Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS)
Volume 29, July 2023, Pages 147-159
Authors
A. Stapleton, G. Stynes, S. Cassidy, L. McHugh
Abstract
Using a single-case A-B design with high temporal density assessments, the present study examined the impact of a ten-session group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention on adolescents’ distress, psychological inflexibility, avoidance, cognitive fusion, generalized pliance, and perceived ply workability. Six participants aged 16–19 years (i) attended a weekly ACT group, (ii) submitted ecological momentary assessments daily for 69-days total, and (iii) completed standardized questionnaires pre- and post-intervention. In terms of the ecological momentary assessments, avoidance and pliance ratings significantly decreased across time for most participants. Findings regarding perceived ply workability were less consistent (i.e., although ply workability ratings significantly decreased for three participants, the overall effect was not significant). In terms of the standardized questionnaires, across participants, there were overall negligible changes in distress and pliance, while avoidance and fusion ratings decreased from pre-to post-intervention. Results are discussed with explicit reference to the need for future research that identifies the key mechanisms/processes of change underlying intervention effectiveness.