Authors:
Devika Fiorillo, Caitlin McLean, Jacqueline Pistorello, Steven C. Hayes, Victoria Follette
Abstract:
The current pilot study examined the acceptability, feasibility, and efficacy of a brief web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention for the treatment of trauma-related psychological difficulties in interpersonal trauma survivors. Participants consisted of a community sample of adult women (N=25) who endorsed one or more forms of lifetime interpersonal victimization, including childhood sexual abuse, childhood physical abuse, adult sexual victimization, and intimate partner violence. All participants received the six-session web-based ACT program delivered over a period of six weeks and were assessed before and after the intervention. Significant improvements were found from pre- to post-treatment on primary outcome measures including symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Increases in ACT knowledge and psychological flexibility were evidenced and psychological flexibility in turn was correlated with the primary outcome measures. Results provide preliminary support for the feasibility and usefulness of a web-based ACT approach for women survivors of interpersonal trauma.