8. Describe 3 ethical considerations for clinical practice.
9. Identify three issues related to cultural humility, diversity, equity, and risks of cultural appropriation in psychedelic-assisted therapy contexts.
10. Explain three ways in how to use EPPC to support clients in translating peak psychedelic experiences into sustained psychological flexibility and meaningful behavioral change.

Target audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Clinical

Components: Literature review, Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Case presentation, Role play

Topic Areas: Clinical

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (7.5 hours): CEs for psychologists 
CEs are not available for recorded viewing.

Registration

ACBS Professional Member Registration ACBS Student Member Registration

Professional Non-Member Registration* Student Non-Member Registration* 

*(consider joining ACBS and register as a member)

Virtual Workshop Rates (5-6 June 2026)

• *The credit card processor is in USD, so the rate listed above is converted to USD in the payment form based on current exchange rates. Euro (EUR) amount will not change. If your bank account or credit card is not in USD, and your bank charges a currency transaction fee to USD, you may see a slight variation in the amount charged, based on the day's exchange rate.
• Registration Tiers are based on your country of residence. Find your virtual pricing tier here. ALL virtual pre-conference workshop rates increase by €20 EUR after 1 June 2026.
• Pre-Conference workshop registration includes live and recorded access to the workshop you select. Recordings will be available through 25 June 2026. We regret that we are unable to provide extended access to any registrant beyond 25 June.
• Prices above are per workshop and include a general certificate of attendance. Morning and afternoon workshops run concurrently, so you may choose to register for up to two workshops total (one in the morning and/or one in the afternoon).
• Ability to earn CEs for different disciplines, as available, for an additional fee. CEs are not available for recorded viewing.

In-Person Workshop Rates (14-15 JULY 2026)

View the full list of workshops available here.

• *The credit card processor is in USD, so the rate listed above is converted to USD in the payment form based on current exchange rates. Euro amount will not change. If your bank account or credit card is not in USD, and your bank charges a currency transaction fee to USD, you may see a slight variation in the amount charged, based on the day's exchange rate.
• Discounted rates are available for professionals in Emerging Economy nations (Tier 2 & Tier 3 countries) and will automatically be applied when you register.
• Prices above include two lunches, twice daily coffee/tea break on site, and a general certificate of attendance.
• These workshops run concurrently, so you may only register for one in-person pre-conference workshop.
• Pre-conference workshop registration DOES NOT include access to the World Conference. For registration information for the World Conference, please go here.
• Ability to earn CEs for different disciplines, as available, for an additional fee.

Click here for more information about Conference registration rates.

Please Note:

• Additional fees are required for certificates that track the number of hours you attended (€20) and CE credits (€65). These fees cover all eligible sessions 5-6 June and 14-19 July. You only need to pay the fee once to earn a certificate for all events you attend.
• All rates are in Euros. (*The Euro amount will not change. The credit card processor will be in US Dollars, so you may see the actual amount charged vary slightly based on that day's exchange rate.)
• We apologize that we may not be able to accommodate special meal requests (gluten free, vegan, allergies, etc.) for registrations received after 15 June.
• To register via Mail or Fax, or pay via PayPal, please use the Printable Version
• 1-day conference, in-person registration is available at varying rates per day.
• NEED HELP? If you're having trouble registering, please email Abbie at [email protected]

Member Rate Qualification

• Registration rates apply as you register. Subsequent memberships do not qualify those already registered for a refund of the difference between the member and non-member rates. The same is true for students, or other similar status and discounts, unless a full cancellation and refund are issued, and prevailing rates apply.
• Affiliate members (or non-members who are not professionals or students) may register at the professional rate. If you are currently receiving mental health care we encourage you to talk to your provider about the utility of this conference for you, prior to registering.
• Student Registration/Membership is available to individuals who are enrolled in a program of study leading to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, are interns, or are postdoctoral candidates. Postdoctoral candidates qualify for Student Registration for up to 2 years, with proof of status from their employer. After this time, they need to register as a Professional. Note: Those registering for the conference as a student are ineligible to earn any kind of CE credits.

Refunds:

Virtual
Cancellation of Pre-conference registration must be submitted in writing via email and must be dated on or before 16:00 Central European Summer Time on 1 June to [email protected] to receive a refund minus a €20 registration cancellation processing fee.

We regret that after 1 June, refunds cannot be made, however we will allow a substitute registrant (they can receive access and a certificate in their name). If you need a refund, please contact us via email. (Note: Shared registrations are not permissible... meaning that you can't attend one day and your colleague the next, etc.) 

No refunds will be granted for no-shows. Virtual pre-conference workshops will be recorded and made available through 25 June 2026 to all registrants, following the event.

It is the responsibility of the registrant to make sure that they have received information related to virtual workshop access. If you are registered and do not receive an email granting you pre-conference access (as appropriate) by the morning of 4 June 2026, please contact [email protected].

In-Person

Cancellation of Pre-conference registration must be submitted in writing via email and must be dated on or before 16:00 Central European Summer Time on 15 June to [email protected] to receive a refund minus a €45 registration cancellation processing fee.

We regret that after 15 June, refunds cannot be made, however we will allow a substitute registrant (they can receive access and a certificate in their name). If you need a refund, please contact us via email. (Note: Shared registrations are not permissible... meaning that you can't attend one day and your colleague the next, etc.) 

No refunds will be granted for no-shows.

Photographs/Video:
ACBS intends to take photographs and video of this event for use in ACBS newsletters and promotional material, in print, electronic and other media, including the ACBS website and social media accounts. By participating in this event, I grant ACBS the right to use any image, photograph, voice or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media become the property of ACBS. Media may be displayed, distributed or used by ACBS for any purpose.

Attendees of the World Conference or Pre-Conference Workshops are not permitted to audio or video-record sessions without the express written permission of ACBS.

If you have any concerns regarding the media policy, please feel free to contact us.

Waiver of Liability:
As a condition of my participation in this meeting or event, I hereby waive any claim I may have against the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) and its officers, directors, employees, or agents, or against the presenters or speakers, for reliance on any information presented and release ACBS from and against any and all liability for damage or injury that may arise from my participation or attendance at the program. I further understand and agree that all property rights in the material presented, including common law copyright, are expressly reserved to the presenter or speaker or to ACBS. I acknowledge that participation in ACBS events and activities brings some risk and I do hereby assume responsibility for my own well-being. If another individual participates in my place per ACBS transfer policy, the new registrant agrees to this disclaimer and waiver by default of transfer.

When Hope Feels Lost: Cultivating Presence, Courage, and Connection in the Treatment of Depression with Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)

Presented in English, also available for session attendees (in Lyon) via simultaneous AI (artificial intelligence) translation software in 50+ languages. More details available here.

Dates and Location of this IN-PERSON 2-Day Workshop:

IN-PERSON at Catholic University of Lyon (UCLY)

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Contact Hours: 13  

Workshop Leaders:

Mavis Tsai, Ph.D.	Sarah Sullivan-Singh, Ph.D.	Barbara Kohlenberg, Ph.D.	Katia Manduchi, Ph.D.	Stavroula Sanida, M.Sc.

Workshop Description: 

Depression often takes root in places where losses were ungrieved, longings remained hidden, truths were unspoken, and relational needs were unmet. In this workshop, we will explore how Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) offers a pathway of renewed hope by transforming the therapeutic relationship into an experiential, moment-to-moment space for healing and growing. Participants will learn to apply FAP’s five fundamental rules with more precision and heart, using awareness, courage, and love (behaviorally defined) to evoke and reinforce the vital behaviors most needed for clients with depression to feel more vibrantly alive.

We will examine depression as a pattern of behavioral restriction—away from emotional expression, from needs, from vulnerability, and from the fullness of one’s internal world. Through FAP, therapists can compassionately invite clients to contact avoided emotions while helping them recognize the parts of themselves that have been silenced or minimized. Therapists will practice how to evoke in-session behaviors that embody clients’ values and longings, and how to shape relational repertoires that generalize to life beyond the therapy room.

This workshop integrates didactics, demonstrations, clinical videos, real-play practice, and guided experiential exercises that address both clinical and personal development to strengthen your ability to meet clients with presence, attunement, and authenticity. We will encourage you to be vulnerable in revealing yourself to the extent that it supports your learning and development, both personally and professionally.

Our goal is that you will leave the workshop with elevated clinical precision in treating depression from a FAP lens, increased confidence using your own emotional vulnerability judiciously, and renewed inspiration to help clients living with depression rediscover connection—to themselves, to others, and to a life they long to inhabit.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Mavis Tsai, Ph.D.

Mavis Tsai, PhD, co-originator of FAP with the late Robert Kohlenberg, PhD, ABPP, is a clinical psychologist and senior research scientist at University of Washington. She is the co-author of six books on FAP (some of which have been translated into Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, Korean and Persian), and over 85 articles and book chapters. She is an ACBS Fellow, a recipient of Washington State Psychological Association’s Distinguished Psychologist Award, and is proud to be named by New Harbinger Publications as one of “13 Badass Psychologists… Who Happen to be Women." She gave a TEDx talk “Create Extraordinary Interactions”, has led numerous workshops internationally, and has supervised clinicians all over the world in FAP. As Founder of the Nonprofit Organization ‘Awareness, Courage & Love Global Project” which brings FAP to the general public, she trains volunteers to lead chapters in six continents to create a worldwide- network of open-hearted change-seekers who strive to meet life’s challenges through deepening interpersonal connection and rising to live more true to themselves.

Sarah Sullivan-Singh, Ph.D.

Sarah Sullivan-Singh, PhD, earned her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from UCLA and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington (UW) Rehabilitation Medicine Department before beginning her independent practice. She is a Clinical Instructor within the UW Psychology Department where she supervises graduate students treating clients using ACT and FAP. Dr. Sullivan-Singh also regularly offers guest lectures at the UW Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. She is a certified FAP trainer and routinely teaches both students and professionals through individual supervision/consultation as well as workshops and online courses. Dr. Sullivan-Singh has also worked on treatment development for and provided clinical supervision within a randomized-controlled trial of FAP at the UW Center for the Science of Social Connection. As partner of The Seattle Clinic, a collective of independent practitioners commi tted to evidence-based care and lifelong learning, Dr. Sullivan-Singh is fortunate to be surrounded by students and colleagues who support her in following the infinite path of encountering and addressing gaps in her awareness and knowledge – and through that process constructing increasingly authentic relationships with greater healing potential.

Barbara Kohlenberg, Ph.D.

Barbara Kohlenberg, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and also in Family and Community Medicine. She also serves as i Dean in the Office for Faculty Affairs. She is a clinical psychologist, who received her Ph.D. at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her NIH funded research has focused on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) and their integration and application with substance use disorders and stigma. Dr. Kohlenberg is extensively trained in both ACT and FAP, and has contributed to the literature in these areas and has conducted trainings internationally. Dr. Kohlenberg is interested in psychotherapy training in psychiatric residency programs, and in growing bedside manner among family medicine residents. Dr. Kohlenberg has deep interests in the role of compassion, hope, acceptance, and relationship in promoting behavior change. She cherishes direct patient care, as well as training. Helping both patients and practioners learn that one can change one’s relationship with suffering rather than having to “get rid” of suffering is meaningful for her. The relationship between scientific knowledge and wisdom traditions is also very meaningful for her. Out of work Dr. Kohlenberg loves cooking, eating, walking, reading/listening to podcasts, and creating and participating in nurturing communities. She loves the beauty of our desert climate while always also missing the green and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up.

Katia Manduchi, Ph.D.

Katia Manduchi, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist with over 25 years of clinical experience. She became a certified Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) trainer in 2012 under the supervision of Robert Kohlenberg, PhD, and Mavis Tsai, PhD, at the University of Washington. She is a founding partner of ACT-ITA and a referent for the ACT and FAP Interest Group (GIS) in Italy. Dr. Manduchi completed advanced clinical training through an internship in Toronto and participated for several years in masterclasses and workshops at the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (UK). In addition to her private clinical practice, she has spent the past 15 years as a trainer and supervisor for psychotherapy training programs throughout Italy. Her professional background includes 10 years of clinical work in an intensive eating disorders unit and 8 years as a supervisor in a community mental health center specializing in psychiatric and addiction disorders. She collaborates nationally and internationally across private, public, and organizational settings, and is the author of numerous publications and national and international presentations. Dr. Manduchi is deeply committed to advancing psychotherapy process, strengthening the therapeutic relationship, and cultivating curiosity, research-mindedness, and creativity in her students, colleagues, and herself.

Stavroula Sanida, M.Sc.

Stavroula Sanida, M.Sc., is a licensed psychotherapist based in Athens, Greece, with a clinical career spanning over 15 years. She is a certified FAP trainer by the University of Washington and has led workshops and lectures internationally. She uses personalized metaphors and storytelling as evocative, awakening tools in her practice for both therapeutic and educational purposes. As a President of the Greece & Cyprus Chapter of ACBS, she is committed to disseminating third wave CBT approaches in her region. Her dedication also extends to community service. She has provided psychological support through local health initiatives and has participated in projects, such as the European Network of Mentors for Women Entrepreneurs and the Nonprofit Organization “Awareness, Courage & Love Global Project”. Her mission is to help clients and trainees cultivate their creativity and create meaningful, inspiring connections. Writing short stories, playing the cello, and exploring the world through poetry are among the activities that fuel her inspiration.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Explain how FAP’s five rules can address mechanisms underlying depression.
2. Identify in-session client behaviors that reflect depressive processes—such as emotional constriction, difficulty expressing needs, disconnection from self, and struggles with authentic relating.
3. Describe FAP-consistent mechanisms for how ungrieved losses, unresolved emotional pain, and diminished contact with one’s internal world can contribute to depressive behavioral patterns.
4. Practice inviting and reinforcing client behaviors that reconnect them with their longings, values, and authentic emotional experiences, including their disowned or previously silenced parts of self.
5. Learn to shape improved interpersonal behaviors in-session, helping clients increase vulnerability, assertiveness, emotional expression, and capacity for mutual connection.
6. Construct a FAP case conceptualization specific to depression, including functional analyses of avoidance patterns, relationship repertoires, therapist-client interactional dynamics, and therapist behaviors that may inadvertently maintain or worsen clients’ depressive behaviors.
7. Learn to strengthen reinforcement contingencies using therapist emotional presence, self-awareness, and authentic self-expression to support client movement out of depressive patterns.
8. Recognize and manage therapist vulnerabilities and associated relationship-interfering behaviors that may be activated when working with depressed clients, including tendencies to over function, offer advice prematurely, or withdraw emotionally in response to client hopelessness.
9. Explore, receive, and express the deeper recesses of your true self -- what feels unseen, unmet, and unheld -- so that you can increase intensity, depth, and connection in your therapeutic relationships.
10. Learn how to incorporate Awareness, Courage & Love resources and interventions into the treatment of depression as supplemental strategies to enhance clients’ capacity for emotional and interpersonal connection in their daily lives.

Target audience: Intermediate, Advanced, Clinical

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Case presentation, Role play

Topic Areas: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (13 hours): CEs for psychologists, BCBA

Registration

Wonder and Wisdom: Building Flexibility across the Developmental Lifespan

Presented in English, also available for session attendees (in Lyon) via simultaneous AI (artificial intelligence) translation software in 50+ languages. More details available here.

Dates and Location of this IN-PERSON 2-Day Workshop:

IN-PERSON at Catholic University of Lyon (UCLY)

Tuesday, 14 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Wednesday, 15 July 2026 from 9:00 - 17:00 Central European Summer Time
Contact Hours: 13  

Workshop Leader:

Louise Hayes, Ph.D.

Workshop Description: 

Life brings constant change, making personal growth a process that continues until we take our last breath. Consider just one aspect of our lives, self-concepts: an 8-year-old forms their first self-concepts, a 16-year-old then navigates a new self-identity, a 30-year-old is surprised to have a partner identity, a 45-year-old confronts outdated life narratives, and a 70-year-old attempts to integrate a lifetime of experiences. With DNA-v, you can work easily and engagingly through each phase, building on prior learnings and providing opportunities for wonder and wisdom.

DNA-v is a framework for learning new abilities, initially developed for children and adolescents but now widely used with adults. Thus, it is well placed to help us face current challenges, learn from the past, and focus on growth in the next phase of life.

Importantly, self and social are always in the moment with DNA-V, as we explicitly consider all our actions through the lens of self-as-context and social-as-context. Consider for a moment how often our significant problems are about our relationships with others and ourselves. For example, young people fear an uncertain future amid climate crises, political crises, and the rise of artificial intelligence that will change our social interactions in unknown ways; midlife adults navigate multiple caregiving roles, career uncertainty, and rapid technological change; and older adults confront ageism, loss, and societal marginalisation. We all need tools for flexible adaptation so we can grow through change.

DNA-v provides an ideal framework for growth across the lifespan:

- Social relationships and connections become an essential lens through which to view all our actions. In other words, the 'we' that is in 'me' is always present in our work.
- Self becomes the lens through which every experience is considered, including emotion, language, values, etc.
- The four core processes (Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor, Valuer) allow for developmental calibration and increasing skill.
- Social-as-context allows us to consider our lives in the context of our relationships, attachments, and society.
- DNA-V is inherently growth-oriented, focusing on expanding our abilities into areas such as wonder, awe, curiosity, discovery, connection, compassion, and even effective problem-solving.
- DNA-V emphasises growth, making it applicable to developmental life transitions rather than just clinical presentations.

Join me in this fun and experiential workshop and gain personal growth as well as ideas to support those you serve.

About the Workshop Leaders:

Louise Hayes, Ph.D.

Dr Louise Hayes is a clinical psychologist, author, international speaker, and educator. She is a Fellow and Past President of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science. Louise currently holds a position as Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University, where she collaborates on projects using contextual behavioural science. She is a peer-reviewed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) trainer engaged in training professionals worldwide. Together with Joseph Ciarrochi, she developed DNA-v, a leading acceptance and commitment therapy model that has sparked international studies. In 2022 she released a new book for helping adults thrive in the face of change – What Makes You Stronger. She is the co-author of two best-selling books for young people – Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teenagers; and Your Life Your Way. She is also the co-author of the practitioner book, The Thriving Adolescent. Louise is an active clinician, working with adults and adolescents. Louise’s passion project and the highlight of her work is establishing a not-for-profit endeavour of taking professionals on the journey of their life into the Himalayas to develop their mindful way of being while raising funds to help children in remote Nepal. In her spare time she is a novel writer and certified Buddhist meditation teacher.

Following this workshop participants will be able to:

1. Use a range of experiential exercises to promote growth with young people and adults
2. Apply DNA-v processes across the lifespan with developmental sensitivity and an understanding of life history and adaptation
3. Identify how to use DNA-v differently at each life stage
4. Flexibily use the basic processes of discoverer, noticer, advisor, and valuer across the lifespan
5. Recognise developmental transitions as opportunities for building psychological flexibility
6. Adapt DNA-v interventions to match cognitive, emotional, and social developmental levels
7. Conceptualise cases through an integrated DNA-v and developmental lens
8. Support flexible social connection skills appropriate to each life stage
9. Support flexible self-identity, self-concept, and change
10. Adapt psychological flexibility practices into non-clinical (organisations, teams, career) and clinical settings (therapy, counselling)

Target audience: Intermediate, Clinical

Components: Experiential exercises, Didactic presentation, Case presentation, Role play

Topic Areas: Lifespan development

Package Includes: A general certificate of attendance

CE Credit Hours Available (13 hours): CEs for psychologists

Registration

World Conference 2026 Program Co-Chairs

Jacqueline A-Tjak, Ph.D. is a registered Clinical Psychologist and Psychotherapist and has worked in inpatient and outpatient facilities in the Netherlands, with patients with different kinds of disorders. She was trained in CBT and is a Supervisor with the VGCt. She started her training in ACT in 2004, is a peer reviewed ACT trainer, and a ACBS Fellow. She attended almost all World conferences since 2006. In her PhD research she compared the efficacy of CBT with ACT for depression.

Dr. Jean-Christophe Seznec is a psychiatrist, former head of clinic, sports medicine physician, lecturer, author of numerous books on ACT, and blogger. He was the president of the French ACT chapter. He teaches meditation and has developed several programs for phone apps, as well as ACT. He teaches at numerous universities. He is a member of the scientific committee of Santé Publique France for the development of soft skills in adolescents, of InspiR, which implements soft skills programs for adolescents, and of La Vie Kintsugi, for the development of health coaching in cancer. He is a specialist in trichotillomania and sports psychologie. He is a member of the medical committee of the French Rugby Federation. He is a trained clown and developed ACT through clowning.

Please submit here if you're a member interested in reviewing submissions for the conference.  Oral submission reviewing occurs during the last 2 weeks of February, poster reviewing occurs during the last 2 weeks of March.

Location: Hall/Foyer

Image denotes ACBS Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipients

Poster Session #1 - Thursday, 16 July, 14:45-15:15

1. Moderators of Change in Psychological Inflexibility in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescents - Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipient

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Adolescents

Components: Original data

Olivia F Petersen, B.A., University of Vermont
Julie M Petersen, Ph.D., Harvard University

Psychological inflexibility (PI) is a central target in ACT. However, it remains unclear what demographic and/or treatment characteristics may enhance outcomes for adolescents. Exploring moderators of improvement is necessary to guide treatment implementation.
Data were from three trials testing ACT for adolescents via individual telehealth (45.1%), community-based (15.8%) and school-based groups (39.1%). Participants (Nf35, Mage=15.22, SD=1.52) self-reported at baseline, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and one-month follow-up. Multilevel modeling was used to examine change in PI over time, with baseline PI, age, and format as moderators.
Models revealed a significant time x baseline PI interaction at all timepoints (bs=−.44 to -.59, ps<.001). Age was a significant moderator at post (b=−1.47, p=.021) and follow-up (b=−1.95, p=.005). Treatment format was not significant (ps > .10).
Older adolescents improved faster, possibly reflecting developmental differences in ability to grasp ACT. Additionally, youths with higher baseline PI were particularly responsive to treatment. These findings highlight how baseline PI and age may be useful indicators for identifying treatment responders in future work.

2. Psychological (In)Flexibility as Transdiagnostic Predictors of Response to Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipient

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, Psychological Flexibility

Components: Original data

Carla Loureiro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Maria E Moreira-de-Oliveira, Dr., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Samara dos Santos-Ribeiro, Ph.D., UFRJ
Maria Eduarda Moreira-de-Oliveira, Ph.D., UFRJ
Gabriela de Menezes, Ph.D., UFRJ
Leonardo Fontenelle, Ph.D, UFRJ

Although serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are widely used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders, many patients show unsatisfactory responses, particularly in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). As it may take up to 12 weeks to assess SRI effectiveness, identifying predictors of response is important.
This longitudinal study examined changes in psychological flexibility and inflexibility processes during SRI treatment in a transdiagnostic sample of OCD and SAD patients and explored which components could predict treatment response. Sixty participants (36 with OCD and 24 with SAD) completed assessments at baseline and follow-up.
Results showed increases in flexibility processes, such as defusion and contact with values, and decreases in inflexibility processes, namely fusion and inaction. Two processes significantly predicted SRI response: contact with values and committed action. Specifically, higher contact with values and lower committed action were associated with a greater likelihood of being classified as responders.
These findings offer insights into the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients, especially those using SRIs as an adjunct to therapy.

3. Interim Analysis of an Online Group ACT + ERP Protocol for OCD in Brazil

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, OCD

Components: Original data

Maria E Moreira-de-Oliveira, Dr., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Carla Loureiro, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Luana Laurito, Ph.D., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Bianca Torres, M.Sc., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Gustavo A de-Medeiros, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Livi Faro, Ph.D., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Gabriela B de Menezes, Ph.D., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro
Leonardo F Fontenelle, Ph.D., Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

A culturally adapted online group protocol combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) was developed for Brazilian patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to increase treatment accessibility.
This interim analysis derives from an ongoing study evaluating a 16-session online group ACT + ERP intervention for Brazilian outpatients with OCD. Clinical and process measures were assessed at baseline and post-treatment, including OCD severity (Y-BOCS), depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21), psychological flexibility processes (CompACT), and quality of life (Q-LES-Q-SF).
To date, 27 patients have completed the intervention. Preliminary analyses indicate reductions in OCD symptom severity, depression, and stress at post-treatment. Improvements were also observed in ACT-related processes, particularly Openness to Experience and Behavioral Awareness, as well as in quality of life.
These preliminary findings support the feasibility and potential clinical utility of delivering an ACT + ERP intervention in an online group format for Brazilian patients with OCD. The protocol may represent a promising strategy to expand access to evidence-based treatments in contexts where specialized services are limited.

4. Behavioral Alignment with Personal Values as a Protective Factor for Preventing Eating Disorders

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Teens, Prevention, Eating Disorders, Personal Values, Bull's Eye

Components: Original data

Ata Ghaderi, Ph.D., Karolinska institutet
Thomas Parling, Ph.D., Karollinska Institutet
Ata Ghaderi, Ph.D., Karolinska Insitutet
Thomas Parling, Ph.D., Karolinska institutet
Elsiabeth Welch, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Gerhard Andersson, Ph.D., Linköping University
Klara Edlund, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Richard Brännström, Ph.D., Karolinska Insitutet

While most eating disorder prevention programs focus on reducing some specific risk factors, emerging research shows promising effects of enhancing protective factors as an alternative.
The efficacy of optimising several protective factors for reducing the risk of eating disorders was investigated in a 2-armed randomised controlled trial with 644 participants (15-20 years). The alignment of behaviours with personal values was promoted with and measured by Bull's eye. The level of engagement in Bull's eye, and change in alignment across follow-ups (6- and 12-months follow-ups) will be analysed in relation to age, gender, level of eating disorders psychopathology and the internalisation of the thin ideal.
Engagement in Bull's eye in relation to the age and gender of participants, potential changes in Bull's eye, across follow-ups, and its mediating role (at 6-months follow-up) in reducing eating disorders psychopathology and internalisation of the thin-ideal (at 12-months follow-up) will be presented.
This study provides knowledge on the level of engagement, change across time, and potential mediating role of Bull’s eye in a major trial on prevention of eating disorders.

5. Interventions for Procrastination. A Preliminary Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Academics or education, Procrastination

Components: Literature review

Mikan Iwamoto, Master, Ritsumeikan University
Yusuke Shudo, Ph.D., Ritsumeikan University

Procrastination is common among students and is associated with reduced quality of life. Various interventions, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have been proposed to reduce procrastination, with several studies reporting their effectiveness. However, outcomes are often assessed using psychological self-report scales, while behavioral indicators are used less frequently. This study reviewed intervention studies targeting procrastination, focusing on intervention types and the use of behavioral measures.
A literature search was conducted using PsycINFO and ERIC. A total of 3,778 records were identified after removing simple duplicates and screened for eligibility. Studies implementing psychological interventions targeting procrastination were included.
Preliminary screening identified 34 intervention studies. Of these, three used ACT-based interventions and four used CBT-based approaches. Direct behavioral outcomes of procrastination were reported in only 13 studies.
Research on ACT-based interventions for procrastination remains limited. Behavioral outcome measures are also appear to be underused. Future studies should incorporate direct behavioral indicators to better evaluate intervention effects.

6. Development of a Program for Internet Gaming Disorder Based on Harm Reduction: A Preliminary Study

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Mobile or digital technology, Internet Gaming Disorder, Harm Reduction, Gaming-Related Harm, Single Case Design

Components: Original data

Kanji Hata, Master, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Ritsumeikan University
Yusuke Shudo, Ph.D., Ritsumeikan university

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) refers to a persistent pattern of gaming behavior that continues despite gaming-related harm associated with problematic game use in daily life. Harm reduction (HR) has been suggested as a potentially useful approach for supporting individuals experiencing IGD. This study aimed to develop a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program based on HR principles and to evaluate its preliminary effectiveness.
Multiple baseline design was employed with three university students enrolled at a private university in Japan. The program comprised six 60-min sessions and included psychoeducation on IGD, CBT for sleep problems, value clarification, and behavioral activation.
Only one participant showed a significant reduction in gaming-related harm from baseline to intervention, whereas play time and IGD scores did not change.
These findings suggest that the program may reduce gaming-related harm without decreasing play time; however, further refinement and evaluation of the program are required.

7. Living with Death: A Single-Case Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of ACT for Prolonged Grief Disorder

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, Grief, Clinical Intervention, Single Case Experimental Design

Components: Original data

Okan Kılıç, M.D., Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery
Okan Deniz, M.D., Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry
Aleyna Güleryüz, M.A., Private Practice
Enver Denizhan Ramakan, M.D., Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital for Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery
Zülal Çelik, M.D., Istanbul Medeniyet Universityy
Sevinç Ulusoy, M.D., Association for Contextual Science and Psychotherapies

Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a chronic condition often resistant to standard treatments. Distinct from conventional symptom-focused interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to integrate grief into valued living. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an 8-session individual ACT protocol for PGD.
Utilizing a Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED) with a non-concurrent multiple baseline approach, participants received weekly ACT sessions. Process and outcome data were collected via standardized scales (PG-13, AAQ-II, VLQ) and personalized daily questions.
Preliminary results from a participant revealed a significant reduction in psychological inflexibility (AAQ-II: 44 to 34). While total grief severity remained stable (PG-11: 35 to 33), the symptom profile shifted qualitatively: avoidance behaviors decreased markedly (PG-3: 3 to 1), whereas contact with feelings of emptiness increased. Additionally, Valued Living scores showed a modest upward trend (29 to 32).
These findings indicate that ACT fosters recovery not by eliminating grief symptoms immediately, but by increasing the capacity to experience loss while re-engaging with values.

8. Video-Based Remote ACT Rehabilitation for Neurodivergent Community Sanction Clients: A Pilot Study

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Mobile or digital technology, Neurodivergent Community, Sanction Clients

Components: Original data

Päivi Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Sanna Kara, Autism Foundation Finland
Minna Tuusa, Counselor, Autism Foundation Finland
Anna Anttila, Counselor, Autism Foundation Finland
Raimo Lappalainen, Prof., University of Jyväskylä

Neurodivergent people often have challenges in emotion and behavioral regulation, which increase the risk of criminal behavior. This pilot RCT study aimed to improve neurodivergent community sanction clients’ wellbeing and readiness for a crime free life through a remote video-based rehabilitation based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices.
Participants (n = 46) were recruited through Probation offices and randomly assigned to an intervention or a waiting list control group. The 10-week intervention consisted of five modules based on the processes of ACT, with each module including two 60-minute video conferencing sessions in real-time between the counselor and the client. Outcome measures (pre-, post-, follow-up) included life satisfaction, well-being, work ability, emotion regulation, depression, anxiety, criminal thinking, psychological flexibility and acceptability of the intervention. The analysis will include both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Data collection will conclude in June 2026, and preliminary results will be presented at the conference.
Our findings will advance the knowledge on how to apply the ACT methods to support neurodivergent community sanction clients towards a crime free life.

9. Students; Experiences of the English Adaption of the ACT-Based Youth Compass Online Program: A Mixed Method Study

Categories: Mobile or digital technology, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Adolescents

Components: Original data

Päivi Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Tetta Hämäläinen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Francesca Brandolin, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Kirsikka Kaipainen, Ph.D., Tampere University
Simone Gorinelli, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Noona Kiuru, Prof., University of Jyväskylä

The Youth Compass is a five week, ACT-based online program designed to support the well being of 13–17-year-old adolescents. It has previously demonstrated effectiveness in promoting adolescent mental health. The aim of the present study was to develop an English adaptation of the program and to gain a deeper understanding of how adolescents perceive it.
The English Youth Compass will be implemented during school lessons. Students will complete weekly modules and engage in discussions on the weekly themes (5×45 minutes). After completion, student feedback will be collected and focus group interviews will be conducted. Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed. The analysis will include both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Data collection will conclude in May 2026, and preliminary results will be presented at the conference.
If the English adaptation is found to be well received, it will offer a valuable opportunity to provide support to a large number of adolescents. For school professionals, Youth Compass may serve as a cost effective tool for addressing mental health–related topics and strengthening students’ skills for managing them.

10. Burnout Profiles and Psychological Flexibility in an ACT-Based Online Course for University Staff

Categories: Academics or education, Organizational / Industrial psychology, Burnout

Components: Original data

Veera S Lampinen, M.Sc., University of Helsinki
Viktória Balla, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Ella Kämper, M.A., University of Helsinki
Nina Katajavuori, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Kristiina Räihä, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Henna Asikainen, Ph.D., University of Helsinki

Higher education staff face increasing workload and burnout (Mitchell et al., 2019; Jones & Bell, 2025). Although ACT shows promise in occupational settings (Lampinen et al., 2026; Towey-Swift et al., 2023), online interventions for university staff are underexplored, and engagement remains a challenge (Borghouts et al., 2021).
University staff (N = 265) participated in an online ACT-based training. Burnout profiles were identified using Latent Profile Analysis, and differences in dropout and pre–post change were examined using mixed ANOVAs and chi-square tests. Analyses are ongoing.
Three burnout profiles (low, mild, high) emerged. Small improvements were observed in exhaustion and social well-being, with variation across profiles. Higher burnout predicted greater dropout, especially in self-guided formats. Increased psychological flexibility was associated with improved outcomes.
Findings highlight burnout heterogeneity and engagement challenges. Psychological flexibility may be a key mechanism of change. Results should be interpreted cautiously.

11. Integrating Empowerment Strategies with ACT to Reduce HIV Stigma and Promote Collective Resilience

Categories: Behavioral or contextual neuroscience, Social justice / equity / diversity, Stigma Reduction

Components: Original data

Josephine Pui-Hing Wong, Ph.D., Toronto Metropolitan University
Alan Li, M.D., Maple Leaf Clinic
Sulemana Saaka, M.A., Western University
Carla Hilario, Ph.D., University of British Columbia Okanagan
Aniela dela Cruz, Ph.D., University of Calgary
Egbe Etowa, Ph.D., Toronto Metropolitan University
Christa Sato, M.A., University of Northern British Columbia
Kenneth Fung, M.D., FRCPC, M.Sc., University of Toronto

HIV stigma intersects with systemic discrimination to perpetuate social and health inequities. Sustainable stigma reduction requires individual and collective efforts.
Our team integrated Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Freirean empowerment strategies to develop the Acceptance and Commitment to Empowerment (ACE) intervention, consisting of six weekly online self-directed learning modules and six Zoom group sessions. A total of 141 racialized people living with HIV or affected by HIV stigma, service providers, and community advocates in six Canadian cities completed the intervention. Data collection included validated scales, qualitative responses to learning modules, ACE application activity logs, and focus groups.
Preliminary results show that ACE is effective in promoting psychological flexibility, empowerment readiness, and actual committed action to reduce stigma and inequities. Qualitative data indicate that participants found ACE to be transformative at personal, interpersonal, and community levels. They identified mindfulness, defusion/acceptance, and value-guided committed action as empowering strategies applied in their everyday lives.
The success of ACE highlights the synergy between ACT and Freirean strategies in promoting individual flexibility and collective resilience to challenge intersectional stigma.

12. Maintenance of Gains Following Interdisciplinary ACT-Based Pain Rehabilitation: Interim 1-Year Results from Belfast

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Chronic Pain

Components: Original data

Grace E Lemons, M.Sc., Queen's University Belfast
Preston Botter, M.A., Indiana University
Claire Briggs, B.Sc., Belfast Centre for Pain Rehabilitation
Danielle Rainey, B.Sc., Belfast Centre for Pain Rehabilitation
Jason Brooks, MBBS FRCA MD FFPMRCA, Belfast Centre for Pain Rehabilitation
Francis Agnew, DClinPsy, Belfast Centre for Pain Rehabilitation
Kevin Vowles, Ph.D., Belfast Centre for Pain Rehabilitation

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain has growing support, but fewer studies have examined whether benefits last over time. This study evaluated outcomes from a Northern Ireland service and tested whether findings changed under assumptions about missing follow up data.
We analysed 99 pre-treatment, 96 post-programme, 76 three month, and 48 one year observations using Bayesian multilevel models across six outcomes: pain interference, social functioning, depression, pain self efficacy, pain related fear, and pain intensity.
The clearest improvements were from pre-treatment to post-programme, especially for pain interference (1.64), pain related fear (0.87), pain self efficacy (0.87), and social functioning (0.86). These were change estimates from the primary model. Improvements were still present at one year for pain interference, social functioning, and pain related fear. Findings were similar when we tested alternative assumptions about people who missed follow up, although one year findings for depression and pain intensity were less certain.
This programme was associated with short term benefits and meaningful longer term outcomes in several domains.

13. Psychological Interventions for Anxiety in Parkinson's: A Meta-Analysis of Cognitive and Acceptance Approaches

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Parkinson's Disease, Anxiety, Meta-analysis, ACT, CBT

Components: Literature review, Original data

Jiyoung Gwak, Graduate School of Counseling, Baekseok University
JINSE PARK, Ph.D., Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital

Background: Anxiety is a debilitating non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) that impairs quality of life. While research is increasing, comparisons between traditional cognitive-control and acceptance-based models remain limited. This study quantifies the overall efficacy of psychological interventions and compares different theoretical approaches for PD-related anxiety.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases through February 2026 identified ten RCTs (11 comparisons). Effect sizes (Hedges' g) were calculated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses based on theoretical orientation.
Results: Psychological interventions demonstrated a significant moderate effect on reducing anxiety (Hedges' g = -0.48, 95% CI [-0.63, -0.33], p < .001). Subgroup analysis showed significant effects for both cognitive-control approaches (g = -0.50) and acceptance/mind-body integrated approaches (g = -0.47), with no significant difference between groups (p = .84).
Conclusions: Structured psychological interventions are effective for PD-related anxiety. Both cognitive restructuring and acceptance-based strategies are viable options. These findings support developing flexible, patient-centered programs to manage disease-specific anxiety, such as fear of falling and activity avoidance.

14. Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility Buffer Negative Mental Health Outcomes in Chronically Ill Students

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Physical Health Conditions, Anxiety, Depression

Components: Original data

Abigail M Wilson, B.S., Fordham University
Csenge B. Bődi, B.A., Fordham University
Elizabeth B Raposa, Ph.D., Fordham University

Despite extensive research on the links between physical and mental health, little is known about whether and how psychological factors, such as self-compassion and acceptance, may buffer negative mental health effects of chronic illnesses, especially during the transition to adulthood.
A nationally representative sample of college students (N = 84,735) was administered with the following measures: GAD–7 (Spitzer et al., 2006); PHQ–9 (Kroenke et al., 2001); Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–2 (Bond et al., 2011); and Self-Compassion Scale (Raes et al., 2011).
Psychological flexibility (β = -0.02, p = .002) and self-compassion (β = -0.07, p < .001) significantly buffered the effects of having at least one chronic illness in college on anxiety. Self-compassion also attenuated the associations between having a chronic illness and depressive symptoms (β = -0.07, p < .001), while flexibility did not significantly moderate the relationship between illness and depressive symptoms (t = -0.01, p = .069).
Self-compassion and psychological flexibility may be important resilience factors to target in order to improve the emotional well-being of college students coping with chronic illness.

15. “This Isn’t Over”: Value Shifts, Restrictions and Emotional Well‑Being in People Living with Chronic Illness

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Disease

Components: Original data

Carlos Vara-García, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Jorge Leocadio-Baño, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Ariadna de la Vega-Castelo, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María Ramos-López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Celia Nogales-Gonzalez, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María del Sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
Ainara Pascual-Gómez, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Chronic illness often increases distress and limits engagement in valued activities, yet value oriented behavior may buffer these effects. This study explores how patients perceive changes in values and restrictions after diagnosis, and whether value consistency mitigates the emotional impact of such restrictions.
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 26 patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Chronic Heart Failure. A thematic content analysis was performed. Additionally, 51 patients (mean age = 69.8; 60% men) were assessed on age, sex, depressive symptoms and restriction and consistency across 11 value-domains. Moderation analyses were conducted.
Participants reported decreased importance of work and increased emphasis on self care and social or family relationships value-domains. Many described major restrictions in previously meaningful activities. Some adapted by finding new ways to act in valued areas, while others experienced declines in well being. Quantitatively, higher restriction was associated with more depressive symptoms, an effect present only among those with low or moderate value consistency.
Chronic illness may increase restriction but strengthening value consistent action could reduce emotional consequences.

16. Shame and Distress in Chronic Illness: The Role of Illness-Related Psychological Flexibility in Complex Disease

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Disease, Depression, Psychological Flexibility

Components: Original data

Rosa R Romero-Moreno, Psychologist, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Celia Nogales-González, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María del Sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
Ariadna A de la Vega-Castelo, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María Ramos-López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Jorge Leocadio-Baño, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Yolanda Casillas-Viera, M.D., Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic heart failure (CHF) has been associated with emotional distress. The aim of this study is to analyze the mediational role of illness-specific psychological flexibility in the relationship between illness‐related shame and depressive symptoms.
individual interviews were conducted with 57 patients with chronic diseases (EPOC or/and CHF), with a mean age of 69.54, 57.4% women.
higher illness-related shame was associated with lower psychological flexibility (t = -4.52, p < .001), accounting for 27.05% of the variance. Lower psychological flexibility was associated with greater depressive symptoms (t = -2.33, p < .05). Shame showed a direct (t = 2.97, p < .005) and indirect effect (through psychological flexibility; IE = .10, SE = .05, 95% CI [-.003, .19]) on depressive symptoms. The overall model explained 35.21% of the variance in depressive symptoms.
llness-related shame impacts depressive symptoms through reduced psychological flexibility. These findings suggest that interventions should target both shame reduction and psychological flexibility to effectively address depressive symptoms.

17. Functional Capacity in Chronic Diseases and Family Caregiver Burden: The Moderating Role of Cognitive Fusion

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Disease, Family Caregivers, Caregiving Burden

Components: Original data

Jorge Leocadio-Baño, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Rosa Romero-Moreno, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María Ramos-López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Ariadna De la Vega-Castelo, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María del Sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
Celia Nogales-González, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Pablo del Valle-Loarte, M.D., Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa

Family caregivers of people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) often experience high burden. Psychological processes can moderate the impact that patients’ functional capacity on caregiver burden. This study examines whether carers’ cognitive fusion moderates the relationship between patients’ functional capacity and carer burden.
Twenty-seven caregivers of people with COPD or CHF participated (mean age=62.04 years; 92.59% women). A moderation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.
The model explained 29.17% of caregiver burden variance (p<.05). Patients’ functional capacity was negatively associated with caregiver burden (t=−2.81, p<.01). The interaction between functional capacity and cognitive fusion was significant (t=2.31, p<.05). Simple slopes revealed that functional capacity significantly predicted burden at low (t=-2.74, p<.05) and moderate (t=-2.81, p<.01) levels of cognitive fusion, but not at high levels (t=.81; p>.05).
The relationship between greater patients´ functional dependence and a higher burden on the caregiver appears to be mitigated when the caregiver experiences low cognitive fusion. Interventions targeting cognitive fusion could help reduce the burden associated with the patient’s functional capacity.

18. Physical Health and Self-Care Values in Chronic Illness: Associations with Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Illness

Components: Original data

Ainara Pascual-Gómez, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Rosa R Romero-Moreno, Psychologist, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María del Sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
María Ramos-López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Jorge Leocadio-Baño, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Ariadna de la Vega-Castelo, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Celia Nogales-González, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

In the context of chronic health conditions, engaging in behaviors aligned with personally meaningful life directions (values) is critical for psychological adjustment and well-being. This study examines how levels of coherence in Physical Health and Self-Care values relate to symptom self-care self-efficacy and quality of life (QoL).
A sample of 50 patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) was categorized into two groups: high vs. medium-low consistency with Self-Care and Physical Health values. Mean differences were analyzed across three self-efficacy domains and four QoL domains.
The high Physical Health coherence group reported significantly higher self-efficacy (p<.05) and superior physical, psychological, and overall QoL (p<.01 to .05). Similarly, high Self-Care coherence was associated with increased self-efficacy (p<.05), better psychological QoL (p<.05), and higher physical exercise engagement (p<.01).
Findings suggest that values-congruence is a key driver of health behaviors and well-being. This variable represents a vital therapeutic target for ACT-based interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility in complex chronic care.

19. Gratitude and the Observing Self: The Role of Self-as-Context in Emotional Distress in Complex Chronic Illness

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Illness, Self-as-Context, Emotional Distress

Components: Original data

María Ramos-López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Carlos Vara-García, Ph.D, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Jorge Leocadio-Baño, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María del Sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
Celia Nogales-González, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Ariadna de la Vega-Castelo, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Rosa Romero-Moreno, Ph.D, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Gratitude is a clinically relevant factor for enhancing psychological well-being in chronic illness. However, experiencing gratitude requires decentering from an egocentric perspective to recognize others' contributions. Self-as-context (SAC) facilitates this by enabling individuals to differentiate self from internal experiences. As gratitude involves perspective-taking, SAC may play a vital role. This study examines the mediating role of SAC in the relationship between gratitude and psychological well-being.
55 participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) participated in this study (Mean age = 70.33 years; 42.4% women). Two mediation models were performed using the PROCESS Macro for SPSS.
Gratitude significantly predicted higher SAC (11.70% variance explained). SAC was negatively associated with anxiety and depression, while direct effects of gratitude were not significant. Significant indirect effects through SAC were observed. Models explained 27.40% and 17.91% of the variance in depression and anxiety, respectively.
These findings suggest that SAC may be a key mechanism linking gratitude with lower psychological distress in individuals with chronic illness, potentially underlying its beneficial effects by supporting perspective‑taking and decentering.

20. The Role of Psychological Flexibility in Physical Activity

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Physical Health, College Students, Behavioral Awareness

Components: Original data

Csenge B. Bődi, B.A., Fordham University
Abigail Wilson, B.S., Fordham University
Elizabeth Raposa, Ph.D., Fordham University

Psychological flexibility (PF) has been linked to physical and psychological health (e.g., Ong et al., 2024), but little research has examined links to physical exercise. While some studies have shown associations between PF and/or exposure to ACT and physical exercise (Kangasniemi et al., 2014), none of these studies examined the subcomponents of PF.
Data is from a study of college students at five universities across the United States. Weekly physical activity was measured using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin & Shephard, 1997), and PF was assessed with the Comprehensive Assessment of ACT Processes (Hsu et al., 2023).
A regression model containing all three PF domains as simultaneous predictors significantly predicted greater weekly physical activity (p = .01), explaining 5.2% of the variance in the outcome. The behavioral awareness subscale emerged as the only unique predictor of physical activity (β = .18, p = .017).
Behavioral awareness, or present-moment awareness and ability to observe one’s internal experiences, might be an especially critical dimension of PF for supporting regular physical activity during the transition to college.

21. Race, Gender, Self-Compassion, and Emotional Clarity in College: Implications for Trauma and Stress Outcomes

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Trauma, Stress, Young Adults

Components: Original data

Janelle S. Peifer, Ph.D., University of Richmond

Traumatic and stressor related events have profound implications for college students academic, social, and emotional functioning. Colleges seek tools and interventions that help buffer adverse mental health outcomes. Our research investigated the associations between self-compassion, emotional clarity, trauma, and stress-related outcomes for college students.
The study included 180 undergraduate and graduate students at a private, predominantly white, liberal arts college in the United States. We utilized a cross-sectional design, and multiple, hierarchical regression analyses were conducted.
We found that self-compassion served as a protective factor against stress and trauma-related outcomes, while emotional clarity did not. In general, we found similarities in emotional clarity and self-compassion comparing majority and minoritized gender and racial/ethnic groups, except for Middle Eastern women students who cited higher post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
We end with recommendations for compassion and self-compassion as a potential universal intervention on campuses.

22. Evaluating the Associations of the AADQ and CompACT-10 with Glycemic Time-in-Range in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Type 1 Diabetes, Psychological Flexibility Measurements, Glycemic Stability

Components: Original data

Flavie C Derville, M.S., Duke University
Max Z Roberts, Ph.D., Duke University School of Medicine
Ashley A Moskovich, Ph.D., Duke University School of Medicine
Rhonda M Merwin, Ph.D., Duke University School of Medicine

Self-management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) carries significant psychological burden related to the constant demands of managing blood glucose levels. Psychological flexibility (PF) may promote resilience in T1D and has been associated with lower HbA1c and diabetes distress, and higher QoL . However, most studies have focused on type 2 diabetes and relied on the AADQ, a variant of the AAQ, itself criticized for its weak discriminant validity.
The current study explores measurement of PF in patients with T1D and examines whether the AADQ or the non-diabetes-specific CompACT-10 is more strongly associated with time-in-range at the bivariate level and after controlling for diabetes distress. Self-report and 10-day continuous glucose monitoring data from Nf120 adults with T1D and disordered eating in a larger trial were evaluated.
Unsurprisingly, the AADQ was moderately associated with time-in-range (r=0.31***). This association reduced but remained significant after controlling for diabetes distress (r=0.20*). The CompACT-10 was unexpectedly not significantly associated with time-in-range.
Findings are discussed in terms of context-specific vs. general measurement of PF.

23. Meditation Experience and Behavioral Indicators of Mindfulness: Evidence from the Mindful Awareness Task

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Processes of change, Mindfulness, Behavioral Assessment, Meditation

Components: Original data

Kyoma Sasaoka, Master's Student, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University
Kaori Usui, Ph.D., Institute of Applied Brain Sciences, Comprehensive Research Organization, Waseda University
Toru Takahashi, Ph.D., Communication Science Laboratories, NTT, Inc.
Hoshito Sasa, M.A., Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University
Yuki Aizawa, B.S., Waseda University
Hikaru Yoshikawa, M.S., Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University
Rieko Osu, Ph.D., Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan

Interest in mindfulness has increased, yet self-report alone may not adequately capture mindfulness, highlighting the need for behavioral indicators. The Mindful Awareness Task (MAT; Hadash et al., 2022) quantifies the objects and duration of awareness during meditation in a controlled laboratory setting. This study examined whether MAT indices differed according to meditation experience.
Participants were 312 adults aged ≥40 years from the WASEDA’S Health Study, a cohort of middle-aged and older adults. During a 20-minute mindfulness meditation, they pressed a key whenever they became aware of the breath and verbally reported experiences (e.g., body sensations, thoughts). MAT indices were compared between participants with and without prior meditation experience using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.
Sixty-nine participants had prior meditation experience. Mindful awareness of body (Z = 2.39, p = .017), meta-awareness (Z = 2.30, p = .021), and sustained mindful awareness (Z = 2.01, p = .045) were significantly higher in the experienced group.
The MAT may be a useful behavioral indicator that is sensitive to prior meditation experience and individual differences in mindful awareness.

24. Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy in Mental Health: A Comparative Study of Human Therapists and AI-Assisted Assessment

Categories: Mobile or digital technology, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Mental Health Diagnosis, Diagnostic Accuracy

Components: Case presentation, Original data

Ibrahim Bukhari, M.S., Johns Hopkins University
Yiying Xiong, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University
Yutong Pan, M.S., Johns Hopkins University
Mina Lu, M.S., Johns Hopkins University
Aneri Shah, M.S., Johns Hopkins University
Yixin Ding, M.S., Johns Hopkins University
Poorvi Sriraman, M.S., Johns Hopkins University

Accurate diagnosis is critical in mental health care, yet diagnostic errors remain common due to symptom overlap and variability in clinician judgment. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly used in clinical contexts, but limited research has directly compared their diagnostic accuracy to that of licensed mental health professionals.
This ongoing study uses a two-phase, quasi-experimental design. Three expert clinicians established consensus DSM-5-TR diagnoses for standardized, fictional clinical case scenarios. Licensed mental health therapists and three commercially available AI chatbots independently reviewed the same scenarios and provided diagnostic judgments. Diagnostic accuracy is operationalized as agreement with expert consensus.
Data collection and analysis are currently in progress.
Once completed, findings are expected to clarify the strengths and limitations of AI-assisted diagnostic tools relative to human clinicians. Results may inform ethical guidelines, clinician training, and the responsible integration of AI as a supportive tool in mental health assessment rather than a replacement for professional judgment.

25. Perceived Stress, Smoking Urge, and Smoking Behavior: The Moderating Role of Psychological Flexibility

Categories: Processes of change, Health / behavioral medicine, Addiction, Nicotine Dependence

Components: Original data

Yasar Syed, B.A., Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Yashkumar Pithva, M.A., The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Kaeyoor Joshi, Ph.D., New Mexico State University
Pradipta Poddar, B.A., Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Nandani Sharma, B.A., Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Devyani Kedar, B.A., Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Vrinda Guru, B.A., Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda

Perceived stress is a well-documented precipitant of smoking behavior, yet significant interindividual variability within the stress-urge-smoking pathway suggests critical boundary conditions remain unidentified. Grounded in the ACT framework, the present study investigates psychological flexibility processes; the capacity for present-moment awareness and value-directed action in the face of internal distress, as moderator of this motivational sequence.
Adult daily smokers will complete standardized assessments of perceived stress, smoking urge, smoking frequency, nicotine dependence, and psychological flexibility processes in a cross-sectional quantitative design. A dual-stage moderated mediation model will be tested, wherein smoking urge mediates the association between perceived stress and smoking behavior. Based on existing literature, we hypothesize that higher psychological flexibility processes will attenuate the urge-behavior association. Additionally, we exploratorily examine whether psychological flexibility processes moderate the initial stress-to-urge pathway, a relationship that the current literature has not directly addressed.
(Work in progress.)
Findings are expected to clarify at which stage of the motivational sequence psychological flexibility processes exert regulatory influence, with direct implications for process-based ACT interventions targeting stress-precipitated smoking.

26. Self-Compassion Facets as Mediators of the Relationship Between Self-Esteem & Well-Being: A Path Analysis Approach

Categories: Processes of change, Self-Compassion

Components: Original data

Adrian Pérez-Aranda, Ph.D., Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Jaime Navarrete, Ph.D., Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu
Corel Mateo, Ph.D., UAB
Stefano Ardenghi, Ph.D., UNIMIB
Giulia Rampoldi, Ph.D., UNIMIB
Jesús Montero-Marín, Ph.D., Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Deu
Marco Bani, Ph.D., UNIMIB

Self-esteem and self-compassion are both associated with psychological well-being, but they differ in their underlying mechanisms. Some studies have found that self-compassion mediates the relationship between self-esteem and well-being, yet they have overlooked the distinct roles of its cognitive, affective, and behavioral components. This study examined whether specific selfcompassion facets mediate the relationship between self-esteem and well-being, using the Sussex-Oxford Compassion Scales (SOCS).
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 408 Italian healthcare students. Participants completed the SOCS, the RSE, and the SWEMBS. The Italian SOCS was psychometrically evaluated through confirmatory factor analyses and showed good validity and reliability. Correlations and path analyses were used to examine the mediating roles of cognitive, affective, and behavioral self-compassion facets.
Emotional and behavioral components of self-compassion—such as “tolerating uncomfortable feelings”, and “acting to alleviate suffering”—significantly mediated the link between self-esteem and well-being. These facets accounted for 39% of its variance, while cognitive components did not show significant effects.
These findings highlight the importance of affective and behavioral self-compassion in therapeutic interventions, emphasizing their role in enhancing well-being.

27. Cognitive Defusion as a Process-Level Bridge Between ACT and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Categories: Processes of change, Theory and philosophical foundations, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, Psychedelics

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review

Barbara P Roiz, Independent Practitioner

Psychological flexibility is frequently used to explain therapeutic change in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP), yet the specific contribution of cognitive defusion to clinical change remains unclear. Phenomenological reports of psychedelic experiences often describe decentering and loosening of rigid self-narratives, processes that resemble ACT’s defusion. This poster addresses this conceptual gap.
A conceptual, process-based analysis was conducted integrating literature on ACT defusion, self-as-context, and psychedelic phenomenology. Functional similarities were identified across sources, informing the development of a theoretical model linking psychedelic-induced cognitive shifts to defusion mechanisms. No empirical data were collected.
The analysis indicates that psychedelic states may act as naturalistic amplifiers of defusion, temporarily weakening literal thought dominance. Three themes emerged: decentering, reduced cognitive rigidity, and suspension of egoic narratives, all functionally consistent with defusion processes described in ACT.
Framing psychedelic effects as instances of defusion clarifies a potential shared mechanism between ACT and PAP. ACT-informed preparation and integration may stabilize these shifts, preventing re-fusion and supporting sustained behavioral flexibility. The model highlights an understudied process and invites future empirical and clinical investigation.

28. Orientation to Person, Place, and Time as Relational Framing: An RMAP Conceptual Analysis of Cognistat Items

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Behavioral or contextual neuroscience, Neurocognitive Assessment

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review

Yvette Ramos, M.A., The Chicago School
Ryan T O'Donnell, M.A., The Chicago School, Los Angeles
Emily Endraws, M.A., The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Diana C Perez, M.A., The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Verounia Ghaly, M.A., The Chicago School at Los Angeles

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) research increasingly suggests that relational networking abilities correspond with neural network functioning as described in cognitive neuroscience. We propose that a client’s neurocognitive performance on orientation to person, place, and time may be understood as relational framing performance.
Using the newly proposed Relational Map Analysis Protocol (RMAP), three example items from the Orientation section of the Cognistat Assessment were visualized and conceptually analyzed.
Analysis generally revealed that “person” items corresponded with deictic-coordination framing, “place” items with deictic-spatial framing, and “time” items with deictic-temporal framing. Along this item administration sequence, RMAP diagrams revealed that the relational networking progressively decreased in derivation and increased in complexity.
According to the Hyperdimensional Multilevel framework (HDML) and the Cognistat's scoring rationale, failure on high-derivation, low-complexity items (e.g., person) indicates more serious neurocognitive impairment than failure on low-derivation, high-complexity items (e.g., time). Limitations and future directions for refining scoring rationales in neurocognitive assessments are discussed.

29. Diagramming Deflection: A Conceptual Analysis of Child Maltreatment Rationalization Using RFT and the RMAP

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Children

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review

Ryan T O'Donnell, M.A., The Chicago School, Los Angeles
Sachi K Bajaj, B.A., The Chicago School, Los Angeles
Marlisa Sandoval, B.A., The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Masako King, M.A., The Chicago School at Los Angeles

Verbal rationalization of child maltreatment represents a critical barrier to intervention, yet few analytic frameworks exist for mapping the relational networks that speakers express to deflect accountability. Relational Frame Theory (RFT) offers a behavioral account of how language transforms stimulus functions, but has seldom been applied to the verbal behavior of perpetrators.
Using the Relational Map Analysis Protocol (RMAP), we diagrammed the relational networks of three common rationalization statements. Each statement was conceptually analyzed for its constituent relational frames and transformation of stimulus functions within these networks.
Across all three statements, analysis revealed a convergent pattern: each rationalization actively avoids negative valence assignment to the speaker, achieved through distinct relational operations including distinction, comparison, causal, and deictic framing.
These findings suggest that RMAP may serve as a clinically useful tool for identifying and disrupting the verbal processes that maintain harm, with implications for forensic assessment and prevention science. Limitations include the conceptual nature of this analysis; future research should empirically validate RMAP coding reliability across raters and examine relevance within forensic populations.

30. The Relational Map Analysis Protocol (RMAP): An RFT-Derived System for Visualizing and Analyzing Human Behavior

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Methods/approaches for individual variation, Functional Analysis

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review

Ryan T O'Donnell, M.A., The Chicago School, Los Angeles
Sachi K Bajaj, B.A., The Chicago School, Los Angeles

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) offers a powerful behavior-analytic account of language and cognition, but its clinical and research application remains limited by a lack of accessible, high-level technologies for analyzing relational responding.
Derived from Relational Density Theory, the Hyper-Dimensional Multi-Level framework, and graph theory, the Relational Map Analysis Protocol (RMAP) was developed as a modular diagramming protocol. Six edge types for core relational frames were derived for efficient, pragmatic analysis of natural language.
Each edge type represents unique properties that guide network propagation of stimulus functions between related nodes. These proved sufficient for basic examples of natural language, with therapeutic models illustrating stimulus function transformation as valence propagation across explicit and implicit nodes. For conceptual research models, valence analysis may be omitted depending on research model aims.
The RMAP may help render RFT's theoretical richness clinically accessible, with applications spanning functional analysis of behavior, case formulation, and research conceptualization. This first iteration lacks symbols for more complex frames such as spatial, temporal, and deictic framing. Future directions for protocol expansion and empirical validation are discussed.

31. Analyzing Relational Frame Theory Methods in Contributing to Process-Based Therapy

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Methods/approaches for individual variation, Single-Case Experimental Design, IRAP, MDS

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Breanna Lee, M.S., Ulster University
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D., Ulster University
Julian C Leslie, Ph.D., Ulster University
Dana Paliliunas, Ph.D., Ball State University
Jordan Belisle, Ph.D., Entiva Behavioral Health
Colin Harte, Ph.D., Universidade Federal de São Carlos

Psychological assessment and treatment have historically focused on a medical model (e.g., DSM, ICD), but some have suggested advantages in focusing on a process-based approach (e.g., Hayes et al., 2020). It has been argued, however, that the processes involved in clinically relevant behavior, as defined by traditional behavior therapy, have not yet been identified (e.g., Harte et al., 2023). The current research program aims to use concepts within Relational Frame Theory (RFT; Hayes et al., 2001) to identify properties of relational responding that may give insight to the processes involved in human behavior.
Two methods for capturing relational responding are presented: the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) and multidimensional scaling (MDS). In a single-case experimental design, participants completed an IRAP and MDS containing positive and negative valence images 20 times over 10 days.
Preliminary data is provided for one participant, in which IRAP and MDS performances varied across repeated exposures.
Similarities/differences will be discussed in terms of the properties of responding captured by each procedure and the implications for conceptual analyses of RFT.

32. Mapping the Missing 'I': An RFT Analysis of Jeffrey Dahmer's Verbal Distancing Using the RMAP

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Processes of change, Forensic Psychology

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review

Sofia Corral, M.A., The Chicago School
Ryan T O'Donnell, M.A., The Chicago School, Los Angeles
Diana Perez, M.A., The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Masako King, M.A., The Chicago School at Los Angeles
Joana Castillo, M.A., The Chicago School

Jeffrey Dahmer is one of the most infamous American serial killers. In an interview conducted in 1993, Dahmer made numerous statements about his criminal behaviors that warrant closer analysis of the relational networks embedded within his language.
Drawing on contemporary extensions of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), this poster uses the Relational Map Analysis Protocol (RMAP), a flexible diagramming system for visual analysis of human language and cognition, to visualize these relational networks.
Conceptual analyses reveal that Dahmer consistently avoids using the first-person pronoun ‘I’ and employs “it” when referring to his criminal behavior, effectively distancing himself from the negative evaluative functions associated with his actions.
This pattern suggests that Dahmer's verbal behavior functions to minimize aversive appraisal from self and others, a finding with implications for understanding how perpetrators construct narratives that distance them from accountability and behavior change. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed, specifically how the RMAP could aid in risk assessments, prevention, and rehabilitation efforts.

33. Psychological Flexibility: In a City Controlled by Organized Crime

Categories: Social justice / equity / diversity, Professional development, Organized Crime, Values

Components: Case presentation

Carlos A Mendiola Cruz, ACBS

There is a critical need to provide visibility to populations deprived of the privilege of living in safe environments. When safety is no longer guaranteed by the State, the therapeutic practice becomes a profound act of social resistance.
Systemic Threats: Economic coercion, extortion and "derecho de piso" , Physical integrity risks, and direct threats of assassination or enforced disappearance, Psychological Attrition: Hopelessness stemming from the overwhelming nature of the conflict and the constant exposure to the trauma of the victims served., Inefficient Security Protocols, a direct consequence of negligence by local and state authorities.
In 2019, the city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, was ranked as one of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world. By 2024, it became the city with the highest rate of disappearances in the state. In 2025, it was one of the cities where residents feel the most unsafe living in Mexico.
Organized crime has turned daily routines into sources of fear for both consultants and therapists, revealing a collective trauma where the loss of safety dictates every aspect of existence.

Poster Session #2 - Friday, 17 July, 10:15-10:45

1. Bringing Process-Based Interventions to Argentina: Mindfulness-Based Treatment for Functional Dissociative Seizures - Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipient

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Functional Dissociative Seizures (FDS)

Components: Original data

Camila Wolfzun, Ph.D. Student, Universidad de Buenos Aires; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
María Agostina Gerbaudo, Ph.D. Student, CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)
Mercedes Sarudiansky, Ph.D., Universidad de Buenos Aires; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
Alejandra Lanzillotti, Ph.D., Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina
Guido Korman, Ph.D., Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina

Functional dissociative seizures (FDS), a functional neurological disorder subtype, are paroxysms of impaired awareness, altered perception, and reduced behavioral control, usually with emotional/physiological arousal. Although psychotherapy is a first-line treatment, most protocols were developed and tested in Europe and USA, and may not transfer directly to other contexts. This presentation describes the cultural and contextual adaptation of a mindfulness-based psychotherapy for FDS to a low-resource public hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
An iterative adaptation-process included: (a) review of the original manual to identify potential mismatches with the local clinical pathway; (b) adjustment of language and materials; (c) practical modifications to address common barriers.
The resulting intervention retains the original five-module structure, emphasizing present-moment awareness, decentering, acceptance-based skills, and values-oriented action, and targets processes such as experiential avoidance, attention bias, and reduced psychological flexibility.
A contextual, process-based intervention fits FDS because current models highlight learned threat responses, attention, arousal regulation, and avoidance within context. This adaptation keeps these core processes while adjusting language, materials, and delivery for a low-resource public hospital.

2. Attitudes Toward Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Among Psychology Students at the University of Buenos Aires

Categories: Academics or education, Academics or education, ACT, Education

Components: Original data

María Agostina Gerbaudo, Ph.D. Student, CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA)
Lautaro Rojas, M.A., Universidad de Buenos Aires
Javier Salgado, M.A., Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires
Ailén Appeceix, M.A. Student, Universidad de Buenos Aires; Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina

Attitudes toward Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may shape students interest and training choices. However, little is known about students' attitudes toward ACT, especially in Argentina, where behavioral-contextual therapies are scarcely represented in undergraduate curricula. This study examined attitudes toward ACT among psychology students at the University of Buenos Aires.
An ad hoc 15-item Likert-scale questionnaire assessed attitudes toward ACT in 342 students. Analyses examined internal consistency and associations between attitudes and academic/training variables using Spearman correlations and Kruskal-Wallis tests with Bonferroni-corrected post hoc comparisons.
Internal consistency was adequate (α = .81). Higher ACT attitude scores were associated with more: interest in evidence-based practice (rho = .62, p < .001), ACT knowledge (rho = .52, p < .001), and approved courses (rho = .21, p < .001). Scores also differed by preferred theoretical orientation, with higher scores among behavioral-contextual and cognitive-behavioral students and lower scores among psychoanalytic students.
Favorable attitudes toward ACT were linked to prior exposure to the model and positive attitudes to evidence-based approaches, suggesting that training contexts may shape students’ views.

3. Parental Burnout, Psychological Flexibility, and Parent-Child Relationship Quality: A Network Analysis

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Behavior analysis, Parental Burnout, Psychological Flexibility, Mindful Parenting, Network Analysis, Child Adjustment, Family Functioning

Components: Literature review, Original data

Wai Yan Chan, B.Sc., The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Pui Tik Yau, MPsyMed, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Kin Fung Chan, Mphil, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Wai Tong Chien, Ph.D., MPhil, PGDip (NEd), BN (Hons), RMN, FAAN, Hon.FHKANM, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Yuen Yu Chong, Ph.D., The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Parental burnout poses a significant risk to child adjustment and family functioning, potentially perpetuating intergenerational transmission of psychological vulnerabilities. Identifying underlying mechanisms is essential for developing targeted interventions.
This cross-sectional analysis examined interrelationships among parental burnout, psychological flexibility, mindful parenting, parent–child closeness and conflict, and child adjustment using network analysis on baseline data from 115 community-recruited parents (92.2% mothers; mean age, 39.8 years) enrolled in an ongoing 2-wave longitudinal study.
Mindful parenting had a strength Z-score of +1.25, a closeness Z-score of +0.75, a betweenness Z-score of +1.75, and an expected influence Z-score of +2.0. Psychological flexibility had a strength Z-score of +1.0, a closeness Z-score of +1.2, a betweenness Z-score of +0.5, and an expected influence Z-score of −0.5.
This study examined the network structure of mindful parenting and psychological flexibility. Mindful parenting showed the highest expected influence, suggesting it may be the most effective single intervention target. Psychological flexibility demonstrated high betweenness centrality, functioning as a structural bridge that facilitates influence flow across the network.

4. A Brief ACT Intervention for Parents of Adolescents with Dyslexia: Feasibility Study

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Dyslexia, Adolescents, Parent Psychological Flexibility

Components: Original data

Francisco López-Méndez, M.A., UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia
Isabel López-Chicheri, Ph.D., University of Murcia
Helena Colodro-Sola, M.Sc., University College London
Marina Iniesta-Sepúlveda, Ph.D., UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia
Miguel López-Zamora, Ph.D., University of Málaga

Parents of adolescents with dyslexia frequently experience sustained emotional distress associated with academic demands, uncertainty about their child’s future, etc. Within the Contextual Behavioral Science framework, psychological flexibility has been identified as a key transdiagnostic process that may support adaptive parental responses in contexts of chronic family stress.
This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a brief group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention targeting parental psychological flexibility in families of adolescents with dyslexia. Sixty-four parents participated in a four-session ACT program delivered in small groups. A repeated-measures design (pre-intervention, post-intervention, 3-month follow-up) was used to assess changes in parental psychological flexibility (6-PAQ) and emotional distress (DASS-21). Feasibility indicators included recruitment, retention, attendance, and participant satisfaction.
The intervention showed high feasibility and acceptability, with strong attendance and retention rates. Longitudinal mixed-effects analyses indicated significant reductions in parental stress and depression and improvements in psychological flexibility maintained at follow-up (p<.05).
These findings suggest that brief ACT-based interventions targeting psychological flexibility may represent a promising approach to supporting parents facing sustained family stress related to dyslexia.

5. Feasibility and Acceptability of Pandora I: A Brief Hybrid ACT-Based Program in Emergency Healthcare Settings

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Feasibility and Acceptability, Emergency Healthcare

Components: Original data

María Abellán-Semitiel, M.A., UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia
Helena Colodro-Sola, M.Sc., University College London
Maria Carmen Rodríguez-Ramírez, Ph.D., Murcia Health Service
Juan Antonio García-Méndez, Ph.D., Murcia Health Service
Isabel López-Chicheri, Ph.D., University of Murcia

Emergency healthcare professionals are routinely exposed to high emotional demands, time pressure, and difficulty disengaging from work, placing them at risk of sustained psychological strain. Despite this, brief and context-adapted interventions remain limited in these settings.
Pandora I is a brief hybrid program integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness practices, designed to be feasible within real-world emergency services. This pilot study evaluated its implementation in the Murcia Emergency and Urgent Care Service (Spain) using a quasi-experimental design with an intervention group (n = 52) and a waitlist comparison group (n = 43). The program combined a 4-hour face-to-face workshop with one week of guided online practice.
The intervention was successfully implemented, with high adherence and satisfaction (M = 9.13/10). Participants described increased awareness of internal experiences and greater flexibility in responding to work-related demands. Downward trends were observed in perceived stress and in difficulty disengaging from work.
These findings support the feasibility of brief, process-based ACT interventions adapted to high-demand occupational contexts and highlight their potential for scalable implementation.

6. AutAcademy Work Program:Contextual Behavioral Intervention for Productivity Generalization in Neurodivergent Adults

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Neurodiversity, Autism, CBS

Components: Case presentation, Original data

Alice Nova, AutAcademy Srl, Monza, Italy
Simonetta Ravera, Master, AutAcademy Srl
Fabio Camplone, A.B.A., AutAcademy Srl
Davide Giuffrè, DClinPsy, AutAcademy Srl

Neurodivergent adults, particularly autistic individuals, often show high performance variability in workplace settings due to cognitive overload and contextual unpredictability.This study examined whether a structured contextual behavioral intervention could support productivity stabilization and generalization to real work conditions within the AutAcademy laboratory setting.
A phase-based longitudinal design was implemented with five autistic participants (Nf5) within AutAcademy digital work unit: acquisition (December), stabilization (January), and real-context generalization (February). Participants performed structured data-entry tasks in fixed time blocks (15–20–25 minutes).The intervention was grounded in contextual behavioral principles, integrating ABA-derived techniques with CBT-informed strategies to support task organization and executive functioning. Outcomes included productivity, intra-individual variability, and delays.Qualitative observations and pre–post data from the Autism Good Feeling Questionnaire (Vermeulen) were collected descriptively.
Productivity increased and stabilized, with reduced variability.Performance was maintained or improved in real work. Delays decreased. Qualitative data indicated improvements in task initiation, monitoring, and adaptive help-seeking.Positive experience profiles remained overall stable.
Findings suggest that structured contextual contingencies support stable functional responding in autism.Future studies should integrate ACT-based process measures and RFT-informed measures of relational responding.

7. Beyond Pharmacotherapy: Socioeconomic Barriers of Refractory Depression in a Brazilian Public Health Context

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Dissemination or global health strategies, Refractory Depression

Components: Case presentation, Original data

Verônica Reis, UFRJ
Roberta Moraes, UFRJ
Larissa Junkes, M.D., UFRJ
Natia Horato, M.A., UFRJ
Antonio Egídio Nardi, Ph.D., UFRJ

Refractory depression is typically defined by insufficient response to pharmacological treatment. This framework often overlooks socioeconomic determinants that shape treatment engagement, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. From a Contextual Behavioral Science perspective, resistance may reflect contextual constraints that limit behavioral change.
This study reports a pilot feasibility implementation of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills training group within the Brazilian Unified Health System. Six outpatients with severe refractory depression from a specialized university clinic in Rio de Janeiro participated in the protocol. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected to assess feasibility and preliminary outcomes in a resource-constrained setting.
Institutional implementation was feasible; however, adherence was low. Most participants were unemployed, with a low monthly income. Treatment discontinuation was primarily associated with economic hardship rather than clinical deterioration. Clinical outcomes were heterogeneous, with substantial improvement observed in only one participant.
In underserved contexts, depression refractoriness may reflect sustained exposure to structural adversity. Poverty functions as a contextual constraint limiting the acquisition and generalization of DBT skills, underscoring the need for context-sensitive behavioral interventions.

8. ASPIRE: Insights from an Inpatient ACT-Based Therapeutic Concept for Individuals with Psychotic Disorders

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Health / behavioral medicine, Psychotic Disorders

Components: Original data

Henrik M Voss, M.Sc., Charite University Medicine Berlin
Lennard M Telschow, M.Sc., Charite University Medicine Berlin
Felicitas M Ehlen, Prof. Dr., Charite University Medicine Berlin
Andreas Bechdolf, Prof. Dr., Charite University Medicine Berlin
Yona Poessnecker, Dr., Charite University Medicine Berlin
Frieda Sachsenheimer, Dr., Charite University Medicine Berlin

This study aims to gather a understanding of participants’ experiences during an inpatient intervention specialized in the treatment of psychotic disorders, embedded in a holistic therapeutic ward-concept rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Semi-structured interviews were conducted upon completing the-intervention, as well as complementary follow-up-interviews. Content structuring analysis was carried out to create a comprehensive coding-scheme. Quantitative Measures of various clinical and ACT-specific outcomes were assessed before, after and six months past finishing the intervention.
Participants regarded the general concept as fostering for their personal development, emphasizing positive interactions with staff and other inpatients. Reported impacts represent the established ACT-domains ‘open’, ‘aware’, and ‘active’. Meaningful transfers to daily life were prevalent. Quantitatively, significant improvements were present in overall functioning level, symptom severity, recovery, as well as in ACt-specific outcomes.
Findings suggest that including the entire ward staff in the holistic therapeutic concept promotes therapeutic alliance and interpersonal connectedness to a particular degree. Participants highlighted the hands-on and guiding nature of therapy contents as especially motivating, leading to meaningful change, as underlined by quantitative measures.

9. What Happens When ACT Focuses on Repetitive Negative Thinking? A Systematic Review of RNT-Focused ACT: Chile Chapter Sponsored

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Health / behavioral medicine, Repetitive Negative Thinking

Components: Literature review

Jaime Yañez, Ph.D. (C), Universidad San Sebastián
ÁLvaro Langer, Ph.D., Universidad San Sebastián
Jonathan Salazar-González, Ph.D. (C), Universidad San Sebastián
Nicolás Fernández, Master's Student, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Diego Portales
Gustavo Viveros, Licensed Psychologist, Centro Enacción
Paula Dagnino, Ph.D., Universidad San Sebastián

Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) is a transdiagnostic process implicated in various mental health problems. In recent years, ACT-based interventions have been developed with an explicit focus on reducing RNT to promote clinically meaningful change within brief time frames. Evidence suggests favorable effects on emotional symptoms and well-being. However, no systematic review has synthesized their effectiveness. The present study reviews the empirical evidence on RNT-focused ACT interventions across age groups.
A systematic review of empirical studies examining RNT-focused ACT interventions was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO (2010–2025). Clinical trials focusing on RNT and mental health outcomes were included.
Interventions showed moderate to large effect sizes reducing RNT and emotional symptoms and improving well-being across clinical and non-clinical populations. Studies in adults predominated, as did brief formats (1–8 sessions).
Findings support the clinical potential of these interventions as brief transdiagnostic strategies. However, small samples and methodological heterogeneity limit generalizability. Full-powered randomized controlled trials, mediation analyses, and quantitative syntheses are needed to clarify effectiveness and the role of RNT as a mechanism of change.

10. ACT@TeenSAD: Preliminary Findings From a Remotely Delivered ACT Intervention for Adolescent Social Anxiety

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, Adolescents, Social Anxiety

Components: Original data

Paula Vagos, Ph.D., William James Research Center, Universidade de Aveiro; CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Francisca Alves, University of Coimbra, CINEICC
Diana Vieira Figueiredo, Master, CINEICC, University of Coimbra

We examined changes following ACT@TeenSAD that is an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to enhance psychological flexibility and counter core features of social anxiety disorder (SAD), a prevalent and debilitating condition in adolescence.
Participants were 22 adolescents aged 15–18 years (86.4% female) with a primary diagnosis of SAD. Intervention comprised 10 weekly sessions followed by two monthly booster sessions, all delivered via videoconference. Measures of social anxiety and psychological inflexibility (PI) were collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-ups at 12-weeks post intervention (and post-booster sessions) and at 24-weeks.
Results showed significant reductions in social central fears and PI from pre- to post-intervention (p < .001, ηp² > .46), which were maintained across follow-ups. Changes in PI significantly predicted reductions in fear of observation (r² = .37) and fear of interaction (r² = .38) but not fear of performance.
Findings support the efficacy of ACT@TeenSAD and the possibility of it being made available remotely to socially anxious adolescents. Results further highlight PI as a mechanism of change, particularly for non-performance-related social fears.

11. ImpACT: Online ACT Training in Higher Education: A Mixed Methods Study on Mental Health and Dropout

Categories: Academics or education, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Students, Mental Health, Engagement, eHealth

Components: Original data

Jennifer Reijnders, Ph.D., Open Universiteit
Ineke Bodok, M.Sc., Open Universiteit
Willemieke Kroeze, Ph.D., Christian University of Applied Sciences
Tim Batink, Ph.D., Open Universiteit
Nele Jacobs, Prof., Open Universiteit

Mental health problems among higher education students are a growing public health concern, characterized by high levels of stress, performance pressure, and loneliness. Accessible and preventive interventions are urgently needed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may offer a cost-effective digital solution; however, student engagement in eHealth interventions remains challenging.
This mixed methods study used quantitative data collection to examining mental health status and qualitative data collection to explore reasons for dropout and persistence in an eHealth ACT intervention among full-time and part-time higher education students aged 16–25 years. The qualitative approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews enabled an in-depth understanding of students’ experiences and the identification of barriers to and facilitators of engagement. The study is embedded within an ongoing randomized controlled trial.
Baseline mental health characteristics (N > 450), including psychological flexibility, well-being, mental health complaints, study load, and performance pressure, will be reported. Engagement-related barriers and facilitators will be examined across non-starters, early dropouts, late dropouts, and completers.
Preliminary findings will be presented

12. A Functional Analysis of Motivational Interviewing and its Potential to Complement Contextual Behavioral Science

Categories: Behavior analysis, Processes of change, Motivational Interviewing, CBS

Components: Conceptual analysis

Sean Boyle, Ph.D., Technical University Dublin
Padraig Lacey, M.Sc., University College Dublin
Conor McCloskey, Ph.D., University College Dublin
Louise McHugh, Ph.D., University College Dublin
Nigel Vahey, Ph.D., Technical University Dublin

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach to facilitate change by strengthening intrinsic motivation, yet its mechanisms are typically described through humanistic or transtheoretical lenses. This poster proposes a functional analysis of MI grounded in Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT).
Within this framework, change and sustain talk are conceptualised as operant behaviour shaped by therapist-led contingencies and context. We examine MI techniques as forms of differential reinforcement that alter client verbal behaviour. Discrepancy is analyzed via motivating operations, transforming stimulus functions through values-based relational framing (hierarchical and temporal).
Change talk is rule-governed behavior that promotes psychological flexibility by expanding relational responding and enhancing values-consistent action. Conversely, sustain talk is behavior maintained by experiential avoidance and/or overly rigid rule-following.
This account clarifies MI processes, supporting integration with therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by emphasising intervention function over form. We detail how differential reinforcement shapes change versus sustain talk, while psychological flexibility may potentially mediate outcomes. Implications support process-based training and supervision that targets the functional impact of therapist interventions.

13. Mapping Psychophysiological Stress in Individuals with Unwanted Loneliness

Categories: Environmental problems, Dissemination or global health strategies, Community Health, Social Issues

Components: Original data

Aleix Ayats Palles, M.Sc., Ph.D. Student, International University of Catalonia (UIC)
Daniel Paül Agustí, Ph.D., Universitat de Lleida
Montserrat Guerrero Lladós, Ph.D., University of Lleida
Marçal Segarra Mercè, M.Sc., University of Lleida
Josep Ramon Mòdol, Ph.D., University of Lleida

Unwanted loneliness is a critical public health issue. This study employs psychophysiological mapping to understand how urban morphology influences stress to enhance social prescribing in Primary Care.
21 patients from the Bellpuig Primary Care Health Center were screened using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Data were collected in spring and autumn 2025 during 40-to-60-minute standardized urban walks. Psychophysiological stress measured by Heart Rate Variability (HRV), specifically the RMSSD, and GPS coordinates were recorded and cartographically analyzed.
Mapping revealed a spatial paradox: individuals with high loneliness scores exhibited reduced stress in narrow, crowded streets during market days, suggesting a protective effect of "social co-presence". Conversely, wide, diaphanous spaces and green areas significantly increased stress, contrary to general population trends. Proximity to "blue spaces" (river and fountain with organic water sound) consistently lowered stress.
For lonely individuals, open urban voids may amplify isolation, while social density in confined spaces provides emotional buffering. These results are essential for designing adapted walking recommendations in Primary Care, prioritizing environments with "social co-presence" and blue spaces to improve emotional wellbeing

14. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Insomnia: A Scoping Review

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Insomnia, ACT, Health Community

Components: Literature review

Aleix Ayats Palles, M.Sc., Ph.D. Student, International University of Catalonia (UIC)
Carolina Climent Sanz, Ph.D, International University of Catalonia
Michael Alec Owens, Ph.D., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Darrius Bushe, MPH, B.S., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Rosa Mar Alzúria Alós, Ph.D., University of Lleida
Elena Paraiso Pueyo, Ph.D., University of Lleida

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for insomnia (ACT-i) has seen a surge in scientific and clinical interest as an evidence-based alternative for patients who are refractory to or lack adherence to gold-standard CBT-I. This attention stems from ACT’s shift away from sleep control toward fostering psychological flexibility. This surge necessitates a thorough examination of current implementation strategies.
Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review searched PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and grey literature for studies until July 2025 to map ACT-i protocols and populations.
Fifty-one studies were identified. Despite their heterogeneity, findings are consistently promising, showing significant reductions in insomnia severity and improved sleep efficiency. Furthermore, gains in psychological flexibility were found to mediate improvements in secondary emotional variables, such as anxiety and depression.
Diversity in delivery formats allows for clinical adaptability but complicates standardization. Future research must prioritize investigating specific mechanisms of change (e.g., sleep-related acceptance vs. defusion) to determine which processes are most effective for different patient profiles.

15. Relationship Between Cognitive Fusion and Tinnitus Severity

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Cognitive Fusion, Tinnitus Severity

Components: Original data

Małgorzata Fludra, Ph.D., Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing
Izabela Sarnicka, M.A., Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing
Elżbieta Gos, Assoc. Prof., Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing
Danuta Raj-Koziak, Prof., Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing

Cognitive fusion is a tendency to become too entangled in thoughts, beliefs, or judgments that may often leads to rigid thinking and increases psychological distress. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between cognitive fusion and tinnitus severity in patients with tinnitus.
The study group consisted of 105 patients with tinnitus (57 women and 48 men) aged between 19 and 79 years. The audiological examination included pure-tone audiometry. Two questionnaires were also used: the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).
There was a significant and positive correlation between cognitive fusion and tinnitus severity (r = 0.36; p < 0.001). This relationship was stronger in men (r = 0.47; p < 0.001) than in women (r = 0.26; p = 0.053). While cognitive fusion levels were similar between men and women, tinnitus severity was higher in women than in men.
The results of the study highlight the potential importance of addressing cognitive fusion in the psychological management of tinnitus, particularly in male patients.

16. Heart Rate Variability as a Marker of Vulnerability in Breast Cancer: Associations with Medical Characteristics

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, HRV, Breast Cancer

Components: Original data

Ioanna Kazalaki, Ph.D. (C), University of Cyprus
Elena Constantinou, Ph.D., European University Cyprus
Chrysanthi Leonidou, Ph.D., Bank of Cyprus Oncology Centre
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., University of Cyprus
Panos Zanos, Ph.D., University of Cyprus; Center of Applied Neuroscience, Nicosia, Cyprus
Georgia Panayiotou, Ph.D., University of Cyprus

In women with breast cancer, medical factors may influence HRV, potentially identifying subgroups with increased physiological vulnerability during and after treatment. This study investigates how key medical characteristics relate to baseline HRV and HRV changes across the oncological treatment pathway.
HRV was measured using 5-minute resting recordings before treatment initiation and after completion of the therapeutic regimen. Medical variables included cancer stage, treatment modality, comorbidities, polypharmacy and systolic/diastolic blood pressure. Correlation and multivariate analyses will examine predictors of baseline HRV and treatment-related HRV change.
Comorbidities, particularly hypertension and diabetes, and greater medication burden are expected to be associated with lower baseline HRV. More intensive treatments such as chemotherapy or multimodal therapy may predict greater reductions in HRV or limited post-treatment recovery.
These findings may help identify breast cancer survivors with persistent autonomic dysregulation and guide early supportive or lifestyle interventions aimed at improving physiological resilience and long-term survivorship outcomes.

17. Exploring Risk Mechanisms in Eating Disorders Using Machine Learning: The Role of Psychological Flexibility

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Health / behavioral medicine, Eating Disorders

Components: Original data

Maria Koushiou, Ph.D., University of Nicosia
Ioannis Servisarianos, Ph.D. (C), University of Nicosia
Nuno Ferreira, Ph.D., University of Nicosia
Ioannis Katakis, Ph.D., University of Nicosia
Marios Adonis, Ph.D., University of Nicosia
Alexandros Zenonos, Ph.D.,

Eating Disorder (ED) research has largely relied on linear models, overlooking potential non-linear interactions among psychological risk factors.
This study applied machine learning to examine how weight concerns (WCS), emotion regulation difficulties (ERD), psychological flexibility (PF), and psychological distress (PD) predict ED symptoms in university students. Across three waves (2019, 2022, 2025), 784 unique students completed the Eating Attitudes Test-26, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-18, Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Scale, Weight Concern Scale, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Decision Tree, Random Forest, Logistic Regression and XGBoost classifiers were optimized via 10-fold cross-validated grid search and tested on original and Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE)-augmented datasets (1292 samples).
The SMOTE-augmented Random Forest performed best (F1 = 0.89; AUC = 0.96). Feature importance analyses identified WCS as the strongest predictor. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) revealed a non-linear WCS threshold effect, amplified by higher PD and ERD and further intensified by lower PF, producing the highest predicted ED risk.
The findings align with contextual-behavioral models, highlighting the dynamic and multifactorial nature of ED risk

18. Mapping Psychological Flexibility Processes in Teachers’ Wellbeing: An Idiographic Network Analysis Approach

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Processes of change, Wellbeing

Components: Original data

ANTHI Loutsiou, Psy.D., University of Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., University of Cyprus
Maria Chadjiyianni, M.A., University of Cyprus
Christiana Pieri, M.A., University of Cyprus
Katerina Georgiou, M.A., University of Cyprus

Advancing process-based approaches in contextual behavioral science requires methods that capture dynamic, within-person processes. Group-level analyses often obscure intraindividual variability, limiting clinical utility. This study demonstrates an idiographic, process-based approach to modelling psychological flexibility dynamics in teachers’ wellbeing.
A 60-day Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) design was implemented (N = 25). Participants completed daily measures of perceived mental health, psychological flexibility (PsyFlex), and nine PBAT processes. Wellbeing was assessed pre- and post-measurement using the Teacher Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire (TSWQ). Within-person dynamics were modelled using idiographic time-series analysis (i-ARIMAX). Individual parameters were synthesized via meta-analysis, treating the individual as the unit of analysis.
Substantial heterogeneity emerged in both strength and direction of associations. Although all processes were significant at the group level, none operated uniformly across individuals (I²: 63%–88%). Certain processes (e.g., ‘Blocked Thinking’ and ‘Lack of Emotional Expression’) showed negative associations with wellbeing for some individuals, but not others.
Integrating EMA with idiographic modelling reveals person-specific dynamics obscured by nomothetic approaches, supporting precision assessment and individualized intervention in process-based care.

19. Cultural Adaptation of ACTaide: French Translation of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Mobile Application

Categories: Mobile or digital technology, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, ACT

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data

Nellie Siemers, B.A., McGill University
Julianne Fréchette, McGill University
Mira Saad, McGill University
Bärbel Knäuper, Ph.D., McGill University

Digital mental health interventions are increasingly disseminated across linguistic and cultural contexts, yet rigorous scientific methodologies for culturally adapting mobile applications remain limited and underdeveloped. While cultural adaptation frameworks exist for questionnaires and educational tools, their application to digital psychological interventions, particularly mobile applications, are still evolving.
This project describes the cultural adaptation of ACTaide, a mobile application designed to support Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through visual and experiential exercises, from English to French.
Following emerging guidelines for the cultural adaptation of mobile applications, ACTaide underwent forward translation, independent back-translation, and evaluation by a bilingual committee with expertise in ACT. Expert review focused on semantic, conceptual, experiential, and clinical equivalence, with particular attention to fidelity to core ACT processes. The validated French content was subsequently implemented into the application and internally tested for functionality, usability, and cultural appropriateness.
Findings from this phase are informing integration and programming for the next stage, a pre-test feasibility study with French-speaking therapists and patients. This project presents a generalizable framework for culturally adapting psychotherapeutic mobile health applications.

20. Digital ACT-Based Self‑Management Support for Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: A Randomized Trial

Categories: Mobile or digital technology, Health / behavioral medicine, ACT

Components: Original data

Frida Jarl Feldin, Linköping University
Christina Petersson, Prof., Jönköping University
Katarina Hedin, Adjunct Prof., Linköping University
Andreas Stomby, Prof., Linköping University

Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of cardiovascular and microvascular complications, but effective management and healthy lifestyle habits can reduce these risks. Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) emphasizes sustained behaviour change and patient involvement. Many individuals also experience diabetes-related distress, highlightning the importance of psychological support. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may help patients manage emotional and behavioural challenges. The aim was to evaluate a digitally delivered, co-produced ACT-based DSMES intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes in primary care.
Participants (n=135) from Swedish primary care centres were randomized to a nine-week digital self-management program or care as usual. Outcomes were assessed with validated PROM and PREM instruments.
No significant differences were found between the intervention and care-as usual groups. Over time, both groups improved in their ability to manage diabetes, mood and energy, perceived limitations from blood sugar and diabetes, and support from diabetes care.
The co‑produced ACT‑based diabetes intervention performed similarly to care as usual. Patients in both groups improved over time, suggesting that each approach support positive patient outcomes.

21. Flexibility Vs. Inflexibility - Which Matters More for Employee Well-Being? A Field Study of German Employees

Categories: Organizational / Industrial psychology, Health / behavioral medicine, Well-Being, Need Satisfaction, Flexibility vs. Inflexibility

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data

Franziska Pundt, Prof. Ph.D., MSB Medical School Berlin

Combining the 12 dimensions of psychological flexibility (MPFI, Rolffs et al., 2018) and the integrative framework of employee well-being (Martela, 2025), this study examines the interrelations between flexibility and inflexibility, need satisfaction, and well-being at work. Building on the fulfilling pathway, I assume flexibility to be positively associated with need satisfaction and well-being, whereas inflexibility is positively associated with need frustration and ill-being (frustration pathway).
This cross-sectional study with 279 German employees assesses well-being indicators and the MPFI.
It shows a clear frustration-pathway-pattern: inflexibility is strongly related to need frustration (isolation and stagnation at work) and ill-being (e.g., burnout, resignated job satisfaction). The fulfillment-pathway-pattern, however, is not that conclusive. Flexibility correlates considerably weaker with need satisfaction (e.g., growing, prosocial at work) and well-being (stabilized job satisfaction, showing initiative). The flexibility subfacets show more differentiated relationships with the outcomes than those of inflexibility.
The results support the suggestion that flexibility and inflexibility are distinct processes, each differentially correlated with outcomes. Future studies should explore the relative importance of both processes for further work-related outcomes.

22. THRIVE4HOPE: A Process-Based, Idionomic Study to Explore Post-Traumatic Trajectories in Young Adults

Categories: Processes of change, Health / behavioral medicine, Process-Based Therapy, PTSD, Post-Traumatic Growth, Resilience

Components: Conceptual analysis

Alberto Misitano, M.Sc., CBS-SFU Lab, TRAIL Lab, Sigmund Freud University
Annalisa Oppo, Psy.D., CBS-SFU Lab, Sigmund Freud University; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano
Alice Barbieri, M.Sc., CBS-SFU Lab, TRAIL Lab, Sigmund Freud University; Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano
Cecilia Amico, M.Sc., TRAIL Lab, Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University
Giovambattista Presti, Ph.D., MD, University of Enna 'Kore'; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano
Barbara Forresi, Ph.D., CBS-SFU Lab, TRAIL Lab, Child and Youth Lab, Sigmund Freud University

Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) is common in young adulthood, yet research is often retrospective and focused mainly on psychopathology. Aligning with trauma-specific literature and recommendations from the ACBS Task Force, longitudinal, process-based approaches are needed to capture dynamic adaptation at individual and group level. This poster presents a study to idionomically investigate trajectories of psychological well-being after PTEs, examining the role of contextual variables and transtheoretical processes within a Process-Based Therapy (PBT) framework.
A participatory recruitment strategy will involve a prospective cohort of young adults (18–24) assessed across 30 time-points. Measures will include psychopathology, well-being, contextual variables, and PBT processes. Analyses will compare traditional trajectory modeling with idionomic approaches, enabling both group- and individual-level inference.
We expect to identify distinct trajectories identifying differential relationships between modifiable processes and psycho(patho)logical outcomes after PTEs, capturing intra- and inter-individual variability over time.
This project aims to advance prospective process-based research, capturing individual- and group-level variability in relationships between processes of change and psycho(patho)logical outcomes, supporting personalized and scalable mental health interventions in young adults.

23. The Network Structure of Psychological Flexibility Processes in Individuals Reporting Suicidal Ideation

Categories: Processes of change, Health / behavioral medicine, Psychological Flexibility, Psychological Inflexibility, Suicidal Ideation

Components: Original data

Alberto Misitano, M.Sc., CBS-SFU Lab, TRAIL Lab, Sigmund Freud University
Anna B Prevedini, Ph.D., Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano; CBT Italia
Francesco Dell'Orco, Ph.D., Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano
Marta Schweiger, Ph.D., Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano (IESCUM)
Annalisa Oppo, Psy.D., CBS-SFU Lab, Sigmund Freud University; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano

Suicidal ideation (SI) is associated with severe distress and suicide attempts in clinical and nonclinical populations and may be effectively addressed within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). However, the complex interactions between each psychological (in)flexibility process in SI-reporting individuals still need to be explored. Such research may help identify which behavioral repertoires may need to be primarily addressed with individuals reporting SI.
To fill this gap, two regularized cross-sectional network analyses were conducted on data from 203 SI-reporting participants (mean age = 30.43 ± 11.65 years; 65.02% females) who completed the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory-24.
In both networks, processes related to values-consistent behaviors, coherence, and self were the most central, while experiential avoidance and acceptance were the most peripheral processes.
Fostering defusion, flexible perspective-taking, and engagement in values-consistent actions may warrant dedicated clinical attention with clients reporting SI. Nevertheless, while findings offer preliminary information that could enhance ACT-based suicide prevention strategies, further longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to understand how targeted work on these behavioral repertoires can be clinically useful for SI-reporting individuals.

24. Psychological Flexibility Processes and Suicidal Ideation in Clinical and Nonclinical Samples: A Network Analysis

Categories: Processes of change, Health / behavioral medicine, Psychological Flexibility, Psychological Inflexibility, Suicidal Ideation

Components: Original data

Alberto Misitano, M.Sc., CBS-SFU Lab, TRAIL Lab, Sigmund Freud University
Anna B Prevedini, Ph.D., Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano; CBT Italia
Francesco Dell'Orco, Ph.D., Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano
Marta Schweiger, Ph.D., Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano (IESCUM)
Annalisa Oppo, Psy.D., CBS-SFU Lab, Sigmund Freud University; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano

Previous research supported the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in alleviating suicidal ideation (SI). Nevertheless, an in-depth exploration of the differential relationships between SI and each psychological (in)flexibility process may provide clinically relevant data to further enhance ACT-based, SI-focused interventions.
Regularized cross-sectional network analyses were conducted on data from 223 nonclinical participants (mean age = 34.26 ± 13.70 years; 67.70% females) and 213 help-seeking participants at an outpatient clinic (mean age = 36.04 ± 11.60 years; 54.46% females), who completed the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory-24 and SI items from Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Symptom Checklist-90.
Across samples, self-, values-, and coherence-related processes were consistently the most central, with cognitive fusion/defusion always directly linked to SI. Conversely, experiential avoidance and acceptance were consistently the most peripheral processes.
Overall, findings suggest that fostering defusion, flexible perspective-taking, and engagement in values-consistent actions may decrease the impact of SI. Further longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to understand how targeted work on each of these behavioral repertoires can enhance clinical outcomes in participants reporting SI.

25. Validation of the French Version of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI-60)

Categories: Processes of change, Methods/approaches for individual variation, Measurement

Components: Original data

Julie Ribeyron, Ph.D., University Paris 8
Simon Grégoire, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Montréal
Christophe Leys, Ph.D., Université libre de Bruxelles
Sarah Le Vigouroux, Ph.D, Université de Nîmes
Rebecca Shankland, Ph.D., Université Lyon 2

Psychological flexibility and inflexibility are core transdiagnostic processes comprising six subprocesses each. We examined the psychometric properties of the French MPFI-60, evaluating both composite and subprocess scores.
A total of 1245 non-clinical French-speaking adults from two samples completed the French MPFI-60 and related measures of psychological flexibility and inflexiblity. We tested the expected factor structure, estimated reliability for global and subprocess scores, and examined construct validity via associations with theoretically related measures.
The French MPFI-60 demonstrated good internal consistency (Sample 1: α = .83–.95; Sample 2: α = .87–.96), convergent validity (strong associations with related measures in the expected directions), temporal stability (N = 467; ICC = .56–.79) and measurement invariance across gender, age, country and educational level (ΔCFI ≤ .003; ΔRMSEA ≤ .001). Scores were interpretable at both global (flexibility/inflexibility) and 12 subprocess levels.
The French MPFI-60 provides a reliable and valid multidimensional assessment of psychological flexibility and inflexibility at both global and subprocess levels in French-speaking populations, supporting its use for research and process-based clinical applications.

26. Psychological Flexibility, Psychopathology and Mindful Parenting Among Postpartum Women: A Longitudinal Study

Categories: Processes of change, Postpartum, Mindful Parenting

Components: Original data

Helena Moreira, Prof., University of Coimbra
Tatiana Dias, M.Sc., University of Coimbra
Beatriz Tavares, B.A., University of Coimbra
Inês Trindade, Ph.D., University of Örebro

This study examined whether postpartum depression and anxiety mediated the relationship between psychological flexibility (PF), measured through its three overarching dimensions: openness to experience, behavioral awareness, and engagement/valued action, and mindful parenting among postpartum women.
A total of 363 mothers of children aged 0 to 5 months participated in an online longitudinal study. The first assessment (T1) was conducted in the early postpartum period, and the second assessment (T2) took place 2 months later. Mothers completed self-report measures of PF (CompACT-18), postpartum anxiety (PSAS-RSF-C), postpartum depression (EPDS), and mindful parenting (IMP-I).
Behavioral awareness showed a significant indirect effect on mindful parenting through postpartum depression, while openness to experience indirectly influenced mindful parenting through postpartum anxiety. The valued action dimension did not significantly predict maternal outcomes.
These findings suggest that interventions designed to enhance psychological flexibility—particularly by fostering awareness and openness—could be highly beneficial for new mothers. ACT, for example, may not only help postpartum mothers manage their mental health but also enhance their capacity for mindful parenting.

27. Psychological Flexibility Moderates the link Between Depression and Antenatal Attachment in Pregnant Women

Categories: Processes of change, Processes of change, Psychological Flexibility, Antenatal Attachment, Pregnant Women, Antenatal Depression

Components: Original data

Helena Moreira, Prof., University of Coimbra
Margarida Perdigão, M.Sc., University of Coimbra
Maíra Toscano, B.A., University of Coimbra
Lopes Márcia, B.A., University of Coimbra
Beatriz Tavares, B.A., University of Coimbra
Tatiana Dias, M.Sc., University of Coimbra

Pregnancy is a sensitive developmental period in which maternal emotional well-being plays a key role in the maternal–fetal bond. Antenatal depression is consistently associated with poorer antenatal attachment, potentially affecting later mother–infant interactions and child development. Psychological flexibility (PF) is a protective factor for emotional adjustment, yet its role in the link between depression and antenatal attachment remains understudied. This study examined whether PF moderates the association between depressive symptoms and maternal antenatal attachment.
A total of 191 pregnant women in the second trimester, aged 18–45 years, participated in an online study. Participants completed self-report measures of PF (CompACT-18), depressive symptoms (Peripartum Depression Scale), and antenatal attachment (Maternal Antenatal Attachment Scale; Pre- and Postnatal Bonding Scale).
Moderation analysis showed a significant PF × depression interaction. Depressive symptoms were negatively associated with antenatal attachment at low PF, but not at average or high, suggesting a buffering effect of PF.
PF may buffer the negative impact of depressive symptoms on antenatal attachment, supporting its relevance as a target for psychological interventions during pregnancy.

28. Measuring Behavior-Identity Fusion with the Self-Report Behavioral Identity Index

Categories: Processes of change, RFT / RGB / language, Cognitive Fusion, Identity, Psychological Flexibility, Mindfulness

Components: Original data

Nicolas Kaczmarek, ETHICS - PSyCOS research group
Eve Legrand, LAPPS
Fabien Fenouiillet, Prof., LAPPS
Sophie Berjot, Prof., C2S
Astrid Mignon, SCALab

Cognitive fusion with self-stories linking specific behaviors to one’s identity may crystallize behavioral patterns and reduce psychological flexibility. Yet tools assessing how identity shapes behavioral patterns remain scarce, limiting empirical understanding of fusion-related inflexibility and eventually therapeutic progress. This study validated a brief measure of behavior-identity association s, the Self-Report Behavioral Identity Index (SRBII), applicable to any behavior of interest.
1244 participants completed the SRBII regarding one of six everyday behaviors (e.g., snacking), along with behavior frequency and mindfulness (FFMQ). Behavior was reassessed three weeks later.
Results globally supported the SRBII’s internal validity and configural invariance across behaviors (good overall fit except a slightly too high RMSEA). SRBII scores showed small negative correlations with present-moment awareness and non-judgment mindfulness facets, and predicted future behaviors above and beyond past ones.
These findings highlight the relevance of the SRBII. Stronger associations may reflect greater attachment to self-stories about “who I am” in relation to specific behaviors, and reduced psychological flexibility. The SRBII may therefore help identify fusion-related behavioral patterns, including those involved in problematic behaviors (e.g., addictions).

29. Mapping Adolescents’ Psychological Inflexibility: A Network Analysis Approach

Categories: Processes of change, Theory and philosophical foundations, Adolescents, Psychological Flexibility, Network Analysis

Components: Original data

Diana Vieira Figueiredo, Master, CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Maria do Céu Salvador, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Daniel Rijo, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Paula Vagos, Ph.D., William James Research Center, Universidade de Aveiro; CINEICC, University of Coimbra

Within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, Psychological Inflexibility (PI) functions as a fundamental driver of suffering. While PI results from a complex interplay of six modifiable processes, their specific dynamic structure in adolescents remains under-investigated.
This study used network analysis to examine that structure in a community sample of 573 adolescents (14-18yo) using the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory-Short Form.
Results showed extensive positive interconnections, with the strongest emerging between values disconnection and inaction, cognitive fusion and inaction, and values disconnection and cognitive fusion. These three processes were also the most central in the network. Experiential avoidance showed small negative associations with fusion and inaction, potentially reflecting its contextually determined adaptive function and short-term relief that may temporarily reduce entanglement with internal experiences and facilitate a sense of helpful action.
This work offers a preliminary roadmap for refining ACT-based adolescent interventions by highlighting fusion, values disconnection, and inaction as critical sustainers of adolescents’ PI. Targeting these processes may destabilize the PI network more effectively and lead to meaningful changes in adolescents’ PI.

30. A Protocol for Validation of a Process-Based Competence Evaluation for Evidence-Based Dissemination (PROCEED)

Categories: Professional development, Supervision and training, Competence Evaluation

Components: Conceptual analysis

Simone Gorinelli, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Essi Sairanen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Stefan G Hoffmann, Prof., University of Marburg
Joseph Ciarrochi, Prof., Australian Catholic University
Martti Tuomisto, Prof., Tampere University
Katariina Keinonen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä

Despite extensive training to ensure high competence among psychologists and psychotherapists, scientific evidence directly linking therapist competence to treatment success remains limited. Grounded in principles of Process-Based Therapy, this project aims to develop and validate a new tool for assessing psychotherapist competencies in cognitive behavioral therapies.
Sensitivity to prior training will be assessed in three groups (n = 240): psychology university students, psychotherapists in training, and psychotherapists. Further validation of the competence tool among psychotherapist trainees and psychology students will be investigated after a follow-up of up to one year (n = 160). Finally, the project will examine the impact of therapist competence on treatment outcomes in a brief intervention led by novice therapists (n = 70).
The current poster presentation will provide an overview of the research project, with a focus on operationalizing process-based cognitive behavioral therapy competencies and validation strategies for novel measures. The publicly available study information (Keinonen et al., 2025) can be accessed through the protocol pre-registration link at: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/B3A7D.
Implications for training and dissemination science will be discussed.

31. Responding to Self-Stigma Words: Evidence from an Emotional Stroop Task

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Methods/approaches for individual variation, Stroop, Emotional Stroop, Self

Components: Original data

Michela M Rizzo, B.Sc., Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University
Alberto Misitano, M.Sc., CBS-SFU Lab, Sigmund Freud University; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano
Alice Savoia, M.Sc., CBS-SFU Lab, Sigmund Freud University; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano
Annalisa Oppo, Psy.D., CBS-SFU Lab, Sigmund Freud University; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano

According to Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the selfing repertoire is learned through relational framing and interactions with socioverbal community, underpinning the ability to talk about ourselves. Within this framework, attentional effects can be understood through relational framing rather than cognitive bias, and experimental tasks, e.g. Stroop Task and its Emotional variant (ES), could be accounted for by transformations in verbal functions.
This study examines associations between ES reaction times, self-compassion, and self-experiences, clarifying relational processes underlying attentional bias. Stigma-related words, which may become functionally linked to conceptualized self, were used as stimuli to investigate their influence on color-naming performance.
Preliminary results suggest a correlation between ES reaction times and common humanity. Results will be discussed.
The relation between words and their functions is arbitrary: it is not inherent that “red” refers to a color rather than, for example, “miserable” This arbitrariness enables the extension from the classic Stroop to the ES, where interference reflects learned relational networks rather than physical stimulus properties, suggesting that self-related and stigma-related verbal content may systematically influence attentional performance.

32. The Moderating Role of Psychological Inflexibility on the Relationship Between Racial Discrimination and Well-Being

Categories: Social justice / equity / diversity, Academics or education, Discrimination, Racial-Ethnic Minorities, Gender-Sexual Minorities, College Students

Components: Original data

Rian Maxwell-Williams, M.S., University of South Alabama
Meredith V Tittler, Ph.D., University of South Alabama
Alex Keen, B.A., University of South Alabama
Messiyah Stevens, B.S., University of South Alabama
Darrien Hawkins, M.S., University of South Alabama
Ryon McDermott, Ph.D., University of South Alabama

The Minority Stress Model (e.g., Meyer, 2003) states the societal stressors that individuals with minoritized identities experience negatively impact both their mental health. Research on this model has explored contextual buffers (i.e., social support) that mitigate the impact of minority stress but less is known about the psychological processes that may amplify or dampen the impact of this stress. The current study will explore the relationship between experiences of discrimination and distress (i.e., anxiety and depression scores) and well-being as well as the moderating role of psychological inflexibility on these relationships. We will also explore whether these processes differentially impact different minoritized identities.
This is a cross-sectional, correlational study. We will use data from the Healthy Minds Study (HMS, Healthy Minds Network, 2025). HMS is an annual online survey that is completed by college students across the U.S. In the 2024-2025 sample there were 84,735 respondents from across 135 universities. We will look at measures of discrimination, psychological flexibility, anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being.
Data analysis is currently underway. 

Poster Session #3 - Friday, 17 July, 14:45-15:15

1. Psychological Flexibility in Social Vulnerability: An Ethnographic Expansion of Contextual Science - Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipient

Categories: Social justice / equity / diversity, Social Vulnerability, Children, ACT

Components: Original data

Taís C Bento, M.A., UNIFESP
Eunice Nakamura, Ph.D., Unifesp
Cristiane Gonçalves, Ph.D., UNIFESP

Psychological flexibility is a central organizing process within Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS), with growing evidence across developmental and cultural contexts. Extending this work, the present study examines how flexibility processes unfold in the everyday lives of children living in social vulnerability through an ethnographic lens.
Fieldwork was conducted between July 2023 and June 2024 with 26 children aged 11–14 attending a community-based NGO in a highly vulnerable area of Santos, Brazil. Prolonged immersion, participant observation, informal conversations, field notes, and expressive activities documented emotional and relational practices in naturalistic settings. A process-based ACT framework guided functional analysis of narratives and interactions.
Findings illustrate how experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and rule-governed behavior are shaped by relational contingencies and community dynamics, while valued action and flexible responding emerge in cooperative engagement, peer protection, and meaningful participation.
Ethnographic immersion enhances precision in identifying flexibility processes in context, broadening the scope and applied relevance of CBS through culturally grounded, community-informed understanding of psychological flexibility development.

2. How Can ACT Help in the Analysis of Data from an Ethnographic Study with Children About Their Emotions?

Categories: Social justice / equity / diversity, Academics or education, Children, ACT

Components: Original data

Taís C Bento, M.A., UNIFESP
Eunice Nakamura, Ph.D., UNIFESP
Cristiane Gonçalves, Ph.D., UNIFESP

Ethnographic research enables dense immersion and detailed description of social and relational contexts, offering important contributions to understanding children’s emotional experiences in situations of social vulnerability. However, analyzing qualitative data on emotions requires frameworks that are contextual, developmentally sensitive, and non-pathologizing. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), grounded in contextual behavioral science, offers functional processes that may enhance the interpretation of ethnographic data on emotions.
An ethnographic study was conducted between July 2023 and June 2024 with children and staff of a Non-Governmental Organization located in a highly vulnerable area of Santos, Brazil. Data were produced through prolonged participant observation, informal conversations, field notes, and expressive activities with 26 children aged 11–14. ACT core processes were used as analytical lenses.
The analysis revealed patterns of emotional regulation shaped by social, relational, and environmental contingencies, including experiential avoidance, rigid emotional rules, and instances of psychological flexibility associated with belonging, care, and participation.
Ethnography and ACT operated as complementary approaches: ethnography situated emotions within cultural contexts, while ACT organized data functionally, supporting ethical, non-pathologizing, and developmentally sensitive analyses.

3. Silenced Struggle: A Functional Analysis of Informal Help-Seeking Behavior in Health Professions Education

Categories: Academics or education, Behavior analysis, Students in Health Professions Education

Components: Original data

Annemieke Smeets, M.Sc., Radboudumc Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Annelies van Ede, M.D., Ph.D., Radboudumc
Petra van Gurp, M.D., Ph.D., Radboudumc

Although peer support is known to foster student well-being, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms that drive this form of informal help-seeking behavior in health professions education. To support meaningful peer connections, we conducted a functional analysis of students’ observed behavioral repertoire under conditions of perceived performance pressure.
This mixed-methods study at the Radboud University Medical Center (2018–2024) included one-on-one interviews with undergraduate medical and biomedical sciences students (n=26) and a subsequent survey instrument (n=946). Qualitative analysis and a stepwise analytical strategy examined latent patterns in students’ informal help-seeking behavior.
Most students concealed their stress, creating a gap between experience and expression. Concealment was driven by fear of judgment, reluctance to burden others, perceived inutility of disclosure, and a rigid self-image. Students reported feeling relieved when peers spoke openly yet they often struggled to engage in functional disclosure themselves.
Stress concealment was shaped by interacting individual and contextual barriers to openness. Making these motives visible could offer students and educators a practical foundation for the development of meaningful peer connections.

4. Digital ACT-Based Interventions for Higher Education Students: A Scoping Review

Categories: Academics or education, Mobile or digital technology, Higher Education Students, Scoping Review, Digital Interventions

Components: Literature review

Henna Asikainen, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Veera Lampinen, M.A., University of HeLsinki
Ella Kämper, M.A., University of HeLsinki

University students experience mental health challenges, highlighting the need for accessible psychological interventions. Digital ACT interventions may offer scalable support by targeting psychological flexibility through online platforms.
This scoping review aimed to map the existing evidence on digital ACT-based interventions for university students.T he review followed the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, ERIC (ProQuest), PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Studies were included if they examined digital ACT or psychological flexibility–based interventions targeting university or college students. A total of 3,667 records were identified. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts, full texts were assessed for eligibility.
Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies examined a range of digital ACT delivery formats, including web-based programs, mobile applications, and online courses. Preliminary analysis shows that digital ACT-interventions have multiple benefits for supporting students' wellbeing and students study ability.
Psychological flexibility can be seen as an important working life skill for higher education students supporting not only their wellbeing but their study ability at large contributing also to educational sciences.

5. Multi-Level Implementation of a Game-Based DNA-V Intervention in School Settings: A Practice-Based Analysis

Categories: Academics or education, Processes of change, Children/Adolescents

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Per-Anders Green, Leg Psykolog, Cadena AB
Sarah Heden, Leg Psykolog, Cadena AB
Antonina Shypotilo, Psykolog, Cadena AB

Psychological flexibility is widely recognized as a key process in youth mental health. DNA-V offers a developmentally accessible way of teaching these processes in school contexts. However, skills introduced in isolated sessions may not generalize without broader environmental support
We delivered a six-session, game-based DNA-V program in two Swedish schools (Grades 4, 5, and 7; Nf140), including schools serving socioeconomically diverse communities. Sessions combined experiential role training with reflection exercises. Teachers were introduced to the approach, parent meetings were held, and ongoing staff consultation supported alignment with daily routines
Students became increasingly fluent in using the DNA-V roles. Generalization appeared to depend on teacher language, reinforcement patterns, and adult coordination across settings
These observations suggest that psychological flexibility training in schools may require multi-level alignment. Future work will focus on developing structured process measures and a more systematic evaluation design.

6. Effects of a Mindfulness-Based Training Program on Behaviour Intervention Procedural Fidelity

Categories: Behavior analysis, Mindfulness

Components: Original data

Sophie Robitaille, M.A., University of Manitoba
Toby Martin, Ph.D., University of Manitoba
James Ediger, Ph.D., C. Psych, University of Manitoba

Procedural fidelity is critical to effective DTT for children with ASD. Mindfulness may enhance therapist attention and adherence to procedures, but its impact on ABA provider behaviour is understudied. This study evaluated whether brief mindfulness training could improve DTT procedural fidelity.
Three autism tutors participated in a multiple-baseline design. During baseline, training, and follow-up, observers directly assessed procedural fidelity during DTT sessions. A brief mindfulness training program was delivered prior to DTT, and fidelity was scored as the percentage of correct instructional steps.
All tutors showed improved procedural fidelity following training (P1: 80.5% --> 85.7%; P2: 69% --> 82.9%; P3: 69.9% --> 81.5%). Maintenance was observed for Participants 1-2. Visual inspection showed clear, immediate changes for Participants 2-3 and smaller but consistent gains for Participant 1. PHLMS scores increased slightly, and social validity ratings were high.
Mindfulness training produced small but consistent improvements in procedural fidelity, suggesting it may enhance therapist attention and accuracy in ABA service delivery. Effects were modest due to high baselines, indicating future research should target tutors with lower initial fidelity.

7. Does Engagement in Meaningful Activities Lead to Flourishing?: Process-Based Therapy SIG Sponsored

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Basic Psychological Needs

Components: Original data

Sotia Nestoros, M.A., University of Cyprus
Katerina Georgiou, Ph.D., University of Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., University of Cyprus

Process-based approaches, such as Process-Based Therapy (PBT), aim to tailor treatment to the individual's needs by focusing on the processes of change associated with clinical intervention outcomes. The Process Assessment Tool (PBAT) is based on the principles of PBT and has been developed for the intensive and longitudinal investigation of these processes. The PBAT examines behavioral variation, selection and retention, related to psychological flexibility parameters. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is a five-item scale designed to assess life satisfaction. The aim of this poster is to present the associations between the Greek versions of the PBAT (G-PBAT) and the SWLS.
Findings indicate that the positive items of PBAT correlate positively with SWLS, while the negative items of PBAT show negative correlations with SWLS.
The above correlations suggest that engagement in meaningful activities is linked to higher life satisfaction, whereas avoidance and inaction are linked to lower life satisfaction.
The results have theoretical and practical applications, linking behavioral processes to life satisfaction and guiding clinicians in strengthening factors that improve.

8. Empower Your Mind to Embrace Your Life: ACT Intervention for Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease and Acceptability Data

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Behavioral or contextual neuroscience, Chronic Disease

Components: Original data

Inês Matos-Pina, M.Sc., CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Mariana Moura-Ramos, Ph.D., ULS Coimbra
Cláudia Ferreira, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra

Early diagnoses of Parkinson's disease (PD) are on the rise, contributing to increased psychological distress and impaired quality of life, partly due to the presence of non-motor symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety). Growing evidence suggests that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may represent a clinically relevant approach for individuals with PD. Nevertheless, ACT-based programs for this population remain scarce. In response to this gap, a novel ACT-based group intervention for individuals with early-onset PD was developed, consisting of eight weekly sessions delivered online.
This study presents an overview of the Empower your mind to embrace your life intervention and reports on its acceptability. Eleven participants enrolled in the intervention and nine achieved treatment completer status.
The intervention was generally perceived as useful, beneficial, and adequate for early-onset PD. Mindful breathing and acceptance of emotions were reported as the most helpful exercises. Participants also expressed that they would recommend the intervention to other PD patients.
These promising results suggest the acceptability of this ACT-based intervention and underscore its relevance for the context of early diagnosis of PD.

9. MIND-over-MIRROR: Structure and Feasibility of an ACT with Compassion Group Intervention for Body Dysmorphia

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Components: Original data

Maria Coimbra, Ph.D. Fellow, CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Mariana Pinto, M.Sc. Student, University of Coimbra
Matilde Catarrinho, Student, University of Coimbra
Ana Ganho-Ávila, DClinPsy, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Cláudia Ferreira, DClinPsy, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra

The Mind-over-Mirror intervention is a 9-session (including one follow-up session) manualized group programme integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based strategies for adults presenting body dysmorphic disorder symptomatology. This study evaluated the programme’s feasibility using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Here we provide a brief overview of its structure.
Participants were assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 2-month follow-up, with additional brief weekly symptom ratings and session feedback. Feasibility was measured in terms of retention, adherence, and satisfaction, and acceptability was further explored through quantitative and qualitative data.
Of the 10 participants, 1 dropped out due to changes in availability, resulting in 90% retention. All other participants attended an average of 8 sessions. Participants rated each session on multiple aspects (e.g., clarity of content) on a 0–5 scale, with an overall mean rating of 4.61; session 5 –living committed- was considered the most useful. Qualitative feedback supported the program's acceptability and perceived value.
The Mind-over-Mirror programme demonstrated high feasibility in adults with BDD symptoms, supporting future studies on its preliminary efficacy in reducing appearance-related distress.

10. Changes in Appearance Anxiety Across an ACT- and Compassion-Based Group Intervention for Body Dysmorphia

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Components: Original data

Maria Coimbra, Ph.D. Fellow, CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Matilde Matias, M.Sc. Student, University of Coimbra
Vinicius Vasconcelos, M.Sc. Student, University of Coimbra
Ana Ganho-Ávila, DClinPsy, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Cláudia Ferreira, DClinPsy, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra

The Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) was developed to measure symptom change in patients with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) undergoing psychological treatment. The project When the Mirror is Wrong (NCT07036744) aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an ACT- and compassion-based group intervention—Mind-over-Mirror—for adults with BDD, with changes in AAI scores as the primary outcome.
This study reports preliminary efficacy based on pre- and post-treatment AAI changes and examines the factorial validity of the Portuguese AAI as a measure of BDD symptomatology and related anxiety.
Confirmatory factor analysis (N = 309) using the WLSMV estimator supported a one-factor structure, with good model fit (χ²(35) = 120.21, CFI = .99, TLI = .99, RMSEA = .08, SRMR = .04) and high internal consistency (α = .93). Nine adults completed the intervention and were assessed pre-treatment, after each session, post-treatment, and 2-month follow-up. AAI scores had a significant reduction of 42% over 16 weeks (Z = −2.67, p = .008, r = .89).
Results support sensitivity to change and preliminary intervention efficacy for BDD.

11. Targeting Problematic Chemsex through Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Randomized Control Trial

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Chemsex, Online Intervention

Components: Original data

Lidia Budziszewska, Ph.D., Universidad Europea de Madrid
Francisco Montesinos, Ph.D., Universidad Europea de Madrid
Rubén Rico, Ph.D., Universidad Europea de Madrid

• Problematic chemsex is sexualized drug use that becomes hard to control and harmful (primarily among gay and bisexual and other men who have sex with men, GBMSM). • Problematic chemsex can harm health, mood, and relationships in GBMSM. • Demand for care is rising, but structured evidence-based psychotherapy is scarce. • ACT targets avoidance-driven use of sex and drugs to escape private events.
• Waitlist randomized controlled trial; N = 36 GBMSM in Spain. • 1:1 allocation to immediate ACT or waitlist; all participants later received treatment. • Eight weekly online group ACT sessions (2 h; groups of 5–7) plus 3-month follow-up. • Outcomes: HBI, DAST-10, AAQ-II/CompACT, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and weekly behavioral indicators
• No meaningful improvement occurred during the waiting period. • After ACT, hypersexuality and drug-use problems fell from clinical to subclinical ranges. • Loneliness, depression, anxiety, and intimacy also improved.
• If replicated, a brief online ACT group could be an accessible psychotherapeutic option for problematic chemsex. • The pattern is consistent with psychological flexibility as a key change process.

12. CA-ACT: A Culturally Adapted ACT Approach for Attachment Distress in Kerala

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Dissemination or global health strategies, Attachment, Young Adults, Relationship Distress, ACT

Components: Original data

Aparna Rajeev, Ph.D. Scholar, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
Dhanya Chandran, Ph.D., Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
Carter H Davis, Ph.D., California Pacific Medical Center

Attachment-related distress refers to the emotional discomfort or anxiety arising from perceived threats to close relationships or fear of rejection (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2016). This is common among young adults in India, yet culturally adapted ACT (CA-ACT) interventions remain limited. ACT has been shown to reduce insecure attachment (Solgi, 2018), indicating its potential to alleviate distress. Standard ACT may not align with Indian cultural norms (Kumar & Gupta, 2012). Cultural adaptation may improve engagement, acceptability, and effectiveness (Mukasa, 2025).
This poster presents Phase I of a multi-phase project to culturally adapt ACT for young adults with attachment-related distress in romantic relationships. Using a qualitative, constructivist approach, in-depth interviews will be conducted with 8–10 young adults in Kerala to explore relationship experiences and cultural influences on attachment. Surveys will also be sent to 3–5 ACT experts familiar with Indian cultural context to gather input on culturally relevant metaphors, linguistic adaptations, and experiential exercises, with brief follow-up interviews.
Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings will guide the development of a culturally adapted ACT manual.

13. Extending the impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Perinatal Mental Health across Wales, UK

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Dissemination or global health strategies, Perinatal, Global Mental Health

Components: Original data

Cerith S Waters, DClinPsy, Ph.D., M.Sc., Cardiff University
Jennifer Berrett, DClinPsy, M.Sc., Cardiff and Vale University Health Board/Cardiff University
Claire Traylor, B.Sc., Cardiff University and Cardiff & Vale NHS/UHB

Perinatal mental health conditions affect 1 in 5 women and are the leading cause of maternal death in the perinatal period (Howard & Khalifeh, 2020). Cardiff and Vale UHB, Wales (UK) perinatal mental health service developed a remote-delivered group psychological intervention (ACT-for-PNMH) to improve timely and equitable access to evidence-based care. In collaboration with Cardiff University, a training package was created to widen the access to ACT-for-PNMH nationally and internationally.
We followed a Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle to meet our aims of both adapting the ACT-for-PNMH intervention and creating a training package to upskill staff working across perinatal services.
Online-delivered ACT-for-PNMH was feasible, safe and effective. Significant increases in confidence and knowledge of using ACT within perinatal services, and increased psychological flexibility, was found for staff who engaged in the training package.
The ACT-for-PNMH intervention continues to be evaluated across our wider national and international collaborations. The train-the-trainer programme is now available for any staff working within perinatal mental health to access, with ongoing support for both individual and group delivery.

14. Clinical Effectiveness of ACT in an Inpatient Group Setting and the Effects of the ACT Metaphors Used

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Group Psychotherapy, Inpatients, Effectiveness Research, Psychological Flexibility, Metaphors

Components: Literature review, Original data

Alisa Gabduliyanova, M.Sc., Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Seth Nyarko, Dipl.-Psych., Oberberg Fachklinik Rhein-Jura
Ingrid Titzler, Ph.D., M.Sc., Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (Erlangen)

Building on limited effectiveness research in naturalistic inpatient settings, this study examined group ACT for chronic inpatients, focusing on psychological flexibility and its three dimensions: awareness, openness, and valued action. As metaphors are central to ACT, we additionally evaluated five standardized ACT metaphors.
Fifty psychiatric inpatients were assigned to either ACT or CBT group intervention. The primary outcome was psychological flexibility (awareness, openness, valued action) via self-report (CompACT; Francis et al., 2016). In the ACT condition, the perception of five standardized ACT metaphors was assessed using a theoretically derived, self-developed questionnaire measuring memorability, helpfulness, identification, perspective change, and action-related insights.
Both group interventions produced large, significant improvements in psychological flexibility. Compared to the control condition, ACT led to higher levels of openness but lower levels of valued action. The metaphors were highly memorable and helpful; patients strongly identified with them.
Interpretations of findings likely favor ACT (e.g., increased values awareness; non-linear change in psychological flexibility and its dimensions). Overall, ACT appears effective in inpatient group settings. Standardized ACT metaphors seemed to primarily validate patients’ experiences.

15. Scalable Micro-interventions for Social Anxiety: Real-Time Learning from Everyday Social Interactions

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Mobile or digital technology, Social Anxiety

Components: Original data

Fallon Goodman, Ph.D., The George Washington University
Saskia Jorgensen, M.A., George Washington University
Ellis DeJardin, B.A., George Washington University

Social anxiety (SA) involves fear of negative evaluation and avoidance, yet EMA studies show individuals with SA socialize frequently. These interactions offer opportunities for learning, but biased threat expectations, negative interpretations, and discounting of positive experiences may maintain anxiety. We developed scalable micro-interventions to promote corrective learning in daily life.
Across two pilot studies, we tested mobile interventions targeting real-time processes. Study 1 (Nf23; 890 reports) used the Social Fear Expectancy Tracker (S-FET), prompting evaluation of feared outcomes and expectancy violations over 7 days. Study 2 (target Nf25) tests a 14-day capitalization intervention encouraging daily sharing of positive events.
Feared outcomes occurred in ~33% of interactions; evaluations relied primarily on internal cues. S-FET reduced state SA and future worry, with high acceptability. Capitalization results are forthcoming.
Brief, scalable micro-interventions can transform everyday interactions into opportunities for learning. Targeting threat expectations and positive reinforcement may enhance psychological flexibility and expand intervention targets beyond fear reduction.

16. Daily Dynamics of Psychological Flexibility, Well-Being and Stress in Emerging Adults: Multilevel Network Analysis

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, Psychological Flexibility, Well-being, Stress, Emerging Adults, Network Analysis

Components: Conceptual analysis

Milena Dehde, M.Sc., Utrecht University
Michaela Schok, Ph.D., ACBS BeNe
Sara Bartels, Ph.D., Maastricht University

The current study aimed to examine the daily dynamics of psychological flexibility (PF), well-being, and stress among emerging adults using a multilevel network approach.
We applied multilevel vector autoregression (mlVAR) to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data collected from a sample of 44 emerging adults (61% female; M = 23.5 years) over a 10-day period.
The results revealed distinct temporal and contemporaneous patterns among PF processes, well-being and stress. Committed action emerged as the most central process in the temporal network, predicting increased well-being and reduced stress over time. Present-moment awareness was the most central process in the contemporaneous network, influencing other PF processes as well as momentary well-being and stress.
These findings support the conceptualization of PF as a dynamic system and suggest that specific PF processes may differentially relate to well-being and stress depending on the timescale. Present-moment awareness and value-driven action, hold considerable potential as effective targets for psychological interventions aimed at enhancing well-being in emerging adults.

17. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effectiveness of ACT for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Systematic Review, Meta Analysis, ACT, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Effectiveness

Components: Literature review, Original data

Michaela Schok, Ph.D., ACBS BeNe
Jonna Lind, M.Sc., ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre
Rebecca Kuiper, Ph.D., Utrecht University
Paul Boelen, Ph.D., Utrecht University
Geert Smid, Ph.D., University of Humanistic Studies

Aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to update the literature on the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for posttraumatic symptoms in adults (Bean et al., 2020; Rehman et al., 2025; Rowe-Johnson et al., 2024; Thomas, 2020). In addition, to estimate the effect of ACT on symptom reduction for posttraumatic stress symptoms meta-analysis and evidence-synthesis were conducted.
Inclusion criteria are: 1) adults who participated in an ACT intervention or treatment for posttraumatic stress symptoms or grief related symptoms due to loss of a loved one (18+), 2) pre-post treatment designs, 3) ACT intervention studies comparing with active and inactive control conditions (treatment as usual), 4) randomized controlled trials.
Preliminary results showed an overall large effect size g = −0.92 (95% CI: −1.10, −0.75) based on 25 included studies but heterogeneity was significant. A subset of studies (k=13) without significant heterogeneity that applied ACT individually found an overall large effect size g = −0.83 (95 % CI: −0.99, −0.66).
These results show promising effects for applying individual ACT to reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms.

18. Effect of Self-Compassion on Parenting Behavior in Parents of Youth with Chronic Pain

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Self-Compassion, Chronic Pain, Adolescents

Components: Original data

Leslie A Sim, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Karen Weiss, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
Cynthia Harbeck-Weber, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science

Parents’ responses to their child’s pain contribute to the maintenance of pediatric chronic pain1. Effective interventions encourage parents to alter these responses, which can lead to parental guilt or frustration. Parental self-compassion can help parents accept and soothe these emotions so they can respond effectively2. The aim of this study was to examine whether changes in parent self-compassion predict changes in parents’ response to pain in parents of youth attending an Intensive, Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment Program (IIPT).
Participants consisted of 293 caregivers of youth (13-22y) participating in an IIPT with a robust parenting intervention that included Acceptance and Commitment Therapy concepts. At admission and discharge, parents completed the Adult Responses to Children’s Symptoms (ARCS)3 and the Self Compassion Scale – Short Form (SCS-SF)4.
Paired t-tests showed a significant increase in parents’ self-compassion and reductions in solicitous and minimizing behaviors. Stepwise multiple regression analyses found changes in self-compassion significantly predicted decreases in parents’ solicitous and minimizing responses.
Findings suggest parent self-compassion interventions can enhance outcomes in pediatric chronic pain.

19. ACT Based Rehabilitation for Neurodivergent People with Criminal or Other Risk Behavior

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Social justice / equity / diversity, Neurodivergence, Criminal Behaviour

Components: Case presentation, Original data

Sanna Kara, Master, Autism Foundation Finland
Minna Tuusa, Bachelor of Social Services, Autism Foundation Finland
Anna Anttila, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Autism Foundation Finland
Katri Friman, M.A. Psyc, Autismi Foundation Finland

Neurodivergent individuals with criminal or other risk behaviors are a specific minority group whose needs are often not met by standard rehabilitation programs. Autism Foundation Finland has worked since 2018 to answer this need by developing a rehabilitation model for these individuals. The Revion rehabilitation model employs methods of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, adopting a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
Revion rehabilitation can be carried out during imprisonment, the transition phase upon release, and after community re-entry, either in person or remotely. Rehabilitation lasts about a year, but shorter periods have also been successfully piloted.
The results have indicated improvements in psychological well-being, increased psychological flexibility, and reductions in emotional regulation difficulties and impulsivity. Client feedback concerning their experiences of Revion rehabilitation has been highly positive highlighting increased self-compassion and self-understanding, improved emotional regulation skills, and the importance of a neurodiversity-affirming approach.
In this paper we present ACT based rehabilitation model for neurodivergent people with criminal or other risk behavior and the outcomes of Revion rehabilitation in various contexts.

20. ACT-Based Group Prevention to Promote Sexual Consent in Chemsex Contexts: A Pilot Study

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Social justice / equity / diversity, Sexual Violence

Components: Conceptual analysis

Mateo Bernal, Ph.D., Autonomous University of Madrid
Manuel Gamez, Ph.D., Autonomous University of Madrid

Chemsex refers to the intentional use of psychoactive substances in sexual contexts to enhance or prolong sexual experiences, increasingly reported among men who have sex with men and other sexual minority populations. Although often experienced as pleasurable, chemsex is associated with impaired consent negotiation, blurred sexual-boundaries, and increased vulnerability to sexual violence. Despite these risks, preventive and theory-driven psychological interventions targeting sexual consent in chemsex contexts remain limited.
This work describes a brief group-based preventive intervention grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aimed at promoting sexual consent, autonomy, and psychological flexibility. The intervention consists of three structured group sessions focused on increasing awareness of internal experiences (e.g., desire, interpersonal pressure), clarifying sexual values, and strengthening values-consistent decision-making and consent communication. A waitlist-controlled design is used to compare intervention participants with a delayed-treatment condition.
Outcomes of interest include feasibility and acceptability, as well as changes in consent-related attitudes, perceived sexual agency, and psychological flexibility.
This project seeks to inform the development of larger-scale contextual-behavioral preventive interventions addressing sexual consent and sexual violence in chemsex settings.

21. The Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the CompACT in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Academics or education, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Psychological Flexibility, CompACT, Reliability, Validity

Components: Original data

Wenqian Zhao, Ph.D., The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Lulu LI, M.Sc., Nasopharyngeal Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
Siyi Chen, M.Sc., Nasopharyngeal Cancer Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is increasingly applied in oncology, with psychological flexibility influencing treatment, rehabilitation, and well‑being. The Chinese CompACT (CompACT‑C) has been validated in breast cancer but not in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) populations.
Using convenience sampling, 310 NPC patients (mean age 47.9 ± 11.5 years; 75.2% male) from a tertiary hospital in Guangdong completed the CompACT‑C and AAQ‑II. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested the original three‑factor structure. Internal consistency, two‑week test–retest reliability, and convergent validity with AAQ‑II were evaluated.
The initial three‑factor model showed poor fit (RMSEA=0.073, CFI=0.766, SRMR=0.109). After removing items 13, 20, and 22 and reassigning item 18 from Openness to Behavioral Awareness, model fit improved substantially (χ²=338.999, df=167, χ²/df=2.03, RMSEA=0.048, CFI=0.918, TLI=0.906, SRMR=0.071). The revised CompACT‑C demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.780), satisfactory test–retest reliability, and convergent validity with AAQ‑II (r=−0.570, p< 0.001).
The CompACT‑C shows acceptable reliability and validity for assessing psychological flexibility in NPC patients and is suitable for research use.

22. Expert Judgement as Integrative Signal in Multi-Stage Operational Selection: Evidence from Pilot Training

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Personnel Selection, Assessment, Differential Psychology

Components: Original data

Emil Lager, Master, Karolinska Institutet
Kimmo Sorjonen, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Marika Melin, Ph.D, Karolinska Instiutet

Operational personnel selection systems combine standardized tests with expert evaluations in typically range-restricted applicant pools. The central question is if integrative global suitability ratings add incremental validity beyond standardized test scores within these highly competitive multi-stage selection systems.
Archival data were drawn from applicant pool (N = 2,112) to commercial pilot training program at [City] University School of Aviation, [Country] (2009–2019), including 171 admitted candidates. Predictors included psychologist suitability ratings, written test scores, multitasking, and joystick performance. Training performance was measured using a composite of theoretical exam results and additional simulator hours.
Psychologist ratings were moderately correlated with training performance (r = .39), increasing to r = .51 after correcting for range restriction. Adding ratings increased cross-validated R² from .03 to .15 (ΔR² = .12). Ratings remained predictive after controlling for age and sex.
These findings indicate that, in multi-stage operational selection systems, later-stage integrative expert ratings can provide signal that recovers outcome-relevant variance attenuated in mechanical scores, functioning as a structured augmentation of mechanical prediction.

23. Developing a Therapy Companion Mobile App for ACT: A Mixed-Methods Usability Study of ACTaide: ACTing with Technology SIG Sponsored

Categories: Mobile or digital technology, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, ACT

Components: Original data

Serena Thapar, HBSc., McGill University
Daniela Quesada, B.A., McGill University
Bärbel Knäuper, Ph.D., McGill University

ACTaide is the first smartphone app co-designed with therapists and clients to support between-session practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercises and metaphors using annotated image sequences (Thapar et al., 2025). The study's objective is to evaluate the usability of a high-fidelity ACTaide prototype.
Eight adults with prior ACT experience completed a think-aloud walkthrough while first engaging with the app, followed by the User Mobile App Rating Scale (uMARS; Stoyanov et al., 2016). Participants then tested the app over two weeks in real-world settings and completed semi-structured interviews.
Participants successfully completed all key tasks during the walkthrough procedure. The mean uMARS score was 4.26, indicating high perceived app quality. Inductive content analysis identified three themes: visual design and aesthetic quality facilitate initial app interaction; app performance and navigation promote perceived ease of use; behavior changes features facilitate initial app engagement, yet not enough to sustain prolonged use.
The findings provide preliminary support for ACTaide’s usability and identify refinements that will be made to optimize usability ahead of a planned pilot and feasibility trial.

24. Workplace Conflict Skills: RCT of an App-Delivered ACT Training Program

Categories: Organizational / Industrial psychology, Mobile or digital technology, Workplace Conflict

Components: Literature review, Original data

Lanxi Wang, M.A., Saint Mary's University
Dayna Lee-Baggley, Ph.D., Saint Mary's University
Debra Gilin, Ph.D., Saint Mary's University

Workplace conflict is a common occupational stressor linked to psychological strain, negative affect, and disrupted relationships. This study evaluated an ACT-based workplace conflict management training using the ACT Matrix delivered via a mobile platform to help employees respond more flexibly to workplace conflict.
Participants experiencing an ongoing workplace conflict were randomly assigned to an ACT-based intervention or waitlist control group (total N = 143). The intervention group completed a two-week digital training of brief modules and practice activities on ACT skills and the Matrix. Measures assessed psychological flexibility, rumination, conflict self-efficacy, and psychological distress.
Participants receiving the intervention showed greater improvements in openness to experience, behavioral awareness, and conflict self-efficacy and reduced social discord and negative affect relative to waitlist controls. Mediation analyses indicated that reductions in rumination explained improvements in social discord and negative affect.
This study provides initial support using an experimental design for this low contact, highly scalable ACT-based training for workplace conflict. Results showed that distressed employees can be trained to shift their conflict responses and meaningfully reduce their distress.

25. Effects of Perceived Interpersonal Responsiveness and Psychological Flexibility on Work Engagement and Stigma

Categories: Organizational / Industrial psychology, Social justice / equity / diversity, Work Engagement, Stigma, Perceived Interpersonal Responsiveness, Psychological Flexibility

Components: Original data

Natsumi Tsuda, Ph.D., Counseling Center Kyoto, Doshisha University
Tomoyuki Kobayashi, Ph.D., Kwanseigakuin University
Chisato Tani, Ph.D., Ritsumeikan University

Although workplace interpersonal relationships significantly influence an individual’s mental health, the effects of interactions between how individuals evaluate their workplace and their psychological flexibility (collective psychological flexibility) have not been sufficiently examined.
Therefore, we conducted a web-based questionnaire survey targeting full-time employees (N = 451, mean age 45.08 ± 12.36 years). We conducted multiple regression analyses with work engagement and behavioral stigma as dependent variables and the Perceived Interpersonal Responsiveness scales (PPI, PPR) and the WAAQ as independent variables, while controlling for other demographic variables.
The results showed that only PPR and WAAQ had a significant effect on work engagement, while PPR, PPI, and WAAQ had a significant effect on behavioral stigma.
Work engagement is promoted when employees perceive that they are correctly understood and possess high psychological flexibility, whereas behavioral stigma requires not only these factors but also a low degree of perceived lack of compassion from coworkers, suggesting the need to reduce negative experiences.

26. Maternal Self-Conscious Emotions: Validation of the Shame and Guilt in Parental Caring Scale for Postpartum

Categories: Postpartum Period

Components: Original data

Ana Xavier, Ph.D., RISE-Health, Portucalense University
Bruna Veloso, M.Sc., RISE-Health, Portucalense University
Ana Conde, Ph.D., RISE-Health, Hospital da Luz Vila Real
Joana Silva, Ph.D., RISE-Health, Portucalense University
Natália Machado, M.Sc., ULS Alto-Ave, UCC Guimarães
Paula Vagos, Ph.D., William James Research Center, Universidade de Aveiro; CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Lara Palmeira, Ph.D., RISE-Health, Portucalense University

The postpartum period involves profound emotional and relational changes, where mothers often experience parenting-related shame and guilt. While these emotions impact psychological adjustment and mother–infant bonding, few instruments comprehensively assess these dimensions in this context. This ongoing study validates the Portuguese Shame and Guilt in Parental Caring Scale (EVECCP).
Women in their first year postpartum are being recruited to complete a protocol including the EVECCP, and measures of social safeness, external/internal shame, and distress. To assess temporal stability, the EVECCP is re-administered after two weeks. The scale's factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent/divergent validity will be assessed.
We expect a robust two-dimensional structure (shame/guilt) with high internal and temporal reliability. We anticipate that EVECCP scores will positively correlate with external/internal shame and distress (convergent validity), while negatively associating with social safeness (divergent validity).
This study will provide a pertinent tool for clinical screening. Findings will discuss how targeting these specific self-conscious emotions can inform compassion-based interventions, potentially mitigating maternal distress and fostering healthier mother-infant relationships.

27. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Brief Self-Guided Video-Based ACT Intervention in a Naturalistic Setting

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Mobile or digital technology, Focused ACT, Anxiety, Depression

Components: Original data

Lindakristin Kempe, Ph.D. (C), Université Côte d'Azur
Galina Iakimova, Prof., Université Côte d'Azur
Pierluigi Graziani, Prof., ENACT Team, University of Nîmes

Self-guided digital ACT interventions offer scalable mental health support, yet real-world engagement remains low. Video-based delivery may enhance acceptability by approximating the relational quality of face-to-face therapy. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a brief, fully self-guided, video-based ACT program in a naturalistic French-speaking sample.
A single-group pre–post observational design was used. Adults (N = 219) recruited via social media completed up to four weekly video sessions (~35 min each) with no therapist contact. Feasibility indicators included completion rate, engagement timeframe, metaphor comprehension, exercise completion, and confidence in committed actions. Acceptability was assessed through session-specific and global satisfaction ratings.
The completion rate was 11%, consistent with naturalistic benchmarks for unguided digital interventions. ACT metaphors were accurately understood by 91–100% of respondents, and 91.7% completed the mindfulness exercise. Confidence in committed actions was moderate-to-high across all sessions (M = 6.63–7.55/10). Satisfaction ratings were consistently favorable (M = 7.05–7.79/10) and remained high at one-year follow-up.
This brief, video-based ACT format demonstrates sufficient feasibility and acceptability to warrant controlled evaluation.

28. Psychological Flexibility Mediates Menopausal Symptom Severity and Emotional Distress: An ACT Trial

Categories: Processes of change, Health / behavioral medicine, Peri-Menopausal Women

Components: Original data

Lindakristin Kempe, Ph.D. (C), Université Côte d'Azur
Galina Iakimova, Prof., Université Côte d'Azur
Anne Auclair, M.A., ENACT Team, University of Nîmes
Pierluigi Graziani, Prof., ENACT Team, University of Nîmes

Menopausal symptoms are associated with heightened anxiety and depression, yet the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain underexplored. Psychological flexibility — a core ACT process reflecting the capacity to act in line with personal values despite discomfort — may represent a key transdiagnostic pathway. To examine whether psychological flexibility mediates the relationship between menopausal symptom severity and emotional distress.
Data were drawn from an RCT (N = 49; Mage = 49.8) evaluating a 4-week self-guided online ACT program. Menopausal symptoms were assessed with the MRS, psychological flexibility with the CompACT, and emotional distress with the HADS total score. A mediation analysis was conducted.
Menopausal symptom severity significantly predicted emotional distress (p < .001). Psychological flexibility partially mediated this relationship: symptoms predicted lower flexibility (p = .014), which in turn predicted higher distress (p < .001). The indirect effect was significant (p = .031).
Reduced psychological flexibility partially explains the link between menopausal burden and emotional distress, supporting its role as a therapeutic target in ACT-based interventions.

29. Psychological Inflexibility in Expressive Writing: Associations with PTSD Dimensions and State-Level Affect Changes

Categories: Processes of change, Methods/approaches for individual variation, PTSD, Trauma

Components: Original data

Stefphanie Gambrell, M.S., University of Baltimore
Olivia Brady, B.S., University of Baltimore
John Donahue, Psy.D., University of Baltimore

Written exposure therapy is an evidence-based intervention for PTSD and preliminary research suggests narrative content may be useful in predicting clinical change. The present study examines the incremental validity of psychological inflexibility as coded in an expressive writing exercise in the prediction of PTSD symptom dimensions, as well as the relationship between written inflexibility and post-exercise affective changes.
Participants (Nf415) completed a series of self-report questionnaires, then were prompted to write for 10 minutes about an important traumatic, emotional, or stressful event in their life. Narratives were coded for inflexibility across domains of experiential openness, behavioral awareness, and valued action.
After controlling for word count and self-reported psychological flexibility and trauma exposure history, written inflexibility was uniquely associated with the PTSD dimensions of negative alterations in mood and cognition (β=.09, p=.036) and hyperarousal (β=.10, p=.027), but not intrusive experiences or avoidance. Further, lower written inflexibility predicted greater pre-post increases in feeling “strong,” (β=-.09, p=.017) but did not predict changes in sad or upset feelings.
Discussion will emphasize clinical implications of findings and future research directions.

30. Psychological Flexibility, Psychological Symptoms, and Quality of Life: A Network Analysis Across Adulthood

Categories: Psychological Flexibility, Psychological Symptoms, Quality of Life, Network Analysis, Young Adulthood, Middle Adulthood

Components: Original data

Andria Christodoulou, Ph.D., European University Cyprus
Georgiana Kakogianni, B.A., European University Cyprus
Anastasia Kansizoglou, M.Sc., European University Cyprus

Although psychological flexibility has been widely linked to psychological symptoms and quality of life, most studies rely on traditional statistical models. Few have used network analysis to examine the interrelations among these constructs or to compare their structure across different stages of adulthood.
The sample included 730 adults (448 females, 281 males, 18–73 years; M = 32.21, SD = 9.03) recruited online. Participants completed measures of quality of life (WHO-QoL), psychological flexibility (MPFI), and psychological symptoms (DASS-21).
Strong connections emerged within quality of life domains and among psychological flexibility processes. Psychological quality of life and committed action were the most central nodes, while psychological symptoms showed negative associations with quality of life domains and with some psychological flexibility processes. A Network Comparison Test indicated structural differences between age groups, although global strength did not differ.
Findings suggest that psychological flexibility and quality of life domains are interrelated, reflecting patterns relevant to adult mental health across the lifespan.

31. Psychological Flexibility, Sociocultural Influences, and Maladaptive Eating in Adolescents and Young Adults

Categories: Psychological Flexiblity/Inflexibility, Maladaptive Eating, Sociocultural Influences, Adolescence, Young Adulthood

Components: Original data

Andria Christodoulou, Ph.D., European University Cyprus
Helen Ioanna Ouzounoglou, M.Sc., European University Cyprus
Helen Kosta, M.Sc., European University Cyprus

Maladaptive eating remains a pressing concern during adolescence and young adulthood, yet little is known about how psychological inflexibility/ flexibility (PI/PF) interacts with sociocultural influences across these stages. This study used network analysis to examine the associations among PI/PF, sociocultural factors, and maladaptive eating, as well as differences by gender and eating severity.
Two samples were included: 275 adolescents (13–18 years) from middle and high schools, and 226 young adults (18–25 years) via social media. Participants completed measures of maladaptive eating (EAT-26), sociocultural influences (SATAQ-3), and PI/PF (AFQ-Y8 for adolescents; MPFI for young adults).
In adolescents, maladaptive eating was most strongly linked to PI and thin ideal internalization, whereas in young adults, perceived social pressures were the primary correlate. No gender differences emerged, while higher maladaptive eating severity in young adults was associated with stronger network connectivity.
Findings highlight developmental differences that may inform future efforts to tailor intervention targets for maladaptive eating.

32. Does Social Context Influence Responding to a Body-Image Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP)?

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Health / behavioral medicine, IRAP, Body-Image

Components: Original data

Monica Hernández-López, Ph.D., University of Jaén
Maraya Leiva-Crespo, M.Sc., University of Jaén
Miguel Rodríguez-Valverde, Ph.D., Universidad de Jaén

A number of studies have used the IRAP to examine relational responding relevant to body-image. However, none of these studies have explored the influence of the social context in which the IRAP task is conducted.
Participants (60 female college students) were randomly allocated to one of two conditions. In the first (isolated) they underwent all experimental procedures individually. In the second (in group) they underwent the procedures in the presence of other participants. In both conditions, they completed two IRAP tasks. The first was a categorization IRAP, wherein participants responded to pictures of thin and overweight women with the labels “Thin” and “Fat”. The second was a self-referred ideal body-image IRAP using the same sets of pictures, and the labels “I would love to be like this” and “I would hate to be like this”. All participants completed a battery of body-image psychometric instruments.
Results show differences between the categorization IRAP and the self-referred IRAP in both conditions.
The study analyzes the potential motivational effects of social context on IRAP performance.

33. Loneliness in Context: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Lived Experiences in Switzerland

Categories: Theory and philosophical foundations, Social justice / equity / diversity, Loneliness, Social Exclusion, Mindfulness

Components: Original data

Annika Rohrmoser, M.Sc., Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel
Gemma María García Calderó, M.A., Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel
Hannah Bolt, M.H.L., Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel
Michael Rost, Ph.D., Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel
Helene Seaward, Ph.D., Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel
Bernice S. Elger, Ph.D., Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel

Loneliness, the distressing discrepancy between desired and actual social connection, is associated with poor mental and physical health. Despite increasing efforts to reduce loneliness, many interventions show limited population-level impact. Understanding how loneliness is experienced within specific social contexts may help inform more responsive approaches.
This study explores lived experiences of loneliness in Switzerland using semi-structured interviews with 33 adults reporting previous experience with loneliness. Interviews examined personal meanings of loneliness, perceived causes, and strategies for coping or seeking connection. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Preliminary analyses suggest that experiences of loneliness are strongly shaped by social expectations and cultural norms surrounding relationships and gender. Participants describe tensions between cultural norms of independence, emotional connection, and belonging, that appear to influence how loneliness is experienced and dealt with.
By highlighting contextual influences on loneliness experiences, this study contributes qualitative insights relevant to the development of interventions that promote meaningful social connection and psychological well-being.

Poster Session #4 - Saturday, 18 July, 10:15-10:45

1. A Trauma-Focused Contextual Behavioral Pilot Intervention for Adults Impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences - Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipient

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Dissemination or global health strategies, PTSD, Adverse Childhood Experiences, Social Connection

Components: Original data

Logan C Mattingly, B.S. Psychology, University of Washington
Annika Barsy, B.S., University of Washington
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., University of Washington

Roughly 17% of adults experience four or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) throughout their childhood, which are associated with increased mental and physical health risk across the lifespan. A critical buffer against the impact of trauma is social functioning, recognized as an important variable in many aspects of life.
This pilot RCT evaluates a 4-week trauma-informed intervention derived from FAP. Forty adults are randomized into an Awareness, Courage, and Love (ACL) intervention or control condition. The control follows a Pomodoro-style work format, providing time-limited tasks and casual social interaction. The intervention applies the intimacy-building principles of FAP, distilled into the ACL model.
Data collection is underway. Planned analyses include mixed ANOVAs examining group by time interactions across six outcome measures. We hypothesize participants in the intervention condition will demonstrate greater improvements in relational functioning and psychological well-being relative to the control group.
If supported, such interventions may offer a scalable approach to addressing the interpersonal consequences of trauma while strengthening protective factors such as social connection. This contributes to ongoing efforts to develop accessible interventions.

2. Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Alexithymia: A Single Case Study

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, ACT, Alexithymia

Components: Original data

Ayane Ito, M.A., Doshisha University
Takashi Muto, Ph.D., Doshisha University

This study aims to investigate the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Alexithymia.
Six undergraduate students who met the criteria participated in the study. Inclusion criteria were: (a) scored above the cut-off point of the alexithymia scale (i.e. >60), (b) no history of psychological disorder, and (c) no experience of ACT intervention.　Participants responded to three questionnaires: 20 items of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), and the Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Then, the experimenter executed the semi-structured interview, using the Beth-Israel Psychosomatic Questionnaire (SIBIQ), which measures alexithymia. In the intervention, participants committed to the ACT workbook, which mainly treats acceptance and mindfulness.
All the questionnaire measures showed a significant decrease before and after the intervention. Furthermore, SIBIQ showed a significant decrease right after the intervention started.
These results suggest that ACT can be one of the choices to treat alexithymia, especially in verbal facets.

3. ACT for Widowed Women: A Single-Case Study of Growth, Flexibility, and PTSD Symptoms

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, ACT, Posttraumatic Growth, Psychological Flexibility, Posttraumatic Stress, Single-Case Design

Components: Original data

Saadet Taşyürek Demirel, M.Sc., Hasan Kalyoncu University
Ela Arı, Prof., Istanbul Medipol University

Spousal loss is a highly distressing life event that may lead to trauma-related symptoms but may also facilitate posttraumatic growth (PTG). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to enhance psychological flexibility (PF) through acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action, which may support adjustment following bereavement. This study examined the effects of an ACT-based intervention on PTG, PF, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in widowed women.
A single-case experimental design using an ABCD model was employed, including baseline (A), intervention (B), post-intervention (C), and follow-up (D) phases. Four widowed women who experienced spousal loss within past three years participated in a six-session ACT intervention delivered individually online. PTG was measured with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, PF with the Psychological Flexibility Scale, and PTSS with the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale. Data were analyzed using Tau-U statistics, Reliable Change Index (RCI), and visual analysis.
Analyses indicated improvements in PTG for three participants. PF increased for two participants. PTSS decreased for most participants.
Findings suggest ACT may facilitate PTG and reduce trauma-related symptoms following spousal loss, although responses varied across participants.

4. Beyond Diagnosis: Effectiveness of Contextual Therapies in Infertility and Assisted Reproduction Processes.

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Dissemination or global health strategies, Infertility, Assisted Reproduction, Women, Couples, Mindfulness, ACT, CFT, Effectiveness, Psychology

Components: Literature review

Emilia Estrada Feria, B.S., Asociación de Terapia Contextual
Gerardo Leija Alva, M.A.,

One in six people worldwide suffers from infertility, causing suffering, stigma, financial hardship, and impacting physical, mental, sexual, and psychosocial well-being. Contextual therapies (ACT, Mindfulness, and CFT) promote emotional regulation, psychological flexibility, and change based on what is valuable and on acceptance.
The objective of this research is to explore and describe the effectiveness of different contextual models in women with infertility and in the process of Assisted Reproduction (AR). A literature review was conducted on contextual models addressing this problem. An analysis of 10 articles describing the treatment and outcomes for this population is presented.
The results show an improvement in hope, anger, hostility, anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
In conclusion, the application of these models generates skills for emotional regulation, reduces feelings of shame, guilt, and self-criticism, improving psychological well-being and interpersonal relationships, as well as preventing the deterioration of mental health during AR treatments, thus improving fertility.

5. From "Must" to Metaphor: Archetypal Narrative as Scaffolding for Psychological Flexibility

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Methods/approaches for individual variation, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Defusion, Metaphor

Components: Case presentation, Conceptual analysis

Gonzalo E Meza, La Rose et l'Astre
Gülşah Meza, La Rose et l'Astre

Clients often grasp adaptive rules intellectually but remain fused with maladaptive patterns. Drawing on RFT, we propose Archetypal Narratives as "cognitive scaffolding." These "heavyweight metaphors" accelerate Defusion by externalizing rigid scripts, helping clients naturally shift to a Self-as-Context perspective.
We applied this model in three cases: an entrepreneur (imposter syndrome), a socialite (cultural repression), and an executive (identity loss). Specific "Antidote Archetypes" were mapped to rigid rules (e.g., The Warrior) to scaffold "Acting As If" exercises and values-based exposure.
Archetypal syntax facilitated rapid Defusion. Externalizing internal conflict into "Characters" (e.g., "Saturn is heavy") allowed clients to detach from fusion. This reduced experiential avoidance, enabling Committed Action consistent with values despite the presence of high anxiety.
Results suggest archetypal metaphors provide the "emotional syntax" bridging the gap between insight and change. Crucially, these scaffolds must be systematically "faded" to ensure the client develops autonomous psychological flexibility rather than dependence on the narrative device.

6. ACT-Based Interventions to Enhance Psychological Flexibility in Young Couples: Practice-Based Findings

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, ACT, Psychological Flexibility, Couples Therapy, Young Adults

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Parnian Rahimi, M.A., Private Practice & Psychological Services Centers
Soha Samak, Ph.D. (C), University of Tehran

Psychological flexibility is a core mechanism of change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Young couples in high-stress sociocultural environments often experience emotional reactivity and experiential avoidance that contribute to relational conflict.
This practice-informed poster synthesizes clinical observations from ACT-based interventions delivered to young adult couples in outpatient psychological settings. Interventions targeted acceptance, cognitive defusion, values clarification, and committed relational action.
Across cases, increased psychological flexibility was associated with improved emotional regulation, reduced avoidance during conflict interactions, and greater alignment between relational behavior and identified shared values.
Findings suggest that emphasizing psychological flexibility as a relational process may enhance couple-based interventions in high-stress contexts. Clinical implications for integrating ACT processes into everyday therapeutic practice are discussed.

7. Transforming Disconnection into Shared Meaning: A Process-Based ACT Approach to Couple Therapy

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, Awareness, Couples, Communication Problems, Self and Co-Regulation, Attachment, From Cognitive Fusion to Emotional Awareness and Collaborative Meaning-Making

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review

Eva Maria Reding, M.Sc., Schweizer Institut für nachhaltige Gesundheit SING GmbH
Jeanette Villanueva, Dr., Schweizer Institut für nachhaltige Gesundheit GmbH

Couples often present distress as “communication problems,” yet this framing may obscure deeper disruptions in emotional awareness, affect regulation, attachment, and shared meaning-making. Difficulties are often maintained by cognitive fusion, emotional avoidance, and impaired co-regulation rather than skill deficits alone.
This paper proposes a process-based integration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) within couple therapy, grounded in Contextual Behavioral Science and Process-Based Therapy. It targets underlying processes such as cognitive fusion, emotional avoidance, and impaired co-regulation. Core ACT processes—mindfulness, defusion, acceptance, and values—are applied across five domains: thought awareness, emotional openness, attunement and acceptance. Embedded within interventions like Soft Startup and Turning Toward, these processes address communication as context-dependent patterns shaped by learning history.
ACT-based integration reduces reactivity, enhances emotional awareness, attunement, and acceptance, enabling deeper connection, improved co-regulation, and more flexible, value-consistent relational patterns.
Reframing communication problems as biopsychosocial processes highlights underlying mechanisms. Integrating ACT fosters awareness, flexibility, and shared meaning, enhancing interventions and supporting resilient, adaptive relationships, consistent with process-based, context-sensitive approaches and future research directions.

8. Feasibility and Acceptability Study Protocol: Personalised Process-Based Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, PBT for Chronic Health Conditions

Components: Original data

Eva Fragkiadaki, Psy.D., University of the West of England, Bristol
Vasilis Vasiliou, Ph.D., Royal Holloway and Bedford New College

People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience fluctuating physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms that substantially reduce quality of life. Existing psychological interventions are often insufficiently tailored to these needs. Process‑Based Therapy (PBT) offers a contextual, idiographic, transdiagnostic framework targeting core biopsychosocial processes and adapting intervention strategies to individual priorities.
This feasibility study aims to evaluate personalised PBT delivered within outpatient settings. Activities include developing accessible study materials and training practitioners. Participants will complete personalised ecological momentary surveys and standardised measures (EQ‑5D, ICECAP‑A, PHQ‑2, GAD‑7) at baseline, post‑treatment and follow‑up. Participants will receive up to eight personalised PBT sessions guided by idiographic networks mapping individual targets.
The study will assess recruitment and retention, acceptability of training and intervention, relevance and completeness of measures, treatment fidelity and adherence. Preliminary health economic data will be gathered through ICECAP‑A, EQ‑5D and resource‑use costing.
Findings will inform refinement of the personalised PBT model and determine progression to a full RCT within routine care, addressing a critical need for contextual, process‑focused psychological support for people with MS.

9. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Social Anxiety. A Randomized Clinical Trial Investigating Its Effectiveness

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, SAD, ACT, Shame, Psychological Flexibility, Self-Compassion

Components: Original data

Ariana-Lorena Gașpar, B.Sc., Babeș-Bolyai University
Lia-Ecaterina Oltean, Ph.D., Babeș-Bolyai University

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent condition with tremendous costs. Thus developing effective, scalable treatments, is warranted.
In this randomized controlled trial, we will investigate the effectiveness of an Internet delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention (iACT) in reducing SAD symptoms and associated shame, and probe potential mechanisms of change. Eligible participants (i.e., adults aged 18-45, experiencing at least mild social anxiety symptoms) will be recruited and randomized into two groups: iACT and an active control (i.e., psychoeducation).
We expect that the iACT intervention will be more effective in reducing SAD symptoms and shame, relative to the active control group. Moreover, we expect that psychological flexibility, and self-compassion will mediate the effectiveness of the intervention.
These findings would add to the existing literature to illustrate that an easy to administer iACT intervention may prove effective and could shed light on its underlying mechanisms.

10. ACT: Shared Language between Mental Health and Behavioral Supports for Children with Emotional-Behavioral Disorder

Categories: Academics or education, Children

Components: Original data

Stefanie R Salyer, Ed.S., Pennsylvania State University

Children with emotional-behavioral disorders often receive support from multiple professionals, including counselors, behavior specialists, and special education teachers. While these services are well-intentioned, they are often delivered using different approaches and language, which can make support feel fragmented.
This study employed a convergent mixed methods design to examine the impact of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy professional development series on interdisciplinary collaboration and practitioner self-efficacy when supporting students with emotional-behavioral disorders. Quantitative survey data and qualitative interview data were collected at three time points and integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of changes in practitioner perceptions, language use, and collaborative practices.
Prior to the ACT professional development, participants reported low self-efficacy and described siloed practice, inconsistent language, limited collaboration time, and fragmented supports. Following the PD, self-efficacy significantly increased, interdisciplinary alignment improved, and professionals reported shared language, integrated interventions, and greater confidence collaborating across counseling, behavioral, and instructional roles.
Findings from this study suggest that the ACT-based professional development functioned as a meaningful mechanism for reducing fragmentation in school-based supports for students with EBD.

11. From Values to Action: Psychological Flexibility as a Mechanism of Teacher Engagement in School Bullying Prevention

Categories: Academics or education, Professional development, Bullying Prevention, Valued Living, Psychological Flexibility

Components: Original data

Chara A. Demetriou, American University of Beirut Mediterraneo
Anthi Loutsiou, Psy.D., University of Cyprus

This study examines how values-based action and psychological flexibility shape teachers’ engagement in school bullying prevention, addressing a key gap in understanding the psychological mechanisms underlying preventive practice.
This mixed-methods evaluation (2024–2026) was conducted in seven public lower secondary schools in Cyprus as part of a whole-school bullying prevention program. 168 teachers completed the VLQ, the PsyFlex Questionnaire, and a Role Activation measure. Hypotheses examined associations between valued living, psychological flexibility, and teachers’ perceived role activation, including a mediation model.
Results showed that valued living was positively associated with psychological flexibility (r > .50) and with teachers’ perceived role activation in bullying prevention (r > .45). Psychological flexibility also significantly predicted role activation. Mediation analyses indicated that psychological flexibility partially mediated the relationship between valued living and role activation.
Psychological flexibility functions as a key mechanism through which teachers’ values are translated into active engagement in bullying prevention. These results extend ACT-informed research to educational settings and highlight implications for professional development and contextual behavioral science.

12. Supporting Caregivers of Patients with Cancer: Stress, Coping, and ACT-Informed Clinical Implications

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Health / behavioral medicine, Cancer Caregiving, Children Cancer, ACT, Psychological Flexibility, Coping Strategy, Quality of Life

Components: Original data

Elena Gevorkian, Master, Independent researcher

Family members of patients with cancer often experience high psychological distress and reduced quality of life. This study examined stress, coping strategies, and quality of life among caregivers of pediatric oncology patients undergoing proton therapy in Saint-Petersburg, Russia (N = 21; 17 mothers, 4 fathers). The aim was to explore relationships between stress, coping patterns, and quality of life and to inform ACT-consistent support.
Participants completed the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM-25), the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), and an author-developed questionnaire on stress-related experiences.
In this sample, participants showed moderate to high stress and reduced quality of life. Emotion-focused coping was linked to higher distress, whereas greater knowledge of stress-management strategies and use of internal resources were linked to lower strain. Avoidance and distraction appeared helpful short term but were associated with limited resources.
The poster presents findings from this completed (2024) study and translates them into ACT-informed clinical recommendations, including psychological flexibility, values-based action, and new ways of relating to distress in oncology settings.

13. Coding In-Session Change in FAP: Methodological Challenges and Contributions to Contextual Behavioral Science

Categories: Behavior analysis, Methods/approaches for individual variation, FAP, Process-Based Research, Observational Coding, Inter-Rater Reliability, Idiographic Methods, In-Session Analysis

Components: Case presentation, Conceptual analysis, Original data

Elena Gevorkian, Master, Independent researcher
Gladis Lee Pereira Xavier, Prof., Ph.D., Universidad Europea de Madrid

Contextual behavioral science emphasizes the analysis of behavior from a functional perspective, in which time-series and idiographic analyses are particularly relevant. Process-based psychotherapy research is one way of studying behavior from a functional, idiographic perspective. This poster presents the coding methodology used in an ongoing study “Mapping In-Session Change in FAP from an Idiographic Molar Approach.”
Video-recorded individual therapy sessions were coded using an adapted ACOVEO-based system, capturing therapist antecedents (discriminative stimuli, motivating operations), consequences (reinforcement, punishment), and client responses (target behavior, problem behavior, storytelling, outcome-related verbalizations). Two coding-groups engaged in consensus-building meetings and manual-guided discussions during an eight-month training period. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated using Cohen’s kappa, with a predefined guideline for acceptable agreement of ≥ .70 prior to independent coding.
Initial kappa agreement was low, highlighting challenges such as difficulty determining the function of behavior, individual context sensitivity and language-related variability. Agreement increased through repeated discussion and alignment among coders.
The poster discusses methodological lessons, practical strategies for increasing reliability in functional coding, and implications for future process-based and practice-oriented psychotherapy research.

14. Loss-Gain Asymmetry and a Functional Understanding of Experiential Avoidance

Categories: Behavior analysis, Theory and philosophical foundations, Experiential Avoidance

Components: Conceptual analysis

Patrícia Luque Carreiro, Ph.D., IBAC
Carlos Eduardo Costa, Ph.D., Universidade Estadual de Londrina

Experiential avoidance is a core process in human psychological suffering. Aversive experiences, taken as losses, acquire excessive regulatory strength, fostering rigid patterns of avoidance aimed at minimizing contact with uncomfortable private events. A central question, therefore, is why losses are so potent in guiding human action.
Five empirical studies were selected based on their theoretical relevance and empirical contribution to the understanding of loss-gain asymmetry: Critchfield et al. (2003), Rasmussen & Newland (2008), Pietras et al. (2010), Kubanek et al. (2015), and Kuroda et al. (2018). Studies were compared across methodological features and results.
Experiments showed that punishers have stronger, different behavioral effects than reinforcers, and losses are weighted more than equivalent gains. Punishers produced stronger suppression of responding than equivalent reinforcers, and choice behavior systematically deviated from the matching law when punishment was present.
Findings suggest that losses exert disproportionate regulatory control over behavior, consistent with the rigidity characteristic of experiential avoidance. These results outline a theoretical rationale for investigating behavioral patterns of loss-gain asymmetry and their relevance for experiential avoidance.

15. The Impact of Self-Compassion on Quality of Life Through Its Diminishing Effect on Perceived Stress

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Disease

Components: Original data

Ariadna M De la Vega Castelo, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Carlos Vara-García, Ph.D., Prof., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Celia Nogales-González, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María del Sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
María M Ramos-López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Jorge Leocadio-Baño, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Rosa Romero-Moreno, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Introduction: Developing a complex chronic illness is often associated with higher levels of perceived stress, which affects the patient's quality of life (QoL). Self-compassion involves better emotional regulation. This study aims to examine whether perceived stress mediate the relationship between self-compassion and QoL.
Method: 56 patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Chronic Heart Failure were individually interviewed (mean age=69.7 years; 42.4% women). A mediating analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.
Results: A significant indirect association was found between self-compassion and QoL through perceived stress. Specifically, patients who reported higher levels of self-compassion also reported lower levels of perceived stress and, consequently, higher levels of QoL. Additionally, the model does not show a direct association between self-compassion and QoL. The model explained 30.47% of patients’ QoL (p<.05).
Self-compassion enhances QoL in chronic patients by reducing perceived stress. These findings suggest that clinical interventions should prioritize self-compassion training to improve emotional regulation and mitigate the psychological burden of chronic illness

16. The Weight of Physical Pain: Experiential Avoidance as a Moderator of Suicidal Ideation in Chronic Physical Illness

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Disease

Components: Original data

María del Sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., Universidad a Distancia de Madrid
Rosa Romero-Moreno, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Jorge Leocadio Baño, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Celia Nogales Gonzalez, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Ariadna De la Vega Castelo, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María Ramos López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Carlos Vara-García, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Introduction: Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are associated with significant suicidal ideation. This study investigates the relationship between suffering pain and suicidal ideation, specifically examining the moderating role of experiential avoidance (EA).
Method: A sample of 58 patients (Mean age = 69.7; SD = 11.8; 57.6% male) diagnosed with CHF or COPD completed standardized assessments measuring pain, EA, and suicidal ideation.
Results: Findings indicated that higher pain was significantly associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation. However, this association is contingent upon levels of EA. Moderation analysis revealed a significant relationship between pain and suicidal ideation when EA levels were high or medium. In contrast, the association was not significant for patients with low EA.
Discussion: These results suggest that the impact of physical pain on suicidal ideation is exacerbated by the tendency to avoid uncomfortable internal experiences. Clinical interventions focusing on reducing experiential avoidance—such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—may be relevant for suicide prevention in CHF and COPD populations.

17. Tuning into Your Body: The Impact of Interoception and Body Concerns on Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Interoceptive Awareness, Anorexia Nervosa, Adolescents

Components: Literature review, Original data

Zachary C Wilde, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic
Abigail Matthews, Ph.D., Mayo Clinic

Interoceptive awareness (IA) is implicated in anorexia nervosa (AN). Associated with emotional, physical, and cognitive disturbances, IA deficits impede present-moment awareness. We examined whether shape and weight concerns mediate the relationship between IA and impairment in adolescent AN.
Participants (N = 92; M age = 15.7; 84.8% female, 93.3% White) completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ), Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA), and Clinical Impairment Assessment (CIA).
MAIA Trusting scores were significantly associated with EDEQ Shape (a1 = - 0.73, SE = 0.12, p < .001) and Weight Concerns (a2 = - 0.77, SE = 0.12, p < .001). Shape (b1 = - 2.12, SE = 0.49, p < .001) and Weight (b2 = - 1.30, SE = 0.41, p = .002) Concerns were significantly associated with impairment (CIA). Total effect was significant (c = -5.90, SE = 0.68, p < .001); direct effects reduced but remained significant (c’ = -2.47, SE = 0.73, p < .001).
Findings highlight the salience of IA in AN which may suggest a potential intervention target in ACT.

18. The Relationship Between the Specificity of Value and Psychological Flexibility Among Japanese University Students

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, ACT

Components: Original data

Chinatsu Yoshida, Master, Graduate School of Psychology, Doshisha University
Aiko Ohya, Ph.D., Faculty of Psychology, Doshisha University

This study investigates the level of descriptive detail regarding “values” and “committed actions” among Japanese university students to clarify the content and perceived difficulties associated with these descriptions.
A questionnaire survey was administered to 128 university students, requiring them to complete several established psychological measures: VOYAGE, AAQ-II, CFQ, and the short version of the PWBS. Referencing the VCQ framework, participants were instructed to articulate their personal values and committed actions across various domains and rate difficulties experienced during this process. Correlation analyses were conducted between descriptive detail (character count) and existing psychological scales.
The results revealed a significant positive correlation between average character counts for describing “values” and “committed actions.” Additionally, the character counts for “committed actions” demonstrated a significant positive correlation with AAQ-II scores, but a significant negative correlation with VOYAGE scores for “continued avoidance.”
These findings suggest that detailed elaboration in verbalizing values and actions is related to psychological flexibility and factors inhibiting value pursuit.

19. Virtual ACT: A Scoping Review of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Immersive Technologies

Categories: Mobile or digital technology, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Immersive Technologies, ACT

Components: Literature review

Cristina Rossi, M.Sc., IULM
Francesco Dell'Orco, Ph.D., Centro Interazioni Umane; Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano

Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR), are increasingly used in psychological interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), where they show potential for creating experiences based on the Hexaflex processes. Nevertheless, a comprehensive overview of the topic is lacking. This scoping review provides an up-to-date synthesis of the integration of immersive technologies into ACT interventions, clarifying their clinical role and mapping feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy, with practical implications.
The review, conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, identified 148 records in PubMed and Scopus. After selection and duplicate removal, 11 studies published between 2019 and 2026 were included.
The methodologically heterogeneous studies comprised randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental and mixed-methods crossover studies, case reports, pilot studies, protocols, and development frameworks. VR was the most widely used technology (in areas including psychoeducation, anxiety, mood, and hallucinations), serving roles such as gradual exposure, support for specific processes, comprehensive treatments, and relational/symbolic environments.
Overall, the integration of ACT and immersive technologies is promising, but remains an emerging and methodologically fragmented field.

20. Improving Scalability of Process-Based Coaching for Adults with ADHD: Proof of Concept for AI-Enabled Digital Tool

Categories: Mobile or digital technology, Mobile or digital technology, ADHD

Components: Case presentation

Xenia Angevin, CPsychol, MBA ,MRes, M.Sc., PGDip, PGCertLTHE, New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling
Christal Wang, HBA, NB-HWC, ICF ACC, Shimmer

Process-based interventions informed by the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model (EEMM) and CBS hold promise for coaching adults with ADHD. These are typically structured as experiential skills-based exercises. While EEMM identifies the psychological processes, it does not specifically account for the underlying architecture which regulates these processes across time and space (Barkley, 2012). This limitation is particularly salient for ADHD which can be conceptualised as a disruption in the executive functions which sustain psychological processes and domains over time within a self-reinforcing network (ibid.).


This poster introduces a proof of concept for a digital AI-enabled tool which integrates both the EEMM and EFs perspectives. The proposed approach constitutes a multilevel personalised evidence-based coaching kernels where the EFs are implemented as an organising scaffold. Further research is required to validate the concept and its effectiveness in improving quality of life, valued living and psychological flexibility and other factors. Bibliography Barkley, R. A. (2012). Executive functions: What they are, how they work, and why they evolved.

21. Bridging the Research-to-Practice Gap in Serious Mental Illness

Categories: Academics or education, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, SMI, Intensive Treatment, Best Treatment Practices

Components: Literature review

Lori Eickleberry, Ph.D., ABPP, Institute for Life Renovation; Nova Southeastern University

Despite advances in evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for serious mental illness (SMI), many individuals experience poor outcomes. This review examines the gap between empirically supported treatments and routine practice, focusing on treatment fidelity, care coordination, and system-level barriers.
A narrative review of literature in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and implementation science was conducted, including meta-analyses, studies of therapist adherence, and coordinated care models.
Evidence indicates that structured, evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are effective in reducing symptoms and improving functioning across psychiatric conditions (Cuijpers et al., 2021). However, implementation research suggests these treatments are not consistently delivered with fidelity in routine practice, reflecting a well-documented research-to-practice gap in mental health care. Coordinated care models improve outcomes (Kane et al., 2016), yet reimbursement limitations and workforce shortages contribute to fragmented care.
The primary challenge is inconsistent implementation of effective treatments. Improving fidelity and expanding coordinated care are critical to enhancing outcomes and reducing long-term system costs.

22. Striking While the Iron Is Hot: How Appointment Timing Shapes Engagement in Intensive Outpatient Care

Categories: Processes of change, Behavior analysis, Intensive Treatment, Increasing Motivation, Administration

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Lori Eickleberry, Ph.D., ABPP, Institute for Life Renovation; Nova Southeastern University
Sahar Elloumi, M.S., Nova Southeastern University

Despite the importance of access to care, little is known about how delays between help-seeking and treatment implementation affect engagement in IOP settings.
This study examined whether the number of days between scheduling and initial appointment (“lead time”) predicted attendance in a real-world IOP clinical sample (N = 123).
Lead time ranged from 0 to 30 days (M = 7.5, SD ≈ 6.0), with an overall attendance rate of 86%. Appointments scheduled within 0–2 days demonstrated highest attendance (96%), followed by 3–5 days (91%), while attendance decreased for 6–10 days (77%). Appointments scheduled within 5 days demonstrated significantly higher attendance (93.2%) compared to those scheduled beyond 5 days (79.7%), χ²(1) = 4.52, p = .033, with patients approximately 3.5 times more likely to attend when scheduled within this window (OR = 3.47)
Findings suggest a “window of activation” following initial contact, with delays beyond five days linked to increased avoidance and reduced urgency, supporting rapid scheduling and values-based engagement at initial contact.

23. A Contextualized Idiographic Mixed-Methods Exploration of Stigma and Mindfulness in Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery

Categories: Processes of change, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Substance Use Disorder

Components: Original data

David "Ikela" I.K. Moniz-Lewis, M.S., University of New Mexico
Katie Witkiewitz, Ph.D., The University of New Mexico

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly stigmatized and disproportionately impacts people from minoritized and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. AUD stigma undermines recovery and remains a barrier to care. Via key processes, mindfulness-based interventions may weaken internalized-stigma and promote resiliency. This study examines processes underlying mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) in supporting recovery among adults reporting alcohol-related stigma and/or social disadvantage.
Twenty adults enrolled in MBRP completed twice-daily ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys over 6 weeks assessing internalized-stigma, shame, mindfulness, self-compassion, negative affect, craving, and alcohol use. Idiographic network modeling examined within- and between-person associations. Following EMA, participants completed qualitative interviews; thematic analysis contextualized person-specific dynamics and recovery pathways.
Preliminary findings suggest varied idiographic links between stigma, mindfulness processes, and recovery outcomes (e.g., craving, heavy drinking). Qualitative themes highlight how participants implement mindfulness in daily life to support recovery and resilience to stigma.
Findings clarify for whom – and in what individual ways – mindfulness processes support AUD recovery to inform how mindfulness practices vary in form and function across recovery in disadvantaged contexts.

24. Effectiveness of Enhancing ACT Skills for Occupational Health Professionals

Categories: Professional development, Organizational / Industrial psychology, Occupational Health

Components: Original data

Mikihiro Hayashi, M.D., VisMed Inc.
Kohei Watanabe, Waseda University
Tomu Ohtsuki, M.A., Ph.D., Waseda University

Occupational health aims to enhance workers’ adaptation to the workplace and represents a promising context for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). However, evidence linking practitioners’ ACT knowledge and skills to professional outcomes in occupational health remains limited.
A six-month ACT training program was conducted with occupational health practitioners in Japan (N = 30). The program included asynchronous lectures (5 hours on-demand video), a two-day intensive workshop, and monthly case conferences over three months. Psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), ACT knowledge (ACT check), and professional competency (ACT Competency Scale for Occupational Health Professionals) were assessed at baseline, post-training, and three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc comparisons.
Significant main effects were observed across time points. Post hoc analyses indicated significant improvements in professional competency, as well as in ACT knowledge, at both the post-intervention and follow-up time points compared to pre-intervention.
Despite limitations, including concerns about the reliability and validity of the competency measure, the findings suggest that ACT-based training may enhance the professional capabilities of occupational health practitioners

25. Political Anxiety and Doomscrolling: The Protective Effects of Psychological Flexibility and Emotion Regulation

Categories: Psychological Flexibility, Emotion Regulation

Components: Original data

Claire McCormick, Dublin Business School
Joseph Lavelle, Ph.D., Dublin Business School

Political issues are dominating news cycles, increasing political anxiety among adults and leading to doomscrolling. However, to date, no research has been conducted on the relationship between doomscrolling and political anxiety. This study aims to address this gap and explore the protective factors of psychological flexibility and emotion regulation.
A cross-sectional correlational design was employed with a sample of 121 adults, with at least one social media account, who took an online survey on their levels of doomscrolling, political anxiety, psychological flexibility, and emotion regulation.
Regression analysis revealed that psychological flexibility and political anxiety are significant predictors of doomscrolling.
These findings add to the literature on doomscrolling suggesting that political anxiety may be driving these behaviours and psychological flexibility can protect against them. When designing interventions for those with high levels of political anxiety, increasing psychological flexibility should be considered to reduce doomscrolling.

26. Effects of Nonsense Syllable Type on Arbitrarily Applicable Relational Responding: Function Acquisition Speed Test

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Theory and philosophical foundations, FAST

Components: Original data

Maho Konda, Ph.D., Iwakura Hospital
Shinji Tani, Ph.D., Ritsumeikan University

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) studies typically use nonsense stimuli to establish controlled stimulus relations prior to assessing arbitrarily applicable relational responding (AARR). These stimuli are usually constructed using the alphabet, although it remains unclear whether script type influences AARR. This issue is particularly relevant for speakers of mixed-writing-system languages.
Participants completed three sessions of matching-to-sample (MTS) training for each script condition (Hiragana, alphabet, and Arabic). After the las training session, stimulus relatedness was assessed using the Function Acquisition Speed Test (FAST).
Arabic MTS was more difficult than other conditions. In the FAST, the Hiragana condition showed greater tendency for higher learning slopes in the consistent block than in the inconsistent block compared with the other conditions. A nonlinear relationship between MTS performance and FAST scores was observed only in the Arabic condition. Participants reported greater reliance on physical stimulus properties in the Arabic MTS and symbolic properties in the Hiragana MTS.
Results suggest script type may influence AARR beyond single performance indices, informing more precise assessment and clinically relevant intervention development.

27. Individual Contextual Factors for Affective and Self-Compassion Volatility Among SGD People in Hong Kong

Categories: Social justice / equity / diversity, Methods/approaches for individual variation, Sexual and Gender Diverse People, Minority Stress, Self-Compassion, Emotion Regulation, Attachment, Fear of Compassion, Experience Sampling Methodology, Dynamic Structural E

Components: Original data

Eddie S. K. Chong, Ph.D., The University of Hong Kong
Shuk Kwan Po, B.Soc.Sc., The University of Hong Kong

Minority stressors are well-documented determinants of emotion regulation difficulties among sexual and gender diverse (SGD) people. Yet most existing research relies on retrospective self-report, obscuring real-time fluctuations in affect and self-compassion that characterize daily lived experience.
This study examined SGD-related and general contextual factors explaining within-person variability in momentary positive and negative affect and state self-compassion (compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding) among 141 SGD adults in Hong Kong (Mage = 28.32, SD = 7.09). Using experience sampling methodology with three daily assessments over two weeks, data were analyzed via dynamic structural equation modeling.
Among identity-specific factors, early cisheterosexism exposure predicted greater volatility in negative affect, while SGD community connectedness predicted greater stability in uncompassionate self-responding. Among general psychological factors, fear of compassion predicted volatility in negative affect and both facets of self-compassion, whereas nonattachment predicted stability in negative affect and uncompassionate self-responding.
This study demonstrates an idionomic approach to understanding contextual behavioral processes. Findings reinforce the importance of addressing both SGD-related and general contextual factors in promoting stability in affect and self-responding among SGD individuals.

28. Répercussions quotidiennes du contrôle coercitif sur le bien être émotionnel et relationnel des couples adolescents

Categories: Social justice / equity / diversity, Processes of change, Teen Dating, Violence, Well Being

Components: Original data

Elisabeth Lafleur, B.Sc., Université du Québec à Montréal
Alison Paradis, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Montréal

Le contrôle coercitif est associé à plusieurs conséquences psychologiques et relationnelles chez les victimes adultes. Cette forme de violence est aussi présente à l’adolescence, mais ses répercussions sur le bien-être des adolescents demeurent peu documentées.
Cette étude examine les associations entre les expériences quotidiennes de contrôle coercitif subi et exercé, ainsi que le bien-être émotionnel (affect, stress) et relationnel (engagement et connectivité envers la relation) chez des couples adolescents. Au total, 279 couples hétérosexuels âgés de 14 à 19 ans ont rempli 21 journaux quotidiens. Un modèle multiniveau dyadique sera estimé.
Il est attendu que des niveaux quotidiens plus élevés de contrôle coercitif soient associés à un bien-être émotionnel et relationnel plus faible le jour même, tant chez l’individu que chez son partenaire. Une moyenne globale plus élevée de contrôle coercitif que les pairs sera également associée à un bien-être plus faible chez les deux partenaires.
Mieux comprendre les répercussions du contrôle coercitif à l’adolescence est essentiel pour orienter les stratégies préventives et soutenir le développement de relations amoureuses saines chez les jeunes.

29. Behind the Scenes: The Role of Tiredness in Psychological Flexibility Training in an Adolescent Ballerina

Categories: Sports or performance-enhancing, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Psychological Flexibility in Youth Athletes

Components: Case presentation

Luciana Rique, M.Sc., Private Practice
Matteo Chies, Ph.D. (C), University of Trento

Adolescent ballerinas seeking to become professional athletes often face mental health challenges due to balancing intensive training and daily life. These demands highlight the need for context-specific psychological support.
This study describes a psychological intervention with a 13-year-old Brazilian ballerina in professional training. The intervention consisted of eight weekly 30-minute online sessions using the DNA-V model.
In-session observations indicated that the intervention promoted psychological flexibility processes; however, these were mainly observed when the ballerina was physically rested. When rested, she engaged actively with the exercises, described situations and contingencies more clearly, and effectively noticed bodily sensations and emotions. For example, she participated actively, noticed internal experiences, and remained present while discussing challenging emotions. However, after intense training demands, marked tiredness was associated with disengagement, automatic responding, and difficulty recalling previously discussed concepts. She struggled to engage with the exercises and responded briefly or automatically.
These observations raise practical questions: how can interventions be adapted when young athletes are tired? Understanding how training load interacts with psychological processes may be essential for optimizing mental skills training.

30. Effects of Functional Assessment-Based Training on the Accuracy of Inferences About Experiential Avoidance

Categories: Supervision and training, Academics or education, Functional Assessment, Experiential Avoidance, Inference Accuracy, Early-Career Psychological Clinicians, ACT

Components: Original data

Masanori Matsukawa, M.A., Graduate School of Psychology, Doshisha University
Aiko Ohya, Ph.D., Faculty of Psychology, Doshisha University

This study examined the effects of functional assessment–based training on inferences about client experiential avoidance among graduate students studying clinical psychology and early-career clinicians.
The experimental group (n = 15) engaged in the description and practical application of experiential avoidance based on an antecedent-behavior-consequence analysis. The control group (n = 15) completed tasks involving imagining scenes from photographs. Effectiveness was measured by inference tasks using simulated psychotherapy videos and mindfulness questionnaires at three times (pre-test, post-test, follow-up).
In the inference task, correct response rates increased significantly for external avoidance targets in the experimental group (pre-to post-test: t (14) = 2.95, p = .005, Cohen’s d = .76; pre-test to follow-up: t (14) = 3.89, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.00). In contrast, the control group showed only partial improvement in the mindfulness questionnaires.
These findings suggest that functional assessment-based training is effective for inferring the external context in which experiential avoidance occurs. The results also suggest that skill assessment requires questionnaires that evaluate the understanding of the functions of clients’ behaviors.

31. Psychological Flexibility’s Role in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Burnout in People Engaged in Sports

Categories: Theory and philosophical foundations, Sports or performance-enhancing, Perfectionism, Burnout, Psychological Flexibility, Sports

Components: Original data

Khulkar Rashidova, Mgr, SWPS
Joanna Dudek, Ph.D., SWPS

There is a well documented link between perfectionism and burnout, including among the athlete population. ACT-based interventions have been shown to be effective in the treatment of both perfectionism and burnout, separately. However, there are no papers discussing the role that psychological flexibility may have in the relationship between the two.
The study employed a cross-sectional design. Forty-seven participants (N = 47) engaged in sports were asked to complete measures of their psychological flexibility, perfectionism, and burnout levels, along with a demographic questionnaire.
The results of the study show that psychological flexibility played a protective, mediating role, where people with higher levels of perfectionism exhibited lower levels of psychological flexibility, which in turn predicted higher levels of burnout.
Given the study’s limited sample size, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary. While they contribute to the theoretical understanding of the concepts and suggest potential insights for the prevention and treatment of burnout in perfectionistic individuals outside of sports, the generalizability of these implications is constrained. Further replication with larger, more diverse populations is necessary.

32. 25→0 Countdown: A Brief Cognitive Grounding Technique for Stress Reduction

Categories: Stress Regulation, Grounding, Psychological Stabilization, Attention Regulation

Components: Case presentation

Olha Prokhorchenko, Master, NPA of Ukraine

The 25→0 Countdown was developed in March 2022 during the early phase of the full-scale war in Ukraine, under conditions of active shelling near Mariupol. Civilians exposed to constant threat experienced acute stress, emotional flooding, intrusive thoughts, and loss of attentional control. Many sensory-based grounding techniques were impractical or unsafe in these conditions, creating a need for a rapid, internally deployable cognitive stabilization tool.
The technique involves silently counting backwards from 25 to 0 at a steady pace, optionally preceded by one anchoring breath. It requires no movement, equipment, or external sensory engagement. The method is informed by principles of cognitive load and attentional control, engaging prefrontal executive processes to interrupt stress-driven attentional capture.
Practice-based observations indicate reduced emotional intensity, decreased rumination, and improved attentional control following use of the technique. The method has shown particular utility in high-risk environments due to its discreet and portable nature.
represents a low-threshold cognitive grounding strategy suitable for contexts of extreme and prolonged stress, including ongoing field work in frontline areas of Ukraine. The technique supports

33. «Spirit of Ukraine»

Categories: Processes of change, Post-traumatic Growth

Components: Case presentation, Conceptual analysis

Olha Prokhorchenko, Master, NPA of Ukraine
Михайло Прохорченко

A boy from the Mariupol district, now displaced to Kharkiv, shelters from explosions in the basement of an old building. Despite the dangerous environment, he holds a cat in his arms and smiles. This contrast illustrates children’s remarkable resilience during war: the ability to preserve warmth, connection, and emotional stability even in traumatic conditions.
A visual-analytic approach was applied. The real photograph of a child in a war-time shelter was examined as a metaphor of psychological adaptation. Environmental cues (dark basement, destruction) and emotional cues (smile, calm posture, presence of a pet) were analyzed as indicators of resilience.
The image demonstrates key resilience markers: preserved emotional connection; positive facial expression despite threat; adaptive behavior in unsafe surroundings; spontaneous use of a pet as a source of comfort and regulatio
This case shows that children maintain core emotional capacities even under extreme stress. Their ability to find safety in small resources — like a pet — becomes a foundation for future post-traumatic growth.

Poster Session #5 - Saturday, 18 July, 14:45-15:15

1. ACT vs. NonDirective Therapy for Emotional Symptoms in University Students: A Randomized Trial with EMA - Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipient

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Psychological Flexibility, Repetitive Negative Thinking, Ecological Momentary Assessment, University Students

Components: Original data

Mónica Larrosa Signorelli, Ph.D. (C), Universidad de Montevideo
Francisco Ruiz, Ph.D., MICPSY
Francis Guynot De Boismenu, M.A .(C), Universidad de Montevideo

Emotional distress is common among university students. ACT targets transdiagnostic processes such as psychological flexibility and repetitive negative thinking, but little is known about how these processes change in daily life.
This randomized controlled trial evaluates a brief group-based ACT intervention compared with non-directive group therapy in university students with elevated emotional symptoms (PHQ-9/GAD-7 ≥10). Approximately 48 participants aged 18–28 are randomly assigned to five weekly group sessions. Outcomes include traditional assessments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PIL) and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) capturing emotional symptoms (PHQ-4), psychological flexibility (CCFI), and repetitive negative thinking (RNT-3).
Data collection is currently underway. Preliminary results will be available by July, as the study is actively being conducted at the time of submission.
This study examines the daily dynamics of psychological flexibility and repetitive negative thinking during psychotherapy. By combining randomized intervention with EMA, it aims to provide ecologically valid evidence on process-based mechanisms of change in ACT among university students.

2. The Effectiveness of an Emotional Intelligence Intervention on Lebanese Adolescent Mental Health

Categories: Academics or education, Behavior analysis, PTSD, Children, Emotional Intelligence Intervention

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Myriam El Khoury-Malhame, Ph.D., Lebanese American University
Rita Doumit, Ph.D., Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing-Lebanese American University

Adolescents in Lebanon face chronic stressors undermining their mental health.
The Yes to Emotions (YEY) program, a culturally adapted intervention over 11 sessions included 610 adolescents (271 girls) from three public schools divided in these groups: (1) YEY + emotional diary (n = 144), (2) YEY without diary (n = 209), or (3) comparison (n = 359). A mixed-method design was used, whereby self-report assessments of trait EI and emotional competences, coping, well-being, anxiety, and depression were used, together with emotional diaries.
Results showed significant group × time interactions for global trait EI, and adaptive coping, along with reductions in maladaptive coping and depressive symptoms. Effect sizes for the training group with diaries were larger than those without diaries. Qualitative findings revealed not only these same results, but also progressive improvements in emotion regulation, self-esteem, empathy, and a decrease in indicators of anxiety symptoms, and interpersonal conflicts.
Findings underscore the effectiveness of EI training in high-adversity settings and point towards the value of incorporating emotional diaries to strengthen adolescents’ emotional competences and mental health.

3. Adaptive Coping and Sleep Quality Mediate the Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Trauma Outcomes

Categories: Academics or education, Behavior analysis, PTSD, Sleep, Adolescents

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Myriam El Khoury-Malhame, Ph.D., Lebanese American University
Rita Doumit, Ph.D., Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing-Lebanese American University

This study examines how quality of sleep and adaptive coping mediate the relation between Emotional Intelligence and differential outcomes of trauma in adolescent in contexts of collective chronic adversities.
The study included 612 high school students (323 women) aged 14-21 (M = 16.44, SD = 1.25). Measures assessed trait EI, adaptive coping, post-traumatic stress, and post-traumatic growth. Structural equation modelling was performed with robust estimators.
Trait EI directly and indirectly predicts PTS and PTG. We found positive relationships between trait EI and adaptive coping and trait EI and sleep quality and between adaptive coping, and both PTS and PTG. In addition, we found negative relationships between sleep and PTS and PTG. Adaptive coping and sleep mediated the influence of trait EI on both PTS and PTG respectively.
Findings highlight that trauma outcomes are predicted by trait EI and mediated by teachable skills such as adaptive coping strategies and sleep quality. The study advocates the integration of these simple cognitive and behavioral trainings in educational programs targeting adolescents in unstable situations.

4. Multidimensional Burden, Coping, and Tech Acceptance in Advanced Cancer Family Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

Categories: Academics or education, ACT, Advanced Cancer, Burden, Caregiver, Psychological Inflexibility

Components: Original data

Huiyuan Li, Ph.D., Fudan University, School of Nursing

Caregiving burden causes varying degrees of interference in the lives of family members caring for advanced cancer patients. Understanding how family caregivers perceive and cope with this multidimensional burden in the context of Chinese culture, as well as their acceptance of technological assistance, is important to develop targeted robotic support programs based on ACT and help improve palliative quality of life.
A descriptive qualitative study guided by ACT hexagonal matrix was used to understand the participants' experiences of caregiving burden, the degree of flexibly coping mechanisms, and attitudes toward nursing robots. Individual face-to-face and online semi-structured interviews were conducted in twenty-five primary family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. Content analysis was used for data analysis.
A total of 16 subthemes in four themes emerged from the data, revealing a chain structure from objective burden to technological substitution.
Findings increased understanding of this multidimensional caregiving topic that requires urgent attention in China. Healthcare professionals and technologists should develop acceptance-based interventions based on the findings to alleviate caregiving burdens and facilitate a supported cancer care life.

5. From Trait Emotional Intelligence to Wellbeing and Growth: The Role of Adaptive Coping during Hardship

Categories: Behavioral or contextual neuroscience, Health / behavioral medicine, Post-Traumatic Growth, Trait Emotional Intelligence (TEI), Wellbeing

Components: Literature review, Original data

Rita Doumit, Ph.D., Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing-Lebanese American University

Adolescence requires robust emotional competences to manage psychological distress. This study examines how trait Emotional Intelligence relates to adolescent wellbeing and post-traumatic growth in an adverse sociopolitical context.
The study included 766 adolescents (417 female) aged 14–20 years (M = 16.34, SD = 1.18) from Lebanese public schools. Measures assessed trait EI through the profile of emotional competences (PEC), adaptive coping (Brief-COPE), well-being (WHO-5), and post-traumatic growth (PTGI-SF). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed with robust estimators.
The data supported the model, demonstrating a direct positive relationship between intrapersonal EI and adaptive coping and interpersonal EI and adaptive coping and between adaptive coping and both well-being and post-traumatic growth . Adaptive coping mediated the influence of intrapersonal EI on both well-being and post-traumatic growth as well as the influence of interpersonal EI on well-being and post-traumatic growth.
Findings highlight that adaptive coping strategies are key mechanisms linking trait EI to wellbeing and post-traumatic growth, stressing the importance of integrating these positive psychological dispositions into wellbeing programs and interventions targeting adolescents facing adversity.

6. Ruminative Inner Speech as a Transdiagnostic Process: An App-Based Linguistic Analysis

Categories: Behavioral or contextual neuroscience, Methods/approaches for individual variation, Depression, Rumination, Process Based Assessment, Verbal Processes, Psychological Inflexibility, Cognitive Fusion

Components: Original data

Albane Buisson, M.Sc., BABCP

Rumination is a transdiagnostic verbal process implicated in depression and anxiety. However, linguistic markers specific to rumination in naturalistic inner speech remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify linguistic indicators of rumination and examine their associations with depression and anxiety.
78 first-year psychology students recorded spontaneous thoughts over two weeks using Descriptive Experience Sampling (DES) via a mobile app (eMoodie). Rumination, depression, and anxiety were assessed using questionnaires. Text data were analysed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) and BERTopic.
Elevated rumination scores were associated with abstract-conceptual thoughts (e.g., “uncertainty feelings,” “inner conversation”) and cognitive process language (r = .60, p < .01). Rumination was negatively correlated with present-focused activities (e.g., “Dinner choices,” “Watching movies”) and leisure content (r = −.62, p < .01). Ruminative linguistic markers were positively correlated with depression (r = .37, p = .003), but not anxiety (r = .107, p = .42).
Findings suggest that rumination reflects identifiable linguistic patterns in inner speech, contributing to understanding transdiagnostic processes and highlighting the potential importance of present-focused and behavioral activation–based interventions.

7. Amplified Neural Sensitivity to Unexpected Social Feedback in Problematic Internet Use

Categories: Behavioral or contextual neuroscience, Mobile or digital technology, Young Adults, Digital Technology

Components: Original data

Navkiran Kalsi, Ph.D., OP Jindal Global University

Problematic internet use (PIU) is associated with disruptions in socioemotional functioning. This study examined whether PIU is associated with heightened neural responses to social evaluation.
Thirty-one participants were screened into PIU or control group using Young’s IAT. EEG was recorded during social judgment paradigm where participants predicted their impression on peers (like/dislike) and received feedback (congruent/incongruent with their expectations). Event-related-potentials were analyzed for feedback-related-negativity (FRN) and P300.
The PIU group showed longer reaction and larger FRN amplitudes for unexpected versus expected rejection. Additionally, P300 amplitudes were greater for unexpected acceptance, reflecting increased processing of positive expectancy violations. No comparable modulation was observed in controls.
Results suggest that PIU is associated with increased neural sensitivity to expectancy violations in social feedback. FRN responses reflect increased sensitivity to unexpected social rejection; P300 responses suggest increased processing of unexpected social acceptance. The heightened neural reactivity may contribute to inflexible patterns of attention and evaluation thus sustaining problematic engagement. Targeting how individuals respond to socially salient feedback may help shape interventions for promoting adaptive engagement with online environments.

8. Preventing Conduct Disorder and Callous Unemotional Traits: Preliminary Results of a School Based Pilot Program

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Behavior analysis, Children, Antisocial Behavior, Callous Unemotional Traits

Components: Original data

Giorgos Georgiou, Ph.D., European University Cyprus

This study investigated whether a school-based pilot prevention program effectively reduces CD symptoms and CU traits in a community sample of children
The prevention program consisted of eight weekly 45-min sessions, including activities developed using CBT. A total of 304 children from three schools in Cyprus were randomly assigned to either a prevention group (N = 94; M age = 7.91, SD = .74; 52.1% female) or a control group (N = 210; M age = 7.82, SD = .81; 50.5% female).
CD symptoms and CU traits were assessed before the program's implementation and at 3 and 9 months after training. Significant post-training reductions in CU traits were identified in the prevention, but not the control, group at both 3-month and 9-month follow-ups, and in CD symptoms at the 9-month follow-up. These reductions were not observed in the control group.
This study provides preliminary evidence that child-focused training delivered in the school setting can provide lasting benefits by preventing the development of CU traits and CD.

9. ACT-Informed Exposure for Social Anxiety in Children

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Behavior analysis, Social Anxiety

Components: Case presentation

Isaac Aguilar, Red de Ciencia Contextual

Acceptance and commitment therapy combined with exposure can be a powerful approach to help the person engage in feared activities, helping to manage the distress in order to have a more fulfilling and meaningful life
A questionnaire for social anxiety was used (CASO). Self reports were also used to help making the functional assessment, as well as verbal reports and observation from parents. An exposure list was made alongside with the child and parents,
The child was able to successfully complete each social situation included in the exposure list, also showed an increase in committing to activities involving social scenarios. Also an increase in the willingness of experience anxiety was shown, in order to participate in activities aligned with personal values
Exposure therapy is a powerful and effective intervention when treating social anxiety, combining it with ACT can be a very useful way to help clients engage in feared scenarios, further research comparing traditional CBT exposure therapy vs ACT informed exposure therapy when treating children is necessary

10. Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Empower-Autism Programme for Caregivers of Recently-Diagnosed Autistic Children

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Health / behavioral medicine, Autism

Components: Original data

Hilary J Beach, B.Sc., PGDip, ACBS Member
Louisa Harrison, M.A., University of Manchester
Petrina Chu, M.Sc., Kings College London
Kathy Leadbitter, Ph.D., University of Manchester
REACH-ASD Team, Ph.D., University of Manchester

Caregivers of autistic children can experience poor mental health and wellbeing. Empower-Autism is a group-based post-diagnostic programme combining autism psycho-education and components based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support the mental health and wellbeing of caregivers of newly diagnosed autistic children.
Caregivers of children aged 2-15 years were recruited from UK autism diagnostic centres and randomised to Empower-Autism or usual-care. Primary outcome was caregiver mental health at 52-weeks follow-up. Secondary outcomes included wellbeing, self-efficacy, adjustment, autism knowledge, parent-child relationships, family wellbeing and child wellbeing. Primary analysis used linear mixed models.
379 participants were recruited (255 intervention/124 usual-care). Participants randomised to Empower-Autism had improved mental health at 52 weeks compared to usual-care. We also observed significant improvements in caregiver wellbeing, adjustment, autism knowledge, and family wellbeing. Other secondary outcomes showed no clear difference between arms.
This is the first fully-powered randomised trial to show a statistically- and clinically-significant improvement to the mental health and wellbeing of caregivers of recently-diagnosed autistic children. We recommend this programme to clinicians and policymakers.

11. Group-Based ACT for Psychological Distress of Young People, Using the DNA-V Model: Presentation of a Pilot Study

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Health / behavioral medicine, Depression, DNA-V Model

Components: Original data

Kenneth Lindberget, CPsychol, Sørlandet hospital University of Oslo
Tom Østergaard, Ph.D., Hospital of Southern Norway

In this study we are using The DNA-V therapy model (Hayes & Ciarrochi) in a group therapy setting over 12 sessions of 2 hours for each meeting. The control condition is treatment as usual, which is the therapy these young people would be given at either outpatient treatment at our hospital or therapy given in community healthcare services.
The pilot study has a randomized controlled design. Participants (n=20) with mild to moderate symptoms of depression. 12-week group-based ACT intervention or treatment as usual (TAU) given by outpatient treatment at Sørlandet hospital or therapy given by healthcare community services. Measurements are done at start up, 6 weeks, 12 week, 6 months and 12 months.
The poster will describe the content of the study and presenting results if there has been an increase in psychological flexibility and decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The group therapy intervention worked well according to the manual. Among the participant who completed the therapy showed satisfaction with the treatment.

12. How Session Frequency Shapes Outcomes: ACT-Informed Group Art Therapy for Chronic Schizophrenia

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Processes of change, Chronic Schizophrenia, ACT, Session Frequency, Psychiatric Care Facility

Components: Original data

Heysook Lim, Ph.D., Hamkkehaeyo Mind Healing Research Institute
Jinwoo Han, Ph.D., Department of Arts Therapy, Daegu Catholic University
Sang-Yeol Lee, Ph.D., M.D., Wonkwang University Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine
Kyong-Hwa Park, Ph.D., Department of Counseling and Welfare, SUDO International University Graduate School
Hyojung Lee, Ph.D., Public Health, Wonkwang University Graduate School
Hee Moon, Ph.D., Public Health, Wonkwang University Graduate School
Hye-Jin Lee, Ph.D., Public Health, Wonkwang University Graduate School

Chronic schizophrenia is associated with persistent hospitalization stress, reduced psychological flexibility, and diminished well-being. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-informed group art therapy has shown therapeutic benefits; however, the role of session frequency in shaping outcomes remains unclear.
Thirty-six individuals with chronic schizophrenia in a psychiatric care facility were assigned to an intensive intervention (five sessions/week for 3 weeks), a distributed intervention (one session/week for 15 weeks), or a no-treatment control group. Both intervention groups received identical 15-session ACT-informed group art therapy. Outcomes were assessed using hospitalization stress, psychological flexibility, subjective well-being, and happiness. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA.
Significant group × time interaction effects were observed across all outcomes. Both intervention groups showed significant improvements compared to the control group. The distributed intervention demonstrated greater improvements in basic needs-related stress and emotional regulation, whereas no significant differences were found between intervention formats in overall outcomes.
ACT-informed group art therapy was effective across delivery formats. Session frequency influenced specific recovery-related domains, suggesting that temporal structure plays a meaningful role in psychosocial interventions.

13. ACT chez l'enfant et l'adolescent : incarner ses valeurs et devenir sa.on propre héro.ïne, de D&D à la TCR

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, RFT / RGB / language, Enfants, Adolescents, TCR , Metaphores, Hexaflex, Jeux de Rôles sur Table

Components: Case presentation, Literature review

Aurelie Julien, Master 2, Psychologue en Liberal

Fondements théoriques ayant conduit à la création d’un outil destiné à ma pratique clinique. Premièrement en quoi la vie peut être conceptualisée comme une quête et donc loin d’une recherche d’ataraxie. Le jeu de rôle (JdR) est alors utilisé comme une allégorie de la Thérapie d’Acceptation et d’Engagement (ACT), permettant d’explorer la question suivante : face à un « échec critique » que fait-on dans le JdR, comme dans la vie ?
Les cadres déictiques sont abordés comme leviers de la prise de perspective, du développement du soi comme contexte et de la ToM. Egalement sera explicitée la co-construction de métaphores avec le·la patient·e et l’appropriation du champ lexical du gaming, ainsi que la gamification de manière plus large, favorisent la transformation de fonction des réponses relationnelles dérivées.
Les six processus de l’hexaflex sont transposés au JdR à travers une « feuille de personnage » qui peut être utilisée en séance. Un ebook expliquant en détail la démarche et l'utilisation de l'outil sera disponible via un QR Code.
Les limites actuelles de l’outil sont discutées.

14. Beyond Sexual Dysfunction: A Contextual Behavioral Framework for Sexuality in Clinical Practice

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Sexuality, Sexual Health

Components: Conceptual analysis

Aldana Lichtenberger, Ph.D., FLAMI

Sexuality is central to identity, emotion regulation, intimacy, and values, yet remains underrepresented in CBS applications and training. In broader clinical practice, sexual difficulties are often addressed topographically (e.g., dysfunction, low desire) rather than functionally, limiting intervention precision. This work proposes a contextual behavioral framework grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
This work presents a conceptual, clinically grounded analysis based on ACT, informed by empirical findings from acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions. Sexual behavior is conceptualized as context-sensitive, shaped by reinforcement histories, relational contingencies, and rule-governed behavior. Clinical illustrations are examined through functional analysis.
Sexual difficulties are reframed as behavioral processes. Patterns such as low desire or compulsive behavior function as experiential avoidance or control strategies, maintained by short-term reinforcement despite long-term costs. ACT-based interventions target acceptance, defusion, and values, increasing flexibility and reducing reliance on control.
A process-based approach improves case formulation and intervention precision. Sexuality offers a privileged context to observe and modify core CBS processes, positioning it as a central domain for contextual behavioral practice.

15. Effects of an ACT Program for Youth of Korean Descent in Japan with an Acculturation Gap

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Social justice / equity / diversity, ACT, Immigrants, Acculturation gap

Components: Original data

Misa Sasaki, M.A., Waseda University
Tomu Ohtsuki, Ph.D., Waseda University

Japan's immigrant population exceeds 4.13 million (Japanese Immigration Services Agency, 2026). Among these immigrant populations, individuals of Korean descent exhibit the highest suicide rates (Gilmour et al., 2019). Their psychological distress is heavily influenced by the acculturation gap, the cultural adaptation discrepancy between parents and children (Sasaki et al., 2025). ACT has emerged as a promising intervention for acculturative stress (Xu et al., 2020). Therefore, this study evaluates an ACT program using a multiple baseline design across seven youths of Korean descent in Japan.
Primary outcomes are depression (J-PHQ-9; Muramatsu et al., 2012), anxiety (J-GAD-7; Muramatsu et al., 2018), and loneliness (J-UCLA Loneliness; Masuda et al., 2010). Process variables include parental communication avoidance (PCAS-KJ; Sasaki et al., 2025), frequency of initiating avoided topics, time spent together in the same space, messaging frequency, and phone call duration.
Although the intervention is ongoing, five of seven participants show reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Final data will be presented at the conference.
Future research must examine factors differentiating those who improved from those who did not.

16. The Power of Two: How Co-Therapy Collaboration Amplifies ACT Outcomes

Categories: Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Supervision and training, Co-Therapy, ACT-Based Group Psychoeducation Training, Sequential Process of Co-Facilitate Intervention

Components: Case presentation, Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data

Ka Ho Tong, Psy.D., MSSC, B.Sc., Hong Kong Shue Yan University
Ching Yee Lam, Ph.D., RN, Hong Kong Metropolitan University

ACT psychoeducation is well-evidenced, yet co-therapy dynamics remain under-researched. Given Wampold’s finding that "therapist factors" drive outcomes as much as techniques, we must ask: how does a co-therapy team amplify effectiveness?
This study analyzed the experiences of eight participants in a co-led ACT group. Using reflexive thematic analysis on post-group open-ended questionnaires, we explored the distinct roles and duties of the therapy team.
We identified two critical mechanisms: a functional split between "Guidance" and "Facilitation," and a "Co-supportive Environment." Results reveal a sequential process where one therapist builds the theoretical framework, while the other actively observes client reactions. Then, the second therapist fills the gap by providing experiential confrontations, allowing clients to process internal struggles in real-time.
This collaborative format helps individuals move beyond mere cognitive acknowledgement to effectively apply the ACT framework to the self, particularly in moving toward a values-driven life. Beyond client outcomes, these findings provide a structured framework for therapist training, offering a clear pedagogical model for mastering effective co-therapy collaboration in ACT intervention.

17. Psychological Flexibility Processes in Complex Chronic Disease: A Moderated Mediation Model of Depression

Categories: Health / behavioral medicine, Processes of change, Complex Chronic Disease

Components: Original data

Celia Nogales-González, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Carlos Vara-García, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María Ramos-López, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Jorge Leocadio-Baños, M.A., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
Ariadna de la Vega-Castelo, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
María del sequeros Pedroso-Chaparro, Ph.D., UDIMA
Rosa Romero-Moreno, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) are highly vulnerable to depression. Mindfulness, cognitive fusion and self as context are central to emotional adjustment. We analyze whether mindfulness reduces depression through lower fusion, and whether self as context moderates the link between fusion and depression.
51 patients with COPD or CHF participated (x̄=69.7; 54.9% men). Mindfulness, fusion, self as context, depression, and sociodemographic variables were assessed. A moderated-mediation analysis was conducted using PROCESS for SPSS.
Higher mindfulness predicted lower cognitive fusion (t=–4.98, p< .001), and higher fusion predicted more depression (t=3.19, p=.002). The interaction between fusion and self as context was significant (t=–2.58, p=.013): fusion predicted depression only at low (t=3.80, p< .001) or moderate SAC levels (t= 2.07, p =.043). The indirect effect of mindfulness on depression was significant only when SAC was low (Indirect=–.11; CI95%=–.21, –.03). The model explained 58.87% of depression variance, with the moderation adding 6.27%.
Mindfulness relates to lower depression through reduced fusion only when SAC is low, underscoring its protective role in chronic illness.

18. A Network Perspective on Psychological Flexibility: Structural Insights from Indian Adolescents

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Dissemination or global health strategies, Children and Adolescents, LMIC

Components: Original data

Kaeyoor Joshi, Ph.D., New Mexico State University

Psychological flexibility (PF) is a core ACT construct, often viewed as a unified process. However, network approaches suggest PF may function as a system of interacting components. This study examined the structure of PF in Indian adolescents using network analysis.
A sample of 560 Indian adolescents completed a 19-item repurposed PF scale (CPFQ, AFQ-Y8, PsyFlex). A Gaussian Graphical Model was estimated to examine item-level associations, along with centrality and clustering indices.
The network was sparse (23.4% edges), supporting PF as a multidimensional but integrated construct. Values and committed action items showed highest centrality, indicating strong influence across the network. Defusion and self-as-context items showed low centrality and clustering, suggesting weaker integration. Avoidance/fusion items demonstrated high betweenness, acting as bridges between domains. Clustering indicated a strong “values-action” subgroup, while defusion items appeared fragmented.
Findings highlight values-based action as central to PF in adolescents, with potential as key intervention targets. Defusion-related processes may be less developed or culturally nuanced. Network analysis provides a process-based understanding of PF beyond traditional latent models, supporting culturally sensitive assessment and intervention.

19. Feasibility of a 30-Day Process-Based EMA for Subclinical Stress: Toward a Larger Idiographic EMA Study (N ≈ 60)

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Processes of change, Idiographic EMA, PBT, Workplace Stress

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Henrik Nyman, M.Sc. Student, Mittuniversitetet (Mid Sweden University)
Andreas Larsson Sieglert, Ph.D., Mid Sweden University

Stress and recovery processes occur 24/7 and reflect patterns shaped by contingencies that may become adaptive or maladaptive over time. Recent research suggests that these processes are context-dependent and vary within individuals across time. This highlights the need for idiographic approaches. The study serves as a pilot for a larger idiographic EMA study.
The study uses a 30-day EMA design, with two daily prompts. Participants are working adults with subclinical burnout. Process-based items (PBAT) target dimensions of psychological flexibility and affective states related to stress (STOP-D and SMBM-6). Data will be analysed at the within-person level, focusing on compliance and variability. Temporal dynamics will be examined using lagged analyses (t→ t+1) to predict subsequent stress.
Data collection is ongoing. Preliminary data indicate acceptable compliance and meaningful within-person variability.
These findings are expected to support the feasibility of process-based EMA in occupational contexts. EMA may offer a viable approach to identifying individualised patterns of psychological flexibility and stress, as well as providing directions for future assessment tools and interventions at the individual, organizational, and societal levels.

20. Discriminant Validity of the Japanese Version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II

Categories: Methods/approaches for individual variation, Psychological Inflexibility, AAQ

Components: Original data

Taiki Shima, Ph.D., Otemon Gakuin University
Masataka Ito, Ph.D., Fukushima University

The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II) is the most popular self-report measure of psychological inflexibility. Although scholars have raised concerns regarding its psychometric properties, recent research supports its utility (Ruiz et al., 2024). This study examines the utility of the Japanese version of AAQ-II following Ruiz et al’s analytic procedure.
Participants: A community sample (n = 420, women = 210, age = 44.84 ± 13.69 years) and a patient sample (n = 420, women = 210, age = 44.69 ± 13.56 years) were included. Instruments: AAQ-II, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory, Brief Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire, and Neuroticism—Big Five Inventory-2. Analysis: Exploratory graph analysis was conducted to identify latent communities and examine their discriminant validity.
The patient sample yielded results supporting the discriminant validity of the AAQ-II. However, several Neuroticism and AAQ-II items were loaded on the same community within the community sample.
The results demonstrate that identifying the optimal target population or revising the scale (e.g., AAQ-3; Ong et al., 2020) may improve its utility.

21. Between Stress and Burnout: The Influences of Psychological Flexibility and Job Crafting

Categories: Organizational / Industrial psychology, Supervision and training, Burnout

Components: Original data

Rosemary A Condillac, Ph.D., Brock University
Katelyn Soucie Vukmanich, M.A., Brock University
Nishika Devgun, MADS, Brock University

Burnout is conceptualized as a response to chronic exposure to work-related stressors often exacerbated by inadequate internal and external supports (e.g., Maslach & Leiter, 2016). Psychological flexibility (e.g., Chong et al., 2023) and job crafting (Slowiak, 2021) have been associated with lower levels of burnout when examined individually. Limited research has examined how these skills interact or jointly buffer the effects of stressors on employee burnout.
This study examines the mediating roles of psychological flexibility and job crafting in the relationships between work-related, social, and individual factors and burnout in a combined sample of direct support professionals and behaviour analysts. Using a cross-sectional design, participants complete validated measures of work demands, social context, mental health, psychological flexibility, job crafting, and burnout.
Preliminary analyses and model testing will examine the predictors of burnout in our sample, followed by an examination of the potential mediating effects of psychological flexibility and job crafting.
Findings will inform targeted interventions to reduce burnout and improved wellbeing in these high-risk professions.

22. A Qualitative Study of the Links Between ACT and Group Processes in a Protocol for Individuals with Career Issues

Categories: Processes of change, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Career Issues

Components: Original data

Gaëlle Saules, Ph.D., UQAM
Simon Grégoire, Prof., Ph.D., UQAM

The effects of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach are typically explained using the processes of psychological flexibility. However, numerous studies suggest that, in addition to intervention-specific factors, group-related factors may also be at work (e.g., group cohesion).
In this study, fifteen (n = 15) participants facing professional and/or psychological difficulties took part in a group intervention based on ACT. Upon completion of the intervention, they were interviewed using a semi-structured format to explore their experience and gain a deeper understanding of the processes at play during the intervention.
The findings support the role of core ACT processes : openness, awareness, and engagement. They also underscore the importance of group processes in participants’ progression, including group cohesion, universality, interpersonal learning, and the development of social skills. This study brings to light the synergies between group processes and ACT-specific processes.
The study contributes to a better understanding of the role that group processes play in ACT-based interventions and encourages the scientific community to further explore potential synergies between group processes and those specific to ACT.

23. Psychological Flexibility and Values-Based Integration in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Case Study

Categories: Processes of change, Clinical intervention development or outcomes, Depression, Cognitive Fusion, Behavior

Components: Case presentation

Marwa Attia, M.S., Psy.D. Student, Michigan School of Psychology

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and disengagement from valued life domains. Mental health professionals may experience additional identity-related stress when managing their own depression.
This case study examined a 52-year-old neuropsychologist diagnosed with MDD, confirmed by PHQ-9 and HAM-D. Treatment included pharmacological adjustments alongside psychotherapy grounded in a psychological flexibility framework. Interventions targeted acceptance of internal experiences, cognitive defusion, values clarification, and re-engagement in committed action. Spiritual practices were conceptualized as values-consistent behaviors.
Increases in psychological flexibility were associated with improved mood stability, reduced cognitive fusion, and greater participation in valued roles. Medication adjustments supported symptom reduction, while values-based engagement enhanced resilience and coping.
Findings suggest that integrating pharmacotherapy with process-based psychotherapy and spiritually aligned values work may strengthen outcomes in MDD. A multidimensional, contextual approach may be particularly beneficial for clinicians navigating personal and professional identity stressors.

24. Trauma Exposure in Clinical Practice: Provider Impact and Protective Factors

Categories: Professional development, Trauma, Vicarious Trauma, Clinician Well-Being

Components: Literature review

Marwa Attia, M.S., Psy.D. Student, Michigan School of Psychology

Trauma-focused clinicians face elevated risk of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization due to repeated exposure to traumatic material, potentially compromising provider well-being and quality of care.
A narrative literature review was conducted to synthesize research on definitions, symptoms, clinical impact, and protective factors associated with occupational stress in trauma-informed practice. Reflective clinical integration was included to contextualize findings within professional sustainability.
Burnout was associated with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional efficacy, particularly in high-demand settings. Compassion fatigue reflected emotional depletion and diminished empathy linked to sustained empathic engagement. Vicarious traumatization involved cognitive shifts in beliefs about safety, trust, and control. Across studies, unaddressed stress negatively impacted therapeutic alliance, clinical judgment, and retention. Supervision, consultation, boundaries, and structured self-care emerged as protective factors.
Proactive prevention is essential to sustain clinician resilience. Supporting provider wellness through supervision, reflective practice, and organizational advocacy strengthens ethical, high-quality trauma-informed care.

25. The Role of Cognitive Defusion on Believability of a Negative Thought in a Non-Clinical Pakistani Population

Categories: Processes of change, Social justice / equity / diversity, Psychological Flexibility, Cognitive Defusion

Components: Original data

Wadiah Iqbal, M.A., SWPS University

Cognitive defusion reduces the believability of negative thoughts, yet its cross-cultural and process-based effects are underexamined. This study tested whether a brief defusion exercise reduces the believability of an SRNT in a non-clinical Pakistani sample and whether baseline cognitive fusion moderates this effect.
Randomised controlled pre–post between-subjects design. Pakistani adults (18+) completed the study online in English, Norwegian, or Urdu, generated a moderate SRNT, and rated its believability. Baseline cognitive fusion (CFQ-7) was assessed. Participants were assigned to a brief defusion audio or a time-matched neutral control, and ratings were repeated post-manipulation.
Data collection is ongoing. It is hypothesised that participants in the cognitive defusion condition will show greater reductions in SRNT believability compared to the neutral control condition. Baseline cognitive fusion is expected to moderate this effect.
This study examines a core ACT process in an underrepresented cultural group and for whom brief cognitive defusion is most effective. By testing cognitive fusion as a moderator, it takes a process-based approach. Findings may inform culturally responsive ACT psychoeducation and low-intensity interventions in South Asian communities.

26. Process-Based Mapping of Parts-Oriented Psychotherapies Using the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model

Categories: Processes of change, Theory and philosophical foundations, PBT

Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review

Alex Tsarev, VIU Spain

Parts-oriented psychotherapies (Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Ego-State Therapy) are increasingly used in trauma care and referenced in psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), where parts-salient experiences are common. Although these modalities share clinical territory, a functional comparison across variation, selection, and retention has not been conducted. This project applies the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model (EEMM) to map theorized intervention functions within foundational textbooks. “Parts” are treated as contextually shaped behavioral repertoires rather than ontological entities.
One canonical manual per modality was coded using an a priori EEMM rubric. Intervention procedures were mapped by theorized functional effects across domains.
Preliminary coding indicates distinct process concentration patterns across models, especially in self and affect domains.
Mapping clarifies functional emphases and generates testable hypotheses for mechanism-focused research, including PAT-relevant applications.

27. Validity of the Kanji Maze Technique and Stimulus Relating in Individuals with Depressive Symptoms

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Depression, IRAP

Components: Original data

Yuki Shigemoto, Dr., Mukogawa Women's University

The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity of the Kanji Maze Technique (KMT) and the characteristics of stimulus relating in individuals with depressive symptoms. The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) measures how people relate stimuli; however, its clinical use is limited due to the time required. Therefore, Shigemoto and Muto (2017) developed the KMT as an alternative. The KMT consists of a maze of Kanji (Chinese characters), in which participants select routes by combining two characters to form Nijijukugo (two-kanji compound words). Shigemoto (2024) suggested the importance of measuring reaction times for positive words.
Sixty-three students completed the KMT, IRAP, and questionnaires (BDI-II, CFQ-7, and RRS).
The results showed no significant correlation between KMT and IRAP scores, suggesting that they assess different aspects of stimulus relating. A one-way ANOVA on DIRAP scores indicated that, in the depressive group, only trial type 1 (positive–positive) differed significantly from the other trial types.
These results suggest that individuals with depressive symptoms may show a tendency to be fixated on achieving a positive state.

28. Analysis of the Relationship Between the Concept of "Self" and "Values" Using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS)

Categories: RFT / RGB / language, Processes of change, Relational Density Theory, Mulidimensional Scaling, ACT

Components: Original data

Shinji Tani, Ph.D., Ritsumeikan University

Relational Density Theory (RDT) conceptualizes non-linear features of relational responding—such as resistance to change and self-organization—using Newtonian metaphors like volume, density, and mass. This study uses Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis to exploratively examine how the integration of "Self" and "Value" networks contributes to value-consistent behavior within an ACT framework.
Study 1 (n=81) investigated correlations between MDS-derived cluster metrics and psychological scales (AAQ-II, VQ). Study 2 was a case study of a participant with depression receiving 10 ACT sessions, tracking pre-post changes in relational networks.
In Study 1, individuals whose "Me Now" belonged to the largest cluster showed significantly higher VQ_forward scores (t=3.601, p=.026, d=.466). In Study 2, clinical improvement (AAQ-II: 40 to 12) coincided with a dynamic shift: "Me Now" and "Me_important" merged into the same cluster post-treatment. The "Me Now" cluster volume increased from 1.87% to 21.12%.
MDS effectively captures dynamic shifts in relational responding. Results suggest ACT facilitates incorporating "Me Now" into "Value" networks, increasing the mass of health-promoting clusters to drive value-oriented behavior.

29. From Institutions to Private Practice: The Spectrum of Psychologists' Professional Roles

Categories: Social justice / equity / diversity, Professional Roles

Components: Original data

Violeta Rožić Dunović, Prosecuter's Office

This report examines the multifaceted role of a psychologist within the District Public Prosecutor’s Office in Banja Luka, with a specific focus on juvenile justice. The psychologist’s responsibilities include conducting comprehensive assessments of juvenile offenders to inform prosecutorial decisions regarding appropriate sanctions. These assessments involve the systematic collection of developmental and social history, structured interviews with juveniles and their parents, and the administration of standardized psychological tests. Based on these data, professional recommendations are provided to guide interventions aimed at achieving the most beneficial rehabilitative outcomes for the offender. Data from 2025 indicate a substantial caseload, including 62 juvenile offenders and 143 witnesses, with a total of 1,882 client assessments conducted. The findings highlight the critical role of psychological expertise in legal contexts, particularly in tailoring sanctions that balance accountability with developmental considerations. The high volume of assessments underscores both the demand for psychological services in prosecutorial settings and the importance of evidence-based approaches in juvenile justice systems.


 

30. Who’s On Your Bus? Exploring Eating Psychopathology Risk When Restrictively Dieting: A Bodybuilding Case Study.

Categories: Sports or performance-enhancing, Behavior analysis, Eating Psychopathology

Components: Case presentation

Clara Swedlund, CPsychol, The ExerPsych

Prior to competition, bodybuilders follow a restrictive dietary regimen which increases vulnerability to eating-related psychopathology (Alwan et al., 2019). This ACT intervention aimed to explore whether enhancing bodybuilders’ psychological flexibility impacted their self-reported relationship with food during and after competition ‘prep’.
Two 28week group ACT interventions were delivered to support Nf4 amateur female bodybuilders prepare for their first contest. Each group completed 14x1h sessions, focusing on developing psychological flexibility, using the passengers on the bus metaphor. Participants also completed individual written reflections and checked in with the lead author weekly.
The ACT intervention, and passengers on the bus metaphor, led to an increase in psychological flexibility in the participants. Identifying and working with the “usual suspects” helped them commit to their value-based goals (adherence to caloric restriction during ‘prep’, and of resuming normal eating post-competition) without engaging in psychopathological eating behaviours.
Helping competitive bodybuilders identify, accept, and respond flexibly to internal experiences, while maintaining engagement with value-driven goals, can safeguard them from developing a vulnerability to eating-related psychopathology during extended periods of contextually-meaningful restricted eating.

31. The Interaction Fractal Field (IFF): A Unified Ontology of Interaction

Categories: Theory and philosophical foundations

Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data

Richard van Romunde, Edotora

Most world hypotheses describe how events form and change, yet there is no simple way to see how these perspectives belong to one larger movement. This project began by treating interaction as the most basic unit. When viewed as a fractal pattern, distinctions between theories soften, and familiar perspectives begin to appear as different expressions of the same underlying process.
The approach was minimal: begin with interaction alone, let consequences, adding constructs parsimoniously, notice what emerges, and compare these observations with established scientific and philosophical models to see whether they reflect a deeper shared process.
A simple and generative language emerged, with continuity across scales and coherence across disciplines. The framework clarified how relational patterns can arise from operant processes, illuminated tensions within and between FC and IB, and showed practical resonance in other domains of CBS, including therapy, RFT and IRAP.
Seeing interaction as a fractal field offers a flexible ontological foundation that helps diverse perspectives find their place within one coherent structure and clarifies why (philosophical, theoretical, and therapeutic) patterns recur across domains.

32. The Impact of the ACBS Task Force Report on Research Trends in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science

Categories: Theory and philosophical foundations, CBS, Task Force

Components: Literature review

Masataka Ito, Ph.D., Fukushima University

In 2021, the ACBS Task Force issued a strategic statement in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS) to guide the future of contextual behavioral science (CBS). This study examined whether research trends within JCBS shifted following this landmark publication.
Text mining was employed to analyze titles, abstracts, and keywords of all articles published in JCBS. We compared data from the pre-statement period (Volumes 1–22, up to 2021) with the post-statement period (Volumes 23–38).
No major shifts in overall research trends were observed post-statement. However, specific thematic changes emerged: a rise in the use of scales measuring psychological flexibility, such as theMPFI, contrasted with a decline in studies utilizing the IRAP. Additionally, there was a decrease in papers explicitly identifying their work under the term "CBS."
The findings suggest that while the Task Force’s recommendations may not yet be fully reflected in the literature, subtle shifts in research focus are emerging. Ongoing monitoring is needed to determine the long-term impact of the Task Force’s strategic vision on CBS research practices.

Registration Tiers are based on your country of residence.

Find your tier below (1, 2, 3)

Tier 1:

Welcome!

We have compiled this guide to assist first-time conference attendee’s in making their time at the ACBS World Conference as productive and stress-free as possible. There’s no “right” way to attend the conference nor is there a set number of sessions or events to attend. You should attend the conference with the plan to make connections, learn, and have fun.

Planning for the Conference

Getting there: Check here for airport and train station transfer information to get you to the venue.

General Conference Schedule: Please find the schedule of events which will help you plan your days here - General schedule

What Should I Bring?

Snacks and a water bottle: ACBS provides lunch each day along with coffee/tea breaks in the morning and afternoon. If you’d like to supplement that, shop at the grocery store and stock up on fruit, granola bars, or energy bars – items that are portable and filling enough to sustain you throughout the day. Your brain will thank you!

Comfortable Shoes & Clothes: Bring your favorite comfortable shoes! ACBS conferences are a bit more informal than other similar conferences when it comes to dress. Most people wear slacks/shorts/jeans and a button-down shirt, blouse, or something similar. Be comfortable. (Oh, and a sweater is a good idea in case a room is chilly with air-conditioning!)

Writing Implements:  Whether it's your phone, tablet, or paper/pen, please be sure to bring note-taking materials with you.  To save on costs and the environmental impact of wasted paper, ACBS does not provide writing materials or printed versions of the program. The Program will be available as a PDF online and in the Conference App. Please note: During meetings, the use of any AI notetaking tools is prohibited. Participants are expected to rely on traditional methods of notetaking to ensure the confidentiality and security of the discussion. Read the full policy here.

Choosing Conference Sessions (2026 Preliminary Program)

Sometimes selecting which of the approx. 120+ education sessions to attend requires some time. There is a lot of cool research, some really useful practical training, thought provoking invited speakers, and a wide variety of topics. Expand your horizons and have fun. Read through the sessions available. Keep a list of these available sessions, but don’t stress about definitively picking one over another. Feel free to add them to your agenda in the Conference App. You will end up chatting with other attendees about upcoming sessions and they may lean toward one or the other or even suggest one you had not considered. Another strategy is to find (or recruit) a buddy to attend a different session in the same time slot and then meet up afterward to share information.

You will notice there are several different types of sessions available throughout the conference. We’ve included a brief explanation of each type to assist with choosing your sessions:

• Workshops are training sessions of 1.5 or 3 hours and usually focus on a combination of experiential exercises, case conceptualization, role plays, and/or didactic teaching. The workshops July 16-19 are open to all conference registrants, no advanced registration is required for individual sessions.
• The Ignite presentation is a short, structured talk in which presenters present on ideas and issues they are most passionate about, using a “deck” of 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds for a total of 5 minutes each.
• Symposia are a series of three to five 15-20 minute presentations focused on either empirical research or conceptual, philosophical, historical, or methodological issues. A discussant highlights and integrates the contributions of various speakers in the symposium and moderates questions from the audience.
• Invited Lectures are in depth, invited talks by researchers/trainers doing something especially awesome.  These presenters have been specifically invited to provide new insights or depth to the conference.  We encourage you to attend!
• Panel discussions consist of 3 to 6 speakers selected for some shared interest or expertise in an area. Panelists respond to one or more questions or issues, with time allotted for interaction among the speakers and with the audience.

Networking at the Conference

The First Timer’s Event/Rookie’s Retreat: Attending this event can help you get oriented to the conference, get your questions answered, meet some attendees, and start your networking! ACBS Membership Committee volunteers will facilitate The First Timer’s Event/Rookie’s Retreat again this year. The event will be held on Wednesday, 15 July from 17:15-18:00 local time (location to be determined.)

Chapter/SIG (Special Interest Group) Meetings: You are welcome and encouraged to attend any Chapter and SIG meetings that are occurring during the conference which interest you. You do not need to be a member of these groups to attend and this is a great way to meet people who live locally to you or who have similar interests. 

Evening and Social Events: ACBS conference social events (networking receptions, mixers, Follies, etc.) generally have high attendance. These events are a good opportunity to chat with others in a relaxed environment and have fun. You will find the schedule for evening and social events in the general schedule.  More details will be provided as we get closer to the event. 

Quick Tips

• Clothing: Lyon area temperatures in July are warm and sunny. Daily highs are predicted to be between 79-82 degrees Fahrenheit (26-28 degrees Celsius), and nighttime lows typically range from 59 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 17 degrees Celsius.) Dress comfortably for hot days but pack a light jacket or sweater for evenings. Chance of precipitation is relatively low compared to other months, but sporadic summer thunderstorms can occur, so be prepared!
• All sessions from Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon are included with your conference registration. Workshops given during these times are complimentary.
• You will be meeting other therapists/researchers so be prepared to help them remember you by sharing your business card. If you don't have a business card, don't worry! ACBS is an informal conference and you can always ask to snap a picture of someone's name tag and message them later through our membership directory.

All sessions during the ACBS World Conference are open to all paid conference attendees.

You don't have to sign up for individual sessions.  You just go to the session/workshop you are interested in. 

ACBS attempts to put the most popular sessions into the largest rooms, but sometimes the room assignment is too small for the interest.  We apologize if a room is full before you arrive. Please consider arriving a few minutes early to your "must have" sessions.

(Note: Pre-Conference Workshops do require pre-registration and a separate fee to attend.)

Workshops given during the World Conference are free of charge.

(Note: Pre-Conference Intensive workshops have a separate fee and registration.)

 The Follies is a unique feature of ACBS conferences. Basically, it’s a cabaret show, filled with funny songs, sketches, stand-up comedy routines, humorous PowerPoint presentations, pre-made videos, etc.  And of all of this funny and talented content is created by the conference delegates! Get your creative powers focused, anything you have seen in the ACT world that deserves to be made fun of is fair game! More detail below....

If you are attending the 2026 ACBS World Conference, you can join the Follies fun on Saturday, 18 July at 20h00 (doors open) 20h30 (start time). The 2026 Follies evening festivities will be located at the conference venue, UCLy, in the Merieux room.

All registered conference attendees are welcome, don't forget to bring your name badge! Drinks will be available, but may not be taken into meeting rooms. Unfortunately, guest tickets have been sold out and we are unable to accommodate additional guests. 

The Follies is a unique feature of ACBS conferences. Basically, it’s a cabaret show, filled with funny songs, sketches, stand-up comedy routines, humorous PowerPoint presentations, pre-made videos, etc. Best of all, this funny and talented content is created by YOU: the conference delegates! 

There are very few rules regarding the Follies content: 

• Firstly, it has to be brief (around 3 minutes is perfect. Longer, and the shepherd’s crook will be sweeping you off the stage!)

• Secondly, an aspect of ACT, Mindfulness, Behaviorism, therapy, RFT, CBS or any of the people you know in the ACT/CBS Community is fair game to be (gently and kindly) mocked. 

• Thirdly, it has to be brief. Did we mention that? 

The Follies actually comes from an important tradition: in the past ‘The Truth’ was what an authority deemed to be true. Then science came along, and people started to look to their direct observations to determine what was true. But of course, human beings love to categorize things in hierarchies, and began to automatically create hierarchies of people who could directly observe what was true and hence we have scientific authorities. The purpose of the Follies is to ensure that no idea, and no person in this community who has an idea, is immune to question, playfulness, and challenge.  This event is open to BADGED conference attendees.  

After Party

Want to keep the party going after the Follies? Check out these spots for the unofficial after party!

• Caffe Bobar (11 minutes walk) - Casual cocktails and bar snacks
• La Feria (30 minutes walk) - Latin bar with tapas and a dance floor

Please consider using this innovative poster format, as we believe it will increase both efficiency and effectiveness in poster preparation and communication of data. (This format is not required, but strongly suggested.)

Find more information about this poster format here and download the template below. 

Poster sessions facilitate a researcher to discuss their research for an extended period and allow attendees to select the presentations in which they are most interested. 

Poster size: A0 size or no larger than 36 inches by 48 inches. A smaller size is also permitted. VERTICAL/PORTRAIT orientation required for 2026.

Please consider using an engaging poster format such as the one described here. This should aid you in reaching your audience and getting the conversation started about your work.

***Please note, we are unable to print posters for presenters (or pay for poster printing), so please come to the conference prepared with your printed poster.

Want to save money on poster printing?

There are a few free options that you can find online to print a large image across multiple "regular" pages. It will require a little bit of trimming/scissor work, but these pages and some tape can save you some money if this is a barrier for you. Examples:

https://medium.com/idomongodb/tip-of-the-day-how-to-print-a-large-image-onto-multiple-pages-3d7564499c73

https://suncatcherstudio.com/block-poster/

Poster Session Information

Each poster area will include a number in the upper corner corresponding to the poster’s listed number found in the program. Poster presenters should arrive at the poster display area 15 minutes before the scheduled beginning of their poster session to set up their display materials. No electrical outlets or audio-visual equipment will be provided in the poster area. At the end of the session, your poster must be taken down and removed from the areas. 

Magnets, tacks, or sticky putty will be provided for hanging your poster materials; if your poster requires any special materials that cannot be mounted via magnets or blue a painter's tape, it can not be displayed (per venue rules).

During the session, your materials should be on display and you and your co-authors should be available to discuss the materials and answer questions. At least one author must be present at the poster during the presentation period.

Thank you for registering for the 2026 ACBS World Conference!

Now it’s time to share the excitement—let your network know you’re heading to #ACBSWC26!

You’re officially on the list for an unforgettable experience from 16–19 July 2026 in Lyon. One of the things we’re most proud of is our global community—and now it’s your turn to shine. Invite your colleagues, collaborators, and friends to join you for cutting-edge research, inspiring sessions, and connections that span the globe.

This toolkit gives you everything you need—ready-to-use graphics, sample posts, and more—to make sharing simple, fun, and impactful. Let’s make some noise together and get your network excited for #ACBSWC26!

Social Media Graphics 

Below are branded graphics for you to choose from. (Right click to save)      

   

Social Media Copy

Below are examples of social media posts for you to use or customize as you see fit. Please remember to tag ACBS and use #ACBSWC26 #ACBS to assure that your posts are promoted among the global ACBS community. Feel free to edit and spice up as you see fit! 

• Excited to be heading to Lyon this July at the 2026 ACBS World Conference! Join me and colleagues from around the world for cutting-edge research, meaningful conversations, and new connections that move our field forward. https://bit.ly/48REAPU  
  #ACBS #ACBSWC26
• Heading to Lyon this July for #ACBSWC26! Can’t wait to connect, share ideas, and explore the latest advances in contextual behavioral science with colleagues from around the globe. Hope to see you there! https://bit.ly/48REAPU #ACBS
• Join me this July in Lyon for the 2026 ACBS World Conference where science, practice, and community come together. Experience the latest in contextual behavioral science and connect with leaders shaping the future of our field. https://bit.ly/48REAPU 
  #ACBS #ACBSWC26

Email Signature

A one-liner in your email signature can be a quick and easy way to bring attention to your speaking role at #ACBSWC2026. Here are a couple of options—customizable, of course—to help you spread the word!

• Excited to be attending the 2026 ACBS World Conference in Lyon, 16–19 July! Connect with me there or learn more.
• Heading to the 2026 ACBS World Conference this July! Join me in Lyon for cutting-edge research and global connections.

Option to add the conference logo to your signature as well using this link: https://bit.ly/4oHLRq6

General:

• Citing research and presenting data (original or a review of data) is highly encouraged for all submission types.

• Make sure that your submission for a workshop/panel/etc. is appropriate for that format. Panel submissions that sound more like workshops are unlikely to be accepted and vice versa.

• Submissions should weigh the value of diverse voices against too many presenters to make it coherent. ACBS encourages (and depending on topic may require) panels/workshops to include a diverse complement of presenters (demographic diversity as well as diversity in areas of expertise), but not to the detriment of a coherent, we'll crafted session. Please consider the practicality of coordinating a quality session among too many presenters.

• Please accurately indicate if your submission is beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Please craft your submission to fit the audience you indicate. You do not have a better chance of being accepted if you choose all 3.

• If your expertise is in a very narrow area (ex. 55-57 year olds with trauma history), we encourage you to craft your workshop/panel submission to meet the needs of a wider audience. Your examples/demonstrations should of course be from your area of expertise, but we encourage that your abstract and title be accessible to more potential attendees.

• Make sure your abstract is clear and well written (have multiple people proofread it before submitting). Unclear or poorly written abstracts have a lower chance of being accepted.

• Make sure your abstract explains skills or information an attendee will walk away with at the conclusion.

• Background like “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a behavioral-based…..” isn’t necessary in your abstract. If you feel you need to persuade reviewers that your topic is important (but that background information isn’t relevant for an abstract to entice attendance) please add that to the “additional information” field at the end of the submission form.

• Create actual educational objectives - what the attendees should be able to do as a result of attending your session. (Read the examples/descriptions of what an objective is in the submission form before writing yours.)

• Post-test questions (required so that Continuing Education credit may be earned by those watching recordings of the live sessions), can often be developed (at least in part) from your education objectives. You can do up to 2 true/false questions and the remainder need to be multiple choice.  These questions don't have to be "extra tricky", they're just intended to gauge comprehension of information presented.

Specific to Workshops:

• Be realistic about what you are going to be able to do in the time available and about the time you need (don’t try to squeeze a 2 hour workshop into a 1 hour slot; adjust for the time).

• Workshops should not be didactic with a single exercise included at the end. This is a common mistake. Please consider multiple components (experiential exercises, role-plays, case conceptualizations, etc.) to make your workshop more appealing and useful. These should be woven thoughtfully throughout your workshop.

• Consider the unique opportunities available in the online format (if applying to present online). Not only can you plan for break out rooms, you can create polls, and ask people to indicate understanding/interest through the use of emoticons (thumbs up, etc.).

ACBS is a small staff association. We NEED volunteers to help us pull off the amazing event that is the ACBS World Conference.

If you have skills that could help us in Lyon, France  - please let us know!

Important information:

• We will accept volunteers based on their skill set match with conference needs and their intended time commitment/general flexibility.
• Contacted volunteers will need to register for the ACBS World Conference before your spot will be confirmed (by 1 June).
• Any financial discount for volunteering is done as a refund, and is paid upon the completion of volunteer activities.

If you have any questions please email Renae Visscher, [email protected]

Educational Objectives are required for sessions to be eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credit. 

Writing Educational Objectives (according to the APA):

• Educational objectives, or learning outcomes, are statements that clearly describe what the learner will know or be able to do as a result of having attended an educational program or activity.
• Educational objectives must be observable and measurable.
• Educational objectives should (1) focus on the learner, and (2) contain action verbs that describe measurable behaviors
• Verbs to consider when writing Educational objectives:
  • list, describe, recite, write
  • compute, discuss, explain, predict
  • apply, demonstrate, prepare, use
  • analyze, design, select, utilize
  • compile, create, plan, revise, summarize
  • assess, compare, contrast, rate, critique
• Verbs to avoid when writing Educational objectives
  • know, understand, learn, become aware of, become familiar with, have a working knowledge of
  • be able to use, help clients respond to, approach, tweak
  • expand, grow, increase, improve
  • explore, express, appreciate, think critically

Examples of well-written Educational objectives:

• Implement traditional exposure-based interventions as adapted for an acceptance-based model.
• Describe the role and significance of avoidance in the development and maintenance of psychopathology.
• Conduct a full-scale values assessment with clients.

Examples of poor Educational Objectives:

• Hear the latest research about ACT. (not learner-focused; not about measurable behaviors)
• See a role-play. (not learner-focused; not about measurable behaviors)

The Chairperson for a PANEL should prepare to briefly introduce each Panelist. Keep it brief and relevant, so as not to take up lots of precious session time. Introduce all Panelists at the beginning of the session. Panels vary in their format, some have each panelist give 10 minute presentations followed by a discussion/debate by the panelists, some require the Chair to pose pre-arranged questions, some feed solely off of audience questions. The Chair is responsible for knowing or establishing the format and facilitating it (perhaps by asking the questions or calling on the audience members). If the panel gets off track (or off topic) it's the Chair's responsibility to bring them back to the topic, and make sure that the Educational Objectives listed in the Program are met/covered. Please keep in mind though that the Chair is not a Panelist (unless they are scheduled in both roles) and should make sure not to speak at length. If the Q&A is still going strong at the end of the scheduled time period, please thank the presenters, and announce that if the audience has any more questions, the presenters may be able to give them a few minutes in the hallway for remaining questions. This is necessary if another session is starting in 15 minutes (so that the next presenters can begin to prepare in the room) and so that those audience members that need to leave can do so (without disrupting the session) at the conclusion of the time period. It is the responsibility of the Chairperson to make sure that the session begins on time. Please make sure you have a watch.

Here's another cool article about Panel chairing for some other tips.

The Chairperson for a SYMPOSIUM should prepare to briefly introduce each speaker, immediately prior to his/her presentation (this can be as minimal as Name, Affiliation, Paper title; or a little more substantive if desired, but still brief.) It is also your responsibility to monitor the timing of each speaker.  (Each session may have slightly different timing... if the session is 60 minutes, with 3 papers, each paper would be 10 minutes, then 15 minutes of time for the Discussant, followed by Q&A. If the session is 60 minutes with 4 papers, each paper would get 10 minutes, 10 minutes for the Discussant, and the remainder for questions.) If there is no Discussant, each presenter may have more time, or you can opt for a longer Q&A period.

Briefly tell each speaker, prior to the session something like "I'll keep the time on my watch. Each speaker has 10 minutes. I'll raise my hand in the back of the room when you have 5 minutes, and I'll raise my hand and hold up 1 finger when you have 1 minute left." You may put notecards on the lectern with the amount of time left, if you prefer. (The set up of the room may or may not permit this.) If the presenter does not stop at the end of their time, please kindly interrupt them (verbally), and ask them to wrap up so that the next presenter may begin.  (The audience will thank you!) The Question & Answer period for all papers should occur at the end of the session (not after each presentation). Please just make sure that everyone gets a fair and equal amount of time. (If the first person has a short talk, the extra time may be divided among the remaining speakers.) It is the responsibility of the Chairperson to make sure that the session begins on time. Please make sure you have a watch.

A discussant is the final speaker in a SYMPOSIUM who highlights and integrates the contributions of various speakers in that symposium. That is, they use their expertise to provide a general commentary on individual papers within the session and explore how the papers (in relation to each other) help advance the topic. Discussants should plan to discuss the session for approximately 10 minutes, depending upon the time available, and then moderate questions from the audience. Discussants should directly request the papers (or at least the outlines) from the presenters before the conference, and prepare by reading related work prior to the conference.

You can find the important details regarding Chapter/SIG Submission Sponsorship here.