Possible credit hours:

• 2-day pre-conference workshops (July 11-12, 2011): 14 hours

• ACBS World Conference IX (attending all events July 13-15, 2011): 22.5 hours

Types of Credit Available:

• CE credit is available for psychologists (USA APA type).
• CE credit is available for LCSW and MFCC credits with the State of California.
• We plan to apply for CE credit from NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors). (Due to lack of interest, as of May 31, 2011, we no longer plan to apply for this type of credit.  You can check with your state licensing board to see if they will accept the APA type credits or the State of California credits, and you are welcome to register to earn those.)
• We plan to apply for CE credit from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (Due to lack of interest, as of May 31, 2011, we no longer plan to apply for this type of credit. You can check with your state licensing board to see if they will accept the APA type credits or the State of California credits, and you are welcome to register to earn those.)

The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science maintains responsibility for this program and its content. APA CE rules require that we only issue credits to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving before the entire workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.

ACBS is an approved provider of continuing education for MFCCs and/or LCSWs by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, provider #PCE 4653.

Refunds & Grievance Policies: Participants may direct any questions or complaints to ACBS Executive Director Emily Rodrigues, acbs@contextualscience.org or through the "Contact Us" link on this website.

• CE credit fees are included in the price of registration. No further fee is required.
• CEs are only available for English language sessions.

• (Note: CE credits are only available for professionals. You may not earn CE credits with a student registration.)

General Schedule of Events:

• July 11 & 12: Pre-conference workshops, 2-day & 1-day, 9:00am-5:00pm, University of Parma (center city location) (registration starting at 8:00am, July 11)
• July 12, 6:30pm-7:30pm, Opening Session, then 7:30pm-9:30pm Conference Poster Session & Cocktail Social event at the University of Parma (center city location) (registration begins at 5:30pm, July 12)

• June 13 - 15: World Conference IX (9:00am - 5:45pm), University of Parma (newer campus; NorthEast side of Parma) Morning Mindfulness & Yoga will be from 8:00am-8:50am.
• July 14 evening: Dinner & Follies - Porca L'Oca Restaurant (busing will be available to and from the restaurant, starting from the west side of La Pilotta, along the river, at 7:00pm & 7:30pm) additional tickets may be purchased for guests (45 Euros each) and are required for all to attend (more on this in the registration form). Return busing will be at 11:15pm & 11:45pm.
  

  The Follies began as a manifestation of one of our CBS values -- remembering to hold ourselves and the work lightly -- and what better way to do so than through humor? Today it consists of songs, skits, and funny powerpoint presentations related to the conference, ACT, RFT, and psychology, put together by conference attendees, and coordinated by our own lovely Sonja Batten. (When you get to Parma, if you have an event to add to the follies let Sonja know so that she can help you and get you on the schedule.)

  This event is open to conference attendees and spouses/partners (even though they may not understand all of the psychology humor!); we suggest that children are not brought to this event, as the content is sometimes not kid friendly. (Please remember, you must pre-purchase tickets for all guests.)

Registration is now closed.

These workshops will be held the 2-days immediately preceding the ACBS World Conference IX, at the University of Parma (different building from the Conference). They will be 9:00-5:00pm on Monday and Tuesday, July 11 & 12, 2011.

*These workshops run concurrently, therefore please double check the dates of the pre-conference workshops you are interested in. Also note that they require their own registration and fee (they are not included as part of the ACBS World Conference).

Note: Onsite registration is not available for the pre-conference workshops

Pre-Conference 2-day Workshops Registration (July 11-12, 2011):

 

Basic ACT: Processes, Principles, and Moment-to-Moment Choices- McKay & Zurita Ona (Beginner/Intermediate)

Beyond the Basics: Building Skill in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Walser & Taggaard Nielsen (Advanced)

Bring ACT into primary care: Models of integration, practice tools and an introduction to Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) - Strosahl & Robinson (Intermediate)

Caring, Connection, and Contribution - S. Hayes & Harris (Intermediate)

Focus on Mindfulness and Values Interviewing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Wilson (Introductory/Intermediate/Advanced)

The “Classic” ACT Experiential Workshop - Batten & Brock (Introductory/Intermediate)

Italiano - ACT e la trappola del linguaggio: dalle basi teoriche all'intervento clinico - Presti & Ronchei (Introduttivo/Intermedio)

Italiano - Fare ACT: corso pratico sugli interventi ACT - Miselli & Zucchi (Intermedio/Avanzato)

________________________________________________________________

Pre-Conference 1-day Workshops Registration (July 11 OR July 12, 2011):

 

July 11 - Collaborative Clinical Behavioral Analysis: An experiential journey using the Matrix - Polk, Webster, Schoendorff, & Hambright (Introductory/Intermediate/Advanced)

July 11 - Using ACT to promote highly effective workers and workplaces - Bond & Moran (Introductory)

July 12 - ACT with children, teens and families: Getting experiential in family work - Coyne & L. Hayes (Intermediate)

July 12 - An introduction to relational frame theory for clinicians - Törneke & Blackledge (Intermediate)

Enrollment limitations:

Enrollment may be limited due to the limitation of our venue to accommodate additional sessions and attendees.

Thank you to our generous volunteer Conference Committee!

Conference Co-Chairs:

Ole Taggaard Nielsen
Giovambattista "Nanni" Presti

Program Committee:

Ole Taggaard Nielsen
Giovambattista "Nanni" Presti
Martin Brock
Lisa Coyne
Thomas Gustavsson
Rikke Kjelgaard
Louise McHugh
Giovanni Miselli
Jennifer Plumb
Benjamin Schoendorff
Louise Shepherd
Angela Stotts

On Site Event Planners:

Ilaria Balasini
Katia Covati
Katia Manduchi
Giovanni Miselli
Paolo Moderato
Giovambattista "Nanni" Presti
Massimo Ronchei
Francesca Scaglia
Giovanni Zucchi

Logo Development:

Tom Hardy

Poster Session

with abstracts & files (where available)

If you would like your poster to be added to this list, please email staff@contextualscience.org.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011
7:30pm-9:30pm
Palazzo Centrale Building, University of Parma
Room: Main Foyer, Courtyard, and West Hallway

Click on a link below to view each section:

ACT - CLINICAL
ACT - OTHER
ACT - SKILLS
BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
OTHER
RFT - CLINICAL
RFT - RESEARCH

ACT-CLINICAL

1. Paying attention to values instead of pain: Chronic pain and neuropsychological functioning, as potentially mediated by acceptance of pain
ALANA VERNON, M.A., The Wright Institute
Rochelle I Frank, Ph.D., Gateway Psychiatric Services & University of California at Berkeley
PATRICIA E ZURITA ONA, Psy.D., The Wright Institute
Eric J. Freitag, Psy.D., Mt. Diablo Memory Center

Individuals with chronic pain often experience comorbid deficits in neuropsychological functioning. However, researchers have not yet determined what explains the relation between chronic pain and neuropsychological functioning. It appears that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is effective at decreasing subjective experiences of pain, increasing acceptance, and increasing neuropsychological functioning. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether or not acceptance of pain mediates the relation between chronic pain and neuropsychological functioning. In the present study, 10 participants with chronic pain underwent an 8-week acceptance-based group treatment. Before and after the treatment, participants completed a series of questionnaires to gather measures of acceptance of pain, experiential avoidance, coping profile, depression and anxiety, and somatization. Furthermore, participants completed a computer-based neuropsychological test to measure attention, memory, and processing speed. Results demonstrated that acceptance of pain mediated the association between chronic pain and verbal memory (Adjusted R2 Change = .34, t = -1.23, ns), but not with visual memory (Adjusted R2 Change = .39, t = -2.58, p < .05). The present study demonstrated the importance of acceptance-based treatment for individuals with chronic pain and subsequent deficits in neuropsychological functioning.

2. Application of ACT and FAP in a child diagnosed with disocial behavior
DIEGO PADILLA-TORRES, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre. Madrid. Universidad de Almería
Marisa Paez-Blarrina, Instituto ACT

Objective: To analize the impact of working ACT + FAP in the treatment of an adolescent diagnosed with disocial behaviors …..Analize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the analysis of relevant clinical behaviors in session and how their modification causes changes in and out of session.
Methods: The patient is a 13 year old who was referred to mental health services for behavior problems, impulsive acts, and judicial problems. The treatment involves three individual evaluation sessions, two parent interviews and 10 individual therapy sessions and three follow-up sessions, a month, two and three months. The measures included were, the description of CRB1(“I do not know”, “is very boring”, “look away when spoken...”, “change the subject..”, “not wanting to draw”, or “fill out self-reports...CRB2 (exercise, show willingness to feel boredom and keep talking, asking questions when they do not understand what is said). During the process, pre and post treatment diferent measures were taken (AFQ-10, parents reports, teachers reports).
The treatment was designed to promote values-oriented behavior and defusion from unpleasant sensations.
Results: The measures pre, post and follow-up indicate a better performance in the school, family and decreased problem behaviors and criminal activities.
Conclusion: The application of ACT with FAP in children is very useful and a therapeutic relationship that promotes adherence to treatment improvements.

3. Taming the Adolescent Mind - A pilot study of Mindfulness-based group program for adolescents with mixed mental health presentations
LUCY TAN, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia and The University of Queensland
Graham Martin, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia and The University of Queensland

Taming the Adolescent Mind, is a manualised group psychotherapy program for adolescents ages 13-18 years old recruited from a mental health community clinic, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. It was developed specifically to reduce stress and reduction of psychiatric symptoms through practice of mindful attention. A discussion of the program development is detailed, along with results of the initial trial. Ten adolescents, ages 14 to 17, participated in the 5-week intervention. Assessment were conducted at baseline and post-treatment. Measures included within subject reporting as well as parents reports. In addition, two specific mindfulness measures were also included (Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth, AFQ-Y and Children's Acceptance and Mindfulnes Measure, CAMM). The high attendance rate (Completer sample, 90%), high retention rate, and positive ratings on program evaluations supported treatment feasibility and acceptability. Overall, this pilot study offers data for mindfulness based therapy as a potential treatment for internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adolescents from a psychiatric out-patient clinic with mixed diagnostic presentations.
 

4. ACT workshop for the parents of children with PDD
SHINJI TANI, PH.D., Ritsumeikan University
Etsuko Kawai, Hyougo Developmental disorders Support Center Ashiya Branch (Sanday curative Institute)
Sandaya Gakuen
Kotomi Kitamura, Ph.D., Osaka Univ. of Human Sciences

The purpose of this research was to show the effectiveness of ACT workshop on the parents having PDD child. Twenty eight parents attended the ACT workshop (2days). They were divided into three groups. The multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the effect of the workshop. Five measures were implemented four times (a month before, a week before WS, a week after, and three months after WS). Two outcome measures ( BDI-II and GHQ-28) and three process measures (AAQ-II, JIBT-R, and Locus of control) were used. The six core processes were introduced at workshop using metaphors and experimental exercises. No significant change occurred while waiting for treatment, but the GHQ , the BDI and the AAQ-II scores improved significantly after workshop. The JIBT-R and The LOC score did not change after workshop. Results suggest that ACT may contribute to promote parent’s mental health.

5. ACT in Sierra Leone
BEATE EBERT, DIPL.-PSYCH., Private Practice
Joanne Dahl, University of Uppsala, Sweden
Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D., BCBA, Pickslyde Consulting

The poster shows details about the two trainings we offered for 60 health workers in January 2011 in Sierra Leone, West Africa. You can see photos and the results of our evaluation.
 

6. Medication use in children with chronic pain - a matter of psychological flexibility?
RIKARD K. WICKSELL, Ph.D, psychologist, Behavioral Medicine Pain Treatment Service, Astrid Lindgren's Hospital for Children
Matilde Hellberg, MD, doctoral student, Behavioral Medicine Pain Treatment Service, Astrid Lindgren's Hospital for Children

A large number of children and adolescents suffer from chronic pain. For many, pain results in substantial disability. Traditional medical interventions are many times insufficient in reducing symptoms and facilitating recovery. However, despite marginal or even negligible effects, it is not uncommon that pharmacological treatments are utilized. Importantly, given the negative side effects and potential long term consequences, it may be of central importance to address this in treatment. To adequately conceptualize medication use in chronic idiopathic pain, the analysis should include information regarding psychological variables. More specifically, from an ACT perspective medication intake can be seen as a behaviour that functions to control negative private experiences such as pain intensity or fear of pain increase. Thus, variables related to psychological flexibility may be of critical importance to understand and modify such behaviours.

This poster will present preliminary results from a cross-sectional study on pediatric chronic pain patients, using pre-treatment assessments. In short, analyses are conducted to clarify the importance of variables related to psychological flexibility in explaining differences in medication use. Also, it will be explored if psychological flexibility represents a central link between e.g. pain intensity and medication. Implications for treatment will be discussed based on these findings.

7. Identifying meaningful subgroups of patients with chronic pain on the basis of the CPAQ scores
OLIVIA BERNINI, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Pisa
Carmen Berrocal, Ph.D., University of Pisa

The objective of this study is to explore whether scores on the CPAQ dimensions – Activity Engagement (AE) and Pain Willingness (PW) may be useful to identify clinical significant subgroups of patients with chronic pain or not. A total of 133 patients seeking treatment for chronic pain completed the CPAQ, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale, and the Behaviour and Symptom Identification Scale. Exploratory cluster analyses and ANCOVA were conducted. Cluster analyses yielded four subgroups of patients on the basis of the CPAQ scores (high-AE/high-PW, low-AE/low-PW, high-AE/low-PW, and middle-AE/middle-PW patients). Patients with low scores in both the CPAQ subscales showed a significantly worse adjustment to pain than the other groups, while differences on outcome measures among the remaining three groups were not significant.
 

8. The self and psychotherapy: are the predictions ACT makes about the conceptualised self accurate?
ROHAN JAMES NAIDOO, MSC, MA., University of Nottingham

A key process within ACT is the self’s relationship to therapeutic change; despite this, it has never been empirically validated. The present study aimed to do so by testing the hypotheses that a) a fixed self-concept and psychological inflexibility would correlate with high levels of therapeutic reactance and b) a flexible self-concept and psychological flexibility would correlate with high levels of value-based behaviour.
Data from 171 non-clinical participants was subjected to a two-way between subjects ANCOVA, with self-theory and psychological flexibility as independent variables, therapeutic reactance as the dependent variable and gender as co-variate.
A significant interaction between psychological flexibility and self-theory was found. More specifically, a) rigid self-concept and psychological inflexibility correlated with high reactance, which appeared to function as self-defence, and b) flexible self-concept and psychological flexibility correlated with high reactance, which appeared to function as value-based behaviour.

These findings are consistent with the ACT model and indicate the importance of focusing on function over content when clients present with problems related to the conceptualised self.
 

9. Validity of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire to identify patients with cancer at risk of emotional distress
VALENTINA CUTRUPI, University of Pisa
Olivia Bernini, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Pisa
Carmen Berrocal, Ph.D., University of Pisa

The objective of this study is to explore whether scores on the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ) dimensions – Action and Willingness - may be useful to identify patients with cancer at risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms. A total of 85 patients with cancer participated in the study. Participants completed the AAQ, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being (PWB) questionnaire. Exploratory cluster analyses and crosstabs analyses were conducted. Cluster analyses yielded two significant subgroups of patients on the basis of the AAQ scores (high-Action/high-Willingness subgroup; high-Action/low-Willingness subgroup). A significant higher percentage of patients in the high-Action/low-Willingness group showed clinical levels of depression and anxiety than in the high-Action/high Willingness group. Findings support the validity of the AAQ to identify subjects at risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms.
 

10. Validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) for the Portuguese population
José Pinto-Gouveia, MSc, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Sónia Gregório, Ph.D. student, CINEICC, University of Coimbra
ALEXANDRA DINIS, Ph.D. student, CINEICC, University of Coimbra

The avoidance of internal experiences evaluated as negative, generally known as experiential avoidance, has been implicated in a wide range of clinical problems and disorders (Hayes et al., 2004). Several instruments have been developed to assess experiential avoidance and acceptance, and this poster addresses the Portuguese version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II: Bond et al., submitted), specifically its underlying factor structure and psychometric characteristics. In study 1, we conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis in 753 subjects from the Portuguese general population, which completed several measures of acceptance, mindfulness, emotional state and psychopathology. In study 2, 840 Portuguese subjects from the general population completed the Portuguese version of AAQ-II and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted. Results of the factor analysis statistics, reliability analysis and convergent and discriminant validities of the AAQ-II will be presented and discussed.
 

11. The preliminary psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ)
José Pinto-Gouveia, MSc, Ph.D., CINEICC, University of Coimbra
ALEXANDRA DINIS, Ph.D. student, CINEICC, University of Coimbra
Sónia Gregório, PhD student, CINEICC, University of Coimbra

Cognitive fusion corresponds to the process in which thoughts about an event become merged with the actual event. It is considered a core process in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and thought to be implicated in the development of experiential avoidance, as well as in the development and maintenance of a diversity of psychopathologies (Strosahl et al., 2004; Wicksell et al., 2008). This poster reports to the validation study of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire Portuguese version (CFQ: Dempster, Bolderston, Gillanders, & Bond, 2009). We conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) in a sample of subjects from the Portuguese general population, who completed self-report measures assessing cognitive fusion, acceptance, mindfulness, decentering and psychopathology. Results of the questionnaire underlying factor structure, its internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validities will be presented and discussed.
 

12. A Preliminary Study on Constructing an Assessment Method of Creative Hopelessness
MIE SAKAI, Graduate School of Psychology, Doshisha University
Takashi Muto, Department of Psychology, Doshisha University
Akihiko Masuda, Department of Psychology, Georgia State University
Naoko Kishita, Graduate School of Psychology, Doshisha University

The purpose of this study was to construct an assessment method of Creative　Hopelessness and to preliminary examine the reliability and validity of the method.　Although Creative Hopelessness has been considered to be important process in order to reduce Experimental Avoidance, this behavioral definitions of Creative Hopelessness have not been clear, nor there is no assessment method. Therefore, in this study, we constructed a rationale and an assessment method of Creative Hopelessness. We mainly use participant’s verbal behaviors and response latencies in a session for the assessment.
 

13. Application of ACT to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Kevin A. Duckworth, M.Ed., psychologist, Mount Sinai Hospital, Montreal
FRÉDÉRICK DIONNE, Ph.D, Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec (CHUQ)

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has been effective in helping people with a range of chronic medical conditions to live better. This will be the first description we know of on ACT’s application to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a combination of bronchitis and emphysema usually caused by smoking resulting in progressive airflow limitation. The main symptom is shortness of breath (dyspnea). Self-care behaviors (quitting smoking, exercising,) are vital but can be hindered by dyspnea, anxiety, and depression. From an ACT perspective, perceptions of and responses to symptoms (e.g., avoidance) can result in suffering and chronic struggle. Traditional symptom-focused control and relief strategies are limited (sometimes counterproductive). We will apply the construct of psychological flexibility (defusion, acceptance, mindfulness, self as context, engagement in value-congruent actions, and skills training) to dyspnea in COPD. Theoretically, there is great potential for applying ACT to COPD. Research is needed to determine if ACT, effective in other chronic illnesses, can help in COPD.
 

14. The implementation of ACT in Dutch chronic pain rehabilitation
KARLEIN M.G. SCHREURS, Ph.D., Roessingh Research and Development / Institute of Behavioural Research, University of Twente
Hester R. Trompetter, Roessingh Research and Development / Institute of Behavioural Research, University of Twente
Peter H.T.G. Heuts

ACT is effective in chronic pain, particularly because ACT offers a possible solution to the inherent paradox of pain rehabilitation. Patients enter rehabilitation when they have become stuck in their efforts to overcome chronic pain. Although it is clear that pain control strategies have not helped in the past, both patients and therapists keep searching for more and better pain control strategies. Accepting pain and committing oneself to a meaningful live is a solution to this dilemma.

We started the implementation of ACT in nine Dutch rehabilitation centers. The implementation is evaluated with data from patients, professionals and managers. At the end of treatment, patients read an introductory leaflet on ACT and indicate whether they have had these interventions. Professionals complete the ACT Core Competency Rating Form (Luoma, Hayes, Walser) at the start, half way and at the end of the implementation trajectory in their institution. They also provide five minutes of video-recording of a therapy session. Managers are asked questions about organisational factors that promote or interfere with the implementation of ACT. Results of measurement at the start of the project are presented and opportunities and challenges of the first months are discussed.
 

15. Acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of academic procrastination: A perfect fit
FREDERICK DIONNE, Ph.D., psychologist, Centre universitaire de Québec (CHUQ)
Kevin A. Duckworth, M.Ed., psychologist, Mount Sinai Hospital, Montreal

Academic procrastination, the act of needlessly delaying academic tasks to the point of experiencing subjective discomfort (Solomon & Rothblum, 1984), is a frequent, self-defeating and pervasive problem for about 50 % of college and university students (Ellis & Knaus, 2000; O’Brien, 2000). There are several cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions for procrastination, but there is certainly a way to improve these treatments (Ferrari, Jonhson, & McCown, 1995). The existing CBT treatments are exclusively based on the traditionnal CBT model that emphasizes the modification of thought content (see Schouwenburg, Lay, Pychyl, & Ferrari, 2004 for a review). ACT has been studied for various disorders and has shown promising results, but to our knowledge, there are no existing treatments (or even articles) using ACT intervention for procrastination. This intervention would alter the context of psychological events, instead of targeting their content. ACT would fit particularly well to the understanding of procrastination, a problem that can be seen as an experiential avoidance coping strategy. This poster presents a possible theoretical rational and intervention for the treatment of academic procrastination among college and university students.
 

16. Portuguese version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Specific Trauma (AAQ-TS): a preliminary study.
TERESA CARVALHO, MASTER, CINEICC–Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra; Instituto Superior Miguel Torga–Private Higter Institute, Portugal
MARINA CUNHA, PH.D, CINEICC–Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Instituto Superior Miguel Torga–Private Higter Institute
JOSÉ PINTO-GOUVEIA, PH.D., CINEICC–Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Portugal

The experiential avoidance measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Specific Trauma (AAQ-TS) has proved to be better predictor of trauma symptoms than when measured as a general construct (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - AAQ) (Land, K., 2010).

This preliminary study intends to validate the portuguese version of the AAQ-TS (Braekkan K, K, Batten, S., Walser, R., Polusny, M. & Grantz, K., unpublished), designed to measure experiential avoidance and psychological acceptance associated with private traumatic experiences, processes indicators of psychological flexibility.

In a sample of 400 participants from the general population of veterans of the portuguese colonial war, after entering data into SPSS, currently underway, will be analyzed the results of exploratory factor structure, study of the items and temporal stability, indicating the level of appropriation of the instrument under study and its future application in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, particularly in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
 

17. ACT and Caregiving: Therapeutic Tools and Challenges for Dementia Caregivers
ROSA ROMERO-MORENO, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid
MARÍA MÁRQUEZ-GONZÁLEZ, Ph.D., Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Andrés Losada Baltar, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid
Javier López, Ph.D., Universidad San Pablo CEU, Madrid
Miguel Costa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Virginia Fernández-Fernández, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid
Celia Nogales-González, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid

Introduction
Dementia caregiving involves high doses of unavoidable suffering. Most intervention research is focused on training caregivers to change these unpleasant internal events from a cognitive-behavioral approach. Little is known about the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with caregivers.
Objective
An 8-session ACT intervention for dementia caregivers, in which clinical tools (exercises, metaphors and experiential exercises) have been adapted or created, is described. While the efficacy of the intervention was first tested in a group format, a randomized clinical trial is currently running for testing the efficacy of the intervention in an individual format.
Body
The ACT intervention was focused on different modules which are described in the present work: emotional awareness; acceptance of negative internal events; clarity of values; cognitive fusion; and mindfulness.
Conclusions
Workability of different ACT tools applied to caregivers (with real examples) and caregiver’s barriers and difficulties from our clinical experience are discussed.
 

18. Results from a group-based stress management ACT-intervention programme for people on full-time sick leave – a pilotstudy
GRETA LASSEN LUND, MSc.psych., Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
Hanne Knudsen, MSc.psych., Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark

Background: Relatively less is known about the use of ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)– intervention programme in group-based stress management with persons on full-time sick leave. Little too is known about the AAQ (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire) as a measure of changes in psychological flexibility during group-based ACT-intervention. A recent pilotstudy of a 3 month stress management Act-intervention found that:
a) it was possible to test a stress management intervention programme based on an ACT manual.
b) the AAQ seemed to be a relevant measure of changes in psychological flexibility according to the Hexaflex model.
Aim:The aim was to develop and test a group-based ACT-intervention manual, including the AAQ as a measure of changes in psychological flexibility and hereby assess the reliability of a Danish translation of AAQ in a Danish sample.
Method: 8 participants were referred to the employee counseling service at the Aarhus University Hospital. Inclusion criteria were full-time sick-leave due to work-related stress. Concurrent life-events, psychiatric disorder requiring treatment and active substance abuse were exclusion criteria. The ACT-intervention was 5 x 3 hours sessions with one week interval and a booster-session after one month. 8 people joined the group led by two psychologists. Key-elements in the intervention were mindfulness exercises, avoidance, defusion-techniques, metaphors, developing willingness, defining values and committed action in daily life. Outcome was AAQ (range 10-70). AAQ was assessed at the beginning of all group-sessions and at 3 months follow-up. Response rate and participation rate = 85,5%
Results: Participants baseline mean score was 40,13 (sd=8,77) and after 5 weeks the mean score was 36,38. At booster session 10 weeks from baseline the group mean score was 34,63. Cohen´s d = 0.62 indicates a possible medium effect size. Results from the 3 months follow-up after booster session will be collected in April 2011 and be presented in the final poster. Results of the reliability testing of the AAQ are being processed and will be presented in the final poster. The part –quantitative evaluation sheets handed out at the end of the 6.th group session revealed a positive evaluation of the intervention programme as a whole.

19. Relationships between kinesiophobia and psychological inflexibility in youths suffering from longstanding pain
LINDA HOLMSTRÖM, Ph.D student, physiotherapist, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska Univ. Hospital
Marie Klinga, Ph.D student, psychologist, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a recently developed approach within Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aimed at improving functioning by increasing psychological flexibility, i.e. the ability to act in accordance with once values and goals in the presence of interfering pain or distress (Hayes, 2006). Results from a recent randomized controlled trial, support the use of ACT-strategies to improve functioning and quality of life in youth suffering from longstanding pain (Wicksell et al., 2009). Longstanding pain in children and adolescents may lead to severe activity limitations in part due to kinesiophobia i.e. fear of (re-)injury by physical movement or activity. However, the overall prevalence of kinesiophobia in youths suffering from longstanding pain is still largely unexplored. Moreover, very little is known about the relationships between the presence and degree of different aspects of kinesiophobia and psychological inflexibility.

The objective of the present cross-sectional study was consequently to investigate relationships between the presence and degree of different aspects of kinesiophobia and psychological inflexibility. The study includes a large sample (n=150) of pediatric patients consecutively referred to the Behavior Medicine Pain Treatment Service. Patients were assessed with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, a commonly used measure of pain adjustment, and the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS). The poster presentation will include preliminary data on the presence and degree of kinesiophobia in youths suffering from longstanding pain, as well as multivariate analyses exploring the relationships between different aspects of kinesiophobia and psychological inflexibility.

20. Relationship between Quality of Life and Psychological Acceptance in Elderly People
MARISA PAEZ BLARRINA, PH.D., Instituto ACT
Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., Instituto ACT
Francisco Marquez Lopera

The relationship between the psychological flexibility and the quality of life in elderly people has not received much interest from researchers. Only Butler y Ciarrochi (2007), presented an investigation using the general AAQ (Hayes, et al, 2004), in order to analyze the acceptance/avoidance dimension in this population. This study shows the preliminary data extracted from the adaptation of this questionnaire (AAQ) in this specific field of application. The authors designed a new version of AAQ that was called AAQ-MAY which contain contextualized items that measure the psychological flexibility in this population. The use of the questionnaire designed in correlation with quality of life measures (CUBRECAVI Fernández Ballesteros,1996) point at the positive relationship between these dimensions. The results are discussed taking into account the preliminary characteristics of the study and the possibilities that it opens.

21. Spanish adaptation of AAQ for domestic violence victims
Rosario Villegas, Instituto ACT
DIEGO PADILLA TORRES, Instituto ACT

A Spanish adaptation of Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for female victims of domestic violence (AAQ–V) is presented in this work.

Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ) (Hayes et al., 2000) was created to measure experiential avoidance and psychological acceptance, key aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In 2009 S. Hayes developed AAQ_II to assess the same construct and improved psychometric characteristics. AAQ-II will be used in this study to assess convergent validity.

After building an item pool, items were evaluated by independent judges and administered to a clinical sample made up of 44 female victims of gender based violence. Results pointed AAQ–V presented good psychometric characteristics. 7 items were eliminated alter using discrimination index and reliability index (Chronbach’s alpha a=0,87) was obtained. Construct validity was evaluated through correlation with other variables and through factorial analysis. Results are encouraging for future research.
 

22. Experimental study on direct and derived effects from the suppressed pain
MARISA PAEZ BLARRINA, PH.D., Instituto ACT
Enrique Gil, Universidad de Almería
Olga Gutiérrez Martínez, Universidad de Zaragoza
Sonsoles Valdivia Salas, Ph D., Universidad de Barcelona

Cioffy and Holloway (1993) demonstrated that the rebound effect of thought suppression described by Wegner, (1989) had an analog in the experience of somatic discomfort. However the derived rebound effect phenomena has not been enought understood from an RFT point of view and the procedures could not isolate this effect in a clear way.
Of an experimental procedure for induction of pain (the ischaemic tourniquet designed by Sternbach et al., 1974,1977) and a equivalence classes training, this study try to 1) assess the differential effectiveness of acceptance versus suppression of pain in terms of tolerance, 2) test a series of experimental procedures aimed to analyse the phenomenon of suppressing thoughts and sensations rebound effect in a controlled manner, and 3) to analyze the delayed effects of the avoidance of pain compared to strategies of acceptance in terms of the presence of the direct and derived rebound effect.

23. ACT in A Group Setting to Treat Reduced Function in Patients with Chronic Pain
PAMELA BRAUN, LCSW, Mid Valley Pain Clinic

A brief perusal of the ACT literature will reveal a variety of articles regarding chronic pain, and far fewer looking at ACT in group settings. In 2008, Behavioral and Physical Health Collaboration became the topic of a Performance Improvement Project (PIP) for the Division of Medical Assistance Programs (DMAP) in the State of Oregon, USA. The organization which administers Medicaid health services in the mid-Willamette Valley, the Marion-Polk (counties) Community Health Plan (MPCHP), and the Mid Valley Behavioral Care Network (MVBCN) designed a project to address the needs and challenges of patients in their system with chronic pain and co-mobidities, including mental health disturbances and addiction.

The researchers were interested in improving the outcomes of care while reducing the cost of that care by providing the right treatment, which includes psychosocial components and a focus on self-care. The question they posed was:

Will the implementation of a chronic pain consultation and stabilization service result in increased average functional outcome scores (self-perception of ability to function despite pain, and to collaborate with physicians) for patients who receive group cognitive-behavioral treatment following referral from their PCP's?

The researchers further defined the CBT as being thirty hours of group psycho-education, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Relaxation training and a movement component were also included.

This poster presentation will illustrate and explain the methods and results of this study, and examine in detail the group process. A complete clinical manual, developed for the purpose of this clinic, will be presented as well.

24. A Comparison of Self-Report and Behavioral Measures of Anxiety and Performance in a Socially Phobic Sample
LISA HAYLEY GLASSMAN, Drexel University
JENA SHAW, Drexel University
Erica England, Drexel University
Erica Yuen, Drexel University
Evan Forman, Drexel University
James Herbert, Drexel University
Jena Shaw, Drexel University

Most research on treatment outcome in social anxiety disorder (SAD) has utilized self-report data to assess change over time. However, there is some evidence that individuals with SAD make erroneous predictions and assessments about their social performance (Clark and McManus, 2002; Leary, 2004; Stopa and Clark, 1993). In light of this, it is extremely important to introduce objective, behavioral measures of anxiety and social performance to these treatment protocols. Research then can gauge how these assessments compare to each other, assess whether or not they measure the same constructs, and gain a greater understanding of treatment gains and mechanisms of action. This is especially important with the emergence of third-wave therapies, which focus on behavioral changes rather than affective changes.

We incorporated self-report and behavioral data from three different studies to examine differences between ratings of anxiety and social performance in a socially anxious population. The first study randomized adults with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) to a 12-week group CBGT treatment administered either with social skills training or without social skills training. The second study recruited adolescents with SAD who were randomly assigned to group CBT, individual CBT, or psychoeducational supportive therapy. The third study examined the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for SAD (Dalrymple & Herbert, 2007). Treatment was administered as a 12-session program focusing on exposure exercises and increasing acceptance of distressing experiences through mindfulness and defusion techniques. Eighty-one individuals were randomized into this study, but not all of this data has been coded at this time.

All three studies used the Subjective Units of Discomfort Scale (SUDS) (0 = no anxiety, 100 = high anxiety) for self-reported anxiety. Self-reported performance was measured on a 1-5 likert scale. Behavioral ratings of performance and anxiety were objectively assessed using three, 3-minute behavioral tasks in all three studies. These tasks included (RP1) a dyadic role-play involving a simulated interaction with a confederate; (RP2) a triadic role-play involving an interaction with two confederates; and (RP3) an impromptu speech.

Self-report and behavioral ratings were compared across all studies at pre-treatment (n=74) to assess similarities or differences between these two types of data collection for anxiety and performance. At pre-treatment self-report and behavioral ratings of anxiety were significantly correlated for RP1 and RP3 (r =.235, p =.044, r =.536, p <.001 respectively) but not for RP 2 (r=.183, p =.118). Self-report and behavioral ratings for social performance were significant for all role-plays (RP1: r =.291, p =.025, RP2: r =.354, p =.002, RP3: r =.524, p <.001). Intuitively, high levels of self-reported anxiety were associated with lower behavioral ratings of performance (RP1: r = -.283, p =.001), RP2: r =-.216, p =.017), RP3: r = -.415, p <.001).

These results indicate that self-report and behavioral measures of anxiety and social performance were largely similar at pre-treatment across study and role-plays. Coding of the post-treatment data is ongoing. We plan to analyze and report correlations at post-treatment to compare the differential effects of traditional Beckian CBT and ACT on (1) the relationship between self-report and behavioral measures and (2) the ability to perform despite self-report of anxiety.

Research using behavioral measures of SAD is ongoing. Data from two additional projects administering both self-report and objective ratings will be available for analysis by July 2011 and incorporated into this poster.
 

25. Examining Experiential Avoidance in an Adult Clinical Sample from a Community Based Private Practice
WANDA L. SMITH, PH.D., Private Practice & McMaster University

Experiential avoidance (EA) is a process suggested to be involved in the etiology and maintenance of clinical disorders. The present study sought to explore the utility of identifying EA in a clinical sample of mixed diagnosis. EA was measured via the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II), a brief questionnaire measuring psychological flexibility with scores ranging from 7-70. Sample included 44 adults receiving psychological treatment in a private practice, age ranged from 26-87 years. Clinical diagnoses included Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders – GAD & NOS, Bipolar Disorder and Dysthymic Disorder. Preliminary analysis revealed several patterns: While the clinical population was fairly homogeneous with respect to diagnosis, 75% had been diagnosed with PTSD, the AAQ-II scores ranged from 13-54 reflecting a wide range of EA/psychological flexibility. Further, it appears that low AAQ-II scores i.e., high EA were associated with treatment-resistant clients suggesting that the AAQ-II may have utility in identifying clients who may not benefit from evidence-based treatment protocols. And, clients diagnosed at severe levels with higher AAQ-II scores i.e., psychological flexibility were more functionally adaptive. It appears that evaluating EA may be useful when treating a clinical population. Cases will be presented. Limitations of the currents study will be addressed.
 

26. An Exploration of the Effects and Experiences of Participating in an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group on Psychological Flexibility, Valued Living & General Well-being
YASMIN WARD, M.SC. CANDIDATE, ACT Now Ireland
AISLING CURTIN, M.SC., ACT Now Ireland
CHRIS MC CONNELL, M.SC., ACT Now Ireland
AILISH HAND, H.DIP., ACT Now Ireland

There is an apparent absence of qualitative and mixed methods research within mindfulness-based approaches research (Mace, 2008). The present study employed a mixed methods design to explore the experiences and effects of participating in an 8-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group for general well-being. To maximize external validity, the authors employed minimal exclusion criteria. Participants completed the AAQ-II (Bond, F.W., Hayes, S.C., Baer, R.A., Carpenter, K.M., Orcutt, H.K., Waltz, T. & Zettle, R.D., Submitted) and the VLQ (Wilson, K. G., Sandoz, E. K., Kitchens, J., & Roberts, M. E., 2010) pre-, mid- and post-completion of the course. Additionally, participants completed weekly qualitative measures as well as a detailed interview following course completion to inform the researchers about which aspects of the group were best in terms of workability. It is hoped the results of this study will be used to improve future service provision and inform future ACT groups aimed at the general public.
 

27. Experiential avoidance as a predictor of symptomatology and distress in a traumatised population
ANGELA COOPER, BSc, MSc, Trent Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK
Aidan Hart, Ph.D., Trent Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, University of Lincoln, UK
Rachel Sabin-Farrell, DClinPsy, Trent Doctoral Programme in Clinical Psychology, University of Nottingham, UK & Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Neil Roberts, DClinPsy, Traumatic Stress Service, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Using the AAQ-II, the relationship between experiential avoidance, trauma symptomatology and functional distress was investigated in a traumatised population.
It was hypothesised that experiential avoidance would have a significant relationship with functional distress and would significantly predict the variance of distress in a regression model.
Results show that the AAQ-II was non-normally distributed within the sample, therefore, non-parametric analyses were used. Correlational analysis revealed that the relationship between experiential avoidance, trauma symptom severity and functional distress was significant (p < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that the AAQ-II significantly predicted functional distress (p = 0.03), however, it only accounted for 7% (adjusted R-sq) of the variance.
A standardised beta value of 0.29 was obtained revealing the increase in functional distress for every 1 unit increase in the AAQ-II. The AAQ-II also significantly predicted trauma symptomatology accounting for 19% of the variance observed (p < 0.01) obtaining a standardised beta value of 0.48. Whilst the AAQ-II is significantly correlated with and predictive of distress, it only accounts for a relatively small amount of variance in the functional distress measure (7%) when compared to the trauma measure (19%). The implications and limitations of the study are discussed and considered, not only within the ACT literature but also within the broader clinical literature.
 

28. Using Acceptance and Commitment therapy in the rehabilitation of women on long-term sick leave due to mental ill-health and/or pain: A preliminary randomized trial
Ingrid Andrerzen, Uppsala University
Joanne Dahl, Uppsala University
LINNEA MOLIN, Social Medicine at the University Hospital in Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden
EMMA WALLIN, Social Medicine at the University Hospital in Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden
CARINA WENNMAN, Social Medicine at the University Hospital in Uppsala, Uppsala University, Sweden

Despite having one of the most generous health care systems in the world, a significant percent of the Swedish population, mostly women, with pain and stress related symptoms end up in a marginalized group on long term sick leave.
The aim of the present on-going study is to evaluate the effects of three conditions: 1) an ACT treatment run by a single psychologist, partly home based, 2) an outpatient clinic based multidisciplinary team evaluation and treatment and 3) a Treatment as Usual condition consisting of a standard work finding program offered at the public employment office, for those women who, because of a recent change in legislature, are losing disability payments. The study is a randomized control trial (n=360) with three conditions and repeated measures. Dependent variables are employment status, self rated health, depression, anxiety levels, and quality of life. Preliminary results will be presented at the conference in Parma July 2011.

The study, Vitalis is a collaboration between Social Medicine at the University Hospital in Uppsala, the Swedish Social Insurance Administration, the Employment Service, Uppsala County municipalities and Uppsala University. The study is supported by the Organization for Financial Coordination Uppsala County and lasts from April 2010 until March 2012.
 

29. Examining the Invariance of the Factor Structure of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II Across Seven Languages and Between Clinical and Nonclinical Samples
MARIA KAREKLA, University of Cyprus
Michalis P. Michaelides, University of Cyprus
Jean-Louis Monestès, Centre Hospitalier Ph. Pinel, France
Nele Jacobs, Hasselt University, Belgium
Nic Hooper, University of Kent, UK
Marco Kleen, University of Groningen, Netherlands
Carmen Luciano, Universidad de Almería, Spain
Giovanni Miselli, IULM University, Italy
Giovambattista Presti, IULM University, Italy
Francisco José Ruiz Jiménez, Universidad de Almería, Spain;
Matthieu Villatte, University of Nevada, Reno
Frank Bond, University of London, U. K.

Experiential avoidance constitutes a core target of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, an approach that is becoming increasingly popular in many countries around the world. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) is a measure of experiential avoidance validated originally in English and more recently across various languages (e.g. Greek, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and French). However, the factorial validity of this measure has not been adequately addressed. The present study examines the invariance of the factor structure of the AAQ-II across seven languages and between clinical and non-clinical samples. Preliminary analyses suggest that the factor structure is relatively invariant across language samples. However, some items seem to function differently in the clinical and non-clinical samples. Results will be discussed in terms of ascertaining the AAQ-II validity across various groups.
 

30. ACTivating "Clean Language": Developing and utilizing client generated metaphors

File 1

File 2

MAARTEN AALBERSE, Private Practice, France

We have developed great metaphors that help the client contact key-issues, and some excellent instructions have been provided, too, how the therapist can create and present metaphors that are tailor-made for specific clients. "Clean language" is a very respectful and potentially profound approach, derived from David Grove's work with clients suffering from the consequences of trauma. Here the client is helped to create and develop his own metaphors, starting from his language and his unique perspective. Drawing from the hexaflex, I will illustrate some ways how this approach can be made more ACT-consistent, i.e. how important parts of the therapeutic process can be done by responding to these client-generated metaphors in ways that gently nudge the client towards greater psychological flexibility.
 

31. Further Validation of the Acceptance & Action Questionnaire for Depression (AAQD)
JOHN T. BLACKLEDGE, Morehead State University
Aaron Ellis, Morehead State University
Cassie Watkins, Morehead State University
Jeff Dobson, Morehead State University

The Acceptance & Action Questionnaire for Depression (AAQD) was administered alongside several previously validated self report instruments with a clinically depressed sample of 121 subjects at an inpatient mental health unit in Sydney, Australia, and with an undergraduate sample of approximately 100 largely non-depressed subjects in Morehead, Kentucky. The AAQD was then administered again one week later with both samples to establish test-retest reliability. Data indicated the AAQD subscales and total score appeared to measure an independent dimension of psychological functioning that is negatively correlated with measures of depression, anxiety and stress and positively correlated with a measure of psychological flexibility. The AAQD also exhibited acceptable test-retest reliability and correlated well with previously validated self report instruments measuring similar constructs. Significantly different response tendencies on the AAQD were noted between the depressed and non-depressed samples, suggesting good discriminant validity, though the impact of cultural differences on these scores remains a possibility.

32. Toward behavioral flexibility: an integrated approach of ACT-FAP and behavior analysis in the context of an Italian learning centre
ROBERTO CATTIVELLI, University of Parma - Learning Centre TICE
Gianluca Amato, Learning Centre TICE
Federica Berardo, University of Parma - Learning Centre TICE

ACT studies and research focus on behavioral flexibility as core skill correlated with better quality of life and satisfaction. To improve flexibility in child and teenagers at learning centre TICE we started to apply ACT-FAP strategies with functional assessment, hexaflex, esperential exercise and mindfulness. According with FAP we define OS (outside sessions behaviors) and to change OS we work on CRB (clinical relevant behaviors – directly in sessions), according DRR and RFT basic science. To produce psychological relevant change we use contingent respond of the operator to behavior of the subjects and to achieve this objective we adopt ACT resources and tools, working on each core process of the Hexaflex, but in particular with acceptance, defusion, contact with present moment and commited actions.
We collect procedures in some distinct “curricula” we used to produce this improvements.
Data were collected with direct observations, functional analysis and self reported measures.

33. Can exposure to "forbidden" food help cognitive flexibility and acceptance? Clinical experiences with a disordered eating client
KATIA MANDUCHI, Psy, Iescum Parma, ACT Italia Chapter
Giovanbattista Presti, IULM Milano, Iescum Parma
Giovanni Miselli, IULM Milano, Iescum Parma, ACT Italian Chapter
Elisa Rabitti, IULM Milano, Iescum Parma, ACT Italian Chapter
Paolo Moderato, IULM Milano, Iescum Parma, ACT Italian Chapter

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) protocols are suitable to the treatment of disordered eating. In many of such clinical cases some peculiarities that can help client developping a different pattern of eating behavior, can be present early in the treatment. As an example we present a case of eating disorder treated with an ACT based intervention, in which exposure experiences in vivo are introduced earlier in the earlier interventions. The subject is an outpatient young woman of 16 years with a history of treatment for eating disorder, and depression. ACT process measures, symptoms measures, low mood level, medical problems were assessed at baseline, at 15 weeks, and at the end of the treatment. The treatment aimed to develop psychological flexibility, reduction of relevant clinical symptoms as vomiting, reduction of the foods avoided and balancing the medical issue. Presentation will underline the changes made by the client’s behavior and how they correlate to the six processes of the hexaflex and particular attention will be given to exposure experiences.
 

34. Psychological flexibility a mediator of change in Internet delivered ACT therapy for bariatric surgery patients
SANDRA WEINELAND M.S, University of Uppsala, Sweden
Dag Arvidsson, University of Uppsala, Sweden
Thanos Kakoulidis, University of Uppsala, Sweden
Steven Hayes, University of Nevada
JoAnne Dahl Ph.D, University of Uppsala, Sweden

Background: Bariatric surgery (BS) is rated as the best evidence based treatment for obesity with regard to weight loss and maintenance of weight loss evaluated to date. Although BS interventions are effective, 20-30 % of BS patients regain weight. One factor contributing to weight gain and poorer psychosocial well being is avoidance of emotions by overeating. There are also reports of body dissatisfaction and distressing preoccupation with weight post BS. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) applied to BS patients, with the purpose of developing psychological flexibility around difficult emotions and thoughts so as to increase healthy behaviors and quality of life, was developed and implemented in the current study.
Methods: Participants (n=39) who had undergone bariatric surgery at least four months prior to this study, were randomly assigned to a six week treatment package based on one of two conditions 1) ACT including two face-to-face sessions and support via an Internet application or 2) treatment as usual (TAU) compromised of the standard follow-up used by the bariatric surgery team.
Results: Significant effects as well as medium to large effect sizes found on measures of eating disordered behaviors, body dissatisfaction, quality of life and acceptance for weight related thoughts and feelings were found for participants in the ACT condition, as compared to those in the TAU condition.
Conclusion: The present study shows promising results in combining a short term ACT treatment with BS to improve the long term effects of obesity treatment.

35. Psychological Flexibility and Criminal Recidivism: A Conceptual Analysis and Proposed Research Agenda
MICHELLE N. JEANIS, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
EMILY K. SANDOZ, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Recidivism rates in the United States have hovered between 50% and 65% over the past two decades despite multiple reentry initiatives (Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics). Recently, the focus has shifted to adapting empirically based psychological treatments to improve reentry success. ACT’s psychological flexibility model may offer a means of conceptualizing and intervening on recidivism. This poster presentation will provide a conceptual analysis of criminal recidivism and a proposed research agenda for evaluating the appropriateness of this model for improving reentry success.
 

36. Meeting on the contextual wave: Ericksonian psychotherapy and Focusing in ACTion
KRISZTINA-GABRIELLA SZABO, Ph.D., Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj, Romania

The author - a Romanian psychotherapist, trained in Ericksonian psychotherapy and focusing-oriented psychotherapy - presents her professional development from the above mentioned approaches to a progressive inclusion of the theoretical model and technologies developed within ACT into her work.

In the author's view, the practice of ACT shares several basic common features with Ericksonian psychotherapy (e.g., acceptance, the use of metaphors and paradoxes, various experiential exercises targeting change processes), as well as with focusing-oriented psychotherapy (e.g., promoting acceptance, non-judgmental awareness, dis-identification/defusion, taking perspective, working with values). Furthermore, all the three approaches emphasize function and context over form and content. However, neither Ericksonian psychotherapy, nor focusing-oriented approach rely on such a well structured and empirically supported theoretical model as ACT does.

The recognition of these interfaces has determined the growing of the author's interest in implementing an ACT-informed approach to her therapeutic practice, teaching/supervision and research.

37. ACT-based workshop for promoting psychological flexibility in a heterogeneous inpatient clinical-sample of a mental health unit at a public hospital in Peru
SILVIA MELGAR BRAVO, Major National University of San Marcos

People diagnosed with some “mental disorder”, and more specifically those who are hospitalized at a public mental health in Peru, does not receive new alternatives for treatment that have shown promising in the field of empirically validated treatments, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that shows differences and improvements respect to traditional CBT, and even more on the eclectic practice. The condition of “Having a mental disorder” would be a stigma that it would establish human suffering in an equivalence frame with “abnormal” or “negative” and, by consequence, in an opposition frame with “being normal”, “being in the capability of being responsible with my actions”, etc. Symptoms-based treatments, even those empirically validated, reinforce this frames, getting harder that these people could change their focus from reduce symptoms as a need, toward acting in a valued way even when it could carry some psychological distress. An ACT-based workshop is being implemented as a way to promote psychological flexibility as a useful model of behavioral change for Peruvian community.
 

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38. Chronic pain and substance use disorders: What’s the connection?
JENNIFER SHARPE POTTER, Ph.D., MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Angela Stotts, Ph.D.
Kristen Rosen, MPH

Illicit opioid analgesic use is an emergent public health problem. From 2002 to 2007, treatment admission rates for substance use disorders resulting from opioid analgesic (OA) use increased 414% in the United States. While opioid replacement therapy (ORT) is the most effective treatment available for DSM-IV opioid dependence, about 50% of patients continue illicit opioid use. There is a need to better understand factors associated with treatment refractory opioid use disorders. Physical pain appears to be an important clinical characteristic that may influence response to standard addiction treatment. To examine relationships between psychological flexibility and persistent illicit opioid analgesic use in 100 methadone-maintained patients with co-occurring chronic pain, we conducted a two-factor, between-subjects multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Two transdiagnostic psychological flexibility processes, experiential avoidance (AAQII) and mindfulness (MAAS), and pain-related anxiety and avoidance (PASS) served as the dependent variables. The independent variables were CP severity status (severe or mild-moderate), current major depressive episode (present or absent), and current illicit opioid analgesic use (present or absent). Controlling for the presence of depressive symptoms, results from the MANOVA indicated significant main effects for persistent illicit opioid analgesic use [Wilks’ Λ (.8), F(3, 88) = 7.5, p < .0001, partial η2=.2], and severe chronic pain status [Wilks’ Λ (.8), F(3, 88) = 6.6, p < .0001, partial η2=.18]. Results will be described in terms of the distinct linear combination of psychological flexibility processes associated with persistent opioid analgesic use, pain, and depression. Practical implications for better understanding pain functioning in this clinical population and improving addiction treatment will be discussed.
 

39. Psychological flexibility predicts opioid misuse risk in low back pain patients receiving opioid therapy
JENNIFER SHARPE POTTER, Ph.D., MPH, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Angela Stotts, Ph.D.
Kristen Rosen, MPH
Antonio Gutierrez

Opioid analgesic misuse (OAM) among chronic pain patients continues to be a significant public health concern. While OAM risk factors have been identified, e.g., history of a substance use disorder, there is scant research about cognitive and emotional processes that may drive OAM. Interventions targeting psychological flexibility, e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, are effective in improving chronic pain functioning; however the association between psychological flexibility and OAM has not been investigated. This study examines the relationship between PF and current misuse risk. We surveyed 150 patients presenting with chronic low back pain receiving opioid therapy at an interventional, academic pain management clinic. All participants had taken opioids for >20 days in the past month. The Brief Pain Inventory was used to obtain severity and interference scores. Psychological flexibility was assessed using: the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ), and the Pain and Anxiety Symptom Scale (PASS). The Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM), a 17-item scale, assessed aberrant drug-taking behaviors. Participants were 59% female and mean age was 49 years (SD 9.7). On a 0-10 scale, mean pain severity was 6.8(SD 1.8), and mean interference was 6.8(SD 2.3). Mean COMM score was 17.02 (SD 10.8) and 75% of participants’ COMM scores suggested opioid misuse risk according to the pre-determined cut-point. We fit a multiple linear model controlling for age, pain severity and interference; CPAQ(β=-.14), MAAS(β=-.45), and PASS(β=.20) scores were significantly associated with COMM score (ΔR2=.31). The full model predicted 45% of the variance in COMM [F(6,112)=17.5, p<.0001]. Results suggest that psychological flexibility may be important in understanding factors that contribute to OAM. To our knowledge, this is the first study establishing an association between psychological flexibility and opioid misuse risk.
 

40. Validation study of the Portuguese version of the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y)
MARINA CUNHA, Ph.D., ISMT AND CINEICC (Coimbra University, Portugal)
Ana Marta Santos, MA, ISMT (Instituto Superior Miguel Torga)

This study aims at investigating the psychometric properties of the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y; Greco, Baer, & Lambert, 2008) in the Portuguese population.

The sample included 461 adolescents (200 boys and 261 girls), with ages ranging from 12 to 18 years (M=15.08) attending the regular school system. The assessment protocol comprised, besides the AFQ-Y, self-repost measures of depressive symptoms (CDI), anxiety (RCMAS), acceptance/mindfulness skills (CAMM) and social value perception (SCS).

Results show that the Portuguese version of the AFQ-Y presents a good internal consistency (α=0,82), an adequate test-retest reliability (r=0,65) and an appropriate validity. Its exploratory factor analysis suggests a unidimensional structure.
Although confirmatory studies are needed, results suggest that the AFQ-Y is a reliable instrument for the assessment of experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion, processes linked to psychological flexibility, in Portuguese adolescents.
 

41. The impact of brief exposure and defusion interventions on implicit verbal relations in spider-fear
NIMA G MOGHADDAM, PH.D., Trent Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Aidan Hart, DClinPsy, Trent Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

The present study aimed to compare the impact of two treatment-analogue interventions (exposure and defusion) on implicit (and explicit) spider-fear in a non-clinical sample. The study additionally examined whether implicit (and explicit) spider-fear predicted behaviour towards the object of fear and whether intervention influenced behaviour (either directly or through effects on implicit/explicit fear). 48 participants were randomly allocated to either exposure or defusion. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention measures of implicit and explicit spider-fear and a post-intervention behavioural approach test. Implicit fear (D-IRAP score) incrementally predicted behaviour over explicit fear, replicating previous findings. However, neither intervention appeared to affect implicit fear. Interventions did have differential effects on explicit fear and overt behaviour; notably, defusion facilitated greater approach behaviour than exposure. Results are interpreted in relation to existing literature and consideration of methodological limitations. A need for further research into the malleability of relational responding was identified, particularly in relation to existing clinical treatments.
 

42.Examining the Unique Role of Experiential Avoidance in Non-suicidal Self-Injury
BRIANNA TURNER, M.A., Simon Fraser University
Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D., Simon Fraser University

According to the Experiential Avoidance Model (Chapman, Gratz & Brown, 2006), non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) serves to escape from aversive internal states. We examined whether experiential avoidance (EA) accounted for frequency of NSSI beyond several known affective trait vulnerabilities for NSSI, and whether EA plays a role in maintaining NSSI over time. Individuals with a history of NSSI (N=208) completed measures of experiential avoidance, NSSI, and vulnerabilities for NSSI: emotion regulation difficulties, distress intolerance, affect intensity and reactivity, and borderline personality symptoms. We assessed frequency of NSSI longitudinally at three-month intervals over one year. Hierarchical regression indicated that EA explained significant variance in baseline NSSI frequency beyond the affective vulnerabilities (β=.22, p=.03). Further, EA fully mediated the relationship between frequency of NSSI and emotion regulation difficulties (Sobel test = -2.06, p=.04). Finally, EA predicted the frequency of NSSI at 6 month (r=.32, p=.02) and 12 month follow-ups (r=.31, p=.05). These findings provide empirical support for the experiential avoidance model, suggesting that EA plays a unique role in NSSI beyond trait affective vulnerabilities and predicts greater frequency of NSSI over time.
 

43. Body Image Acceptance: The Portuguese version of the Body Image - Acceptance and Action Questionnaire
CLÁUDIA FERREIRA, M. A., CINEICC – Cognitive-Behavioural Research Centre – University of Coimbra, Portugal
José Pinto-Gouveia, Ph.D., CINEICC – Cognitive-Behavioural Research Centre – University of Coimbra, Portugal
Cristiana Duarte, M. A., CINEICC – Cognitive-Behavioural Research Centre – University of Coimbra, Portugal

The Body-Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ; Sandoz, Wilson, & Merwin, 2009) is designed to assess cognitive flexibility and acceptance relatively to body image. This paper presents the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the BI-AAQ in a sample from the general population (n=679). EFA for the Portuguese population shows that this version maintains a one-factor structure, similar to the original version of the instrument, which accounts for 63.36% of the variance. CFA on the data confirms its structure. The Portuguese version of the BI-AAQ presents a good internal consistency (.95), test-retest reliability, and it correlates (contrastingly) with self-compassion, body image dissatisfaction, eating disorders symptomatology, social comparison, depression, anxiety, and stress. The results show that BI-AAQ discriminates between a general population sample (n=51) and a clinical one with a diagnosed eating disorder (n=46), which emphasizes the clinical usefulness of the instrument.

Overall, the results suggest that the Portuguese version of the BI-AAQ is a useful and valid instrument with significant theoretical and practical implications, namely for body-image disturbance and eating disorders treatment and research.
 

44. Measuring ACT-processes in chronic pain patients: Validation of Dutch-Language questionnaires & Daily measurements in a single case design
HESTER R. TROMPETTER, MSC., Roessingh Research and Development/Institute for Behavioural Research, University of Twente
KARLEIN M. G. SCHREURS, Roessingh Research and Development/Institute for Behavioural Research, University of Twente
Miriam M. R. Vollenbroek-Hutten, Roessingh Research and Development
Ernst. T. Bohlmeijer, Institute for Behavioural Research, University of Twente University of Twente

Measurement instruments of ACT concepts are still scarce in Dutch language. We performed validation studies on the Dutch language version of both the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS) and the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ). The PIPS shows to be a useful and reliable measurement instrument for research and practice. However, the factor structure of both the two-factor and four-factor version of the CPAQ cannot be confirmed.

Furthermore, we designed a single case experimental design (SCED) to measure patterns and processes of change in ACT with chronic pain patients having high levels of psychological inflexibility. In this study, daily measurements by PDA (mobile telephone) were performed in the weeks before, during and after treatment. Primary outcomes of daily measurements are pain interference, psychological inflexibility and values-based living. The chosen parameters, hypotheses and outcomes of this single case (pilot-) study are discussed.
 

45. Progetto Che Piacere: implementazione di strategie ACT-oriented per la prevenzione del consumo eccessivo di alcol da parte degli adolescenti
ROBERTO CATTIVELLI, University of Parma - Learning Centre TICE
Fabiana Forni
Marco Degli Esposti
Silvia Cignolini

Il consumo eccessivo di alcol rappresenta una seria minaccia per la salute degli italiani, ma in particolare per gli adolescenti, maggiormente soggetti agli effetti delle bevande alcoliche.

Il progetto “Che Piacere”, nato dalla collaborazione fra associazioni, comuni emiliani e università, si propone di promuovere un consumo più consapevole degli alcolici fra gli adolescenti, attraverso l’adozione di strategie validate dalla ricerca scientifica volte alla promozione di comportamenti più sicuri nei confronti dell’alcol, ma anche di strategie derivate da un approccio ACT per ridurre l’effetto di pressione sociale e stereotipi culturali. A tal fine accanto a pratiche più tradizionali ma molto efficaci, volte a fornire informazioni sui pericoli dell’alcol, è stato proposto un percorso di chiarificazione valoriale a cui si aggiunge una breve ma significativa pratica esperenziale tramite esercizi prevalentemente di defusione. Il progetto si è articolo su diversi comuni e ha coinvolto approssimativamente un migliaio di adolescenti.
 

46. Examining the Unique Role of Experiential Avoidance in Non-suicidal Self-Injury
BRIANNA TURNER, M.A., Simon Fraser University
Alexander L. Chapman, Ph.D., Simon Fraser University

According to the Experiential Avoidance Model (Chapman, Gratz & Brown, 2006), non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) serves to escape from aversive internal states. We examined whether experiential avoidance (EA) accounted for frequency of NSSI beyond several known affective trait vulnerabilities for NSSI, and whether EA plays a role in maintaining NSSI over time.

Individuals with a history of NSSI (N=208) completed measures of experiential avoidance, NSSI, and vulnerabilities for NSSI: emotion regulation difficulties, distress intolerance, affect intensity and reactivity, and borderline personality symptoms. We assessed frequency of NSSI longitudinally at three-month intervals over one year. Hierarchical regression indicated that EA explained significant variance in baseline NSSI frequency beyond the affective vulnerabilities (β=.22, p=.03). Further, EA fully mediated the relationship between frequency of NSSI and emotion regulation difficulties (Sobel test = -2.06, p=.04). Finally, EA predicted the frequency of NSSI at 6 month (r=.32, p=.02) and 12 month follow-ups (r=.31, p=.05). These findings provide empirical support for the experiential avoidance model, suggesting that EA plays a unique role in NSSI beyond trait affective vulnerabilities and predicts greater frequency of NSSI over time.
 

47. Experiential avoidance in family caregivers: preliminary analysis of a new measure
MARÍA MÁRQUEZ-GONZÁLEZ, PH.D., Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
ROSA ROMERO-MORENO, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid
Andrés Losada Baltar, Ph.D., Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid
Virginia Fernández-Fernández, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid

Experiential avoidance may contribute to exacerbate the adverse effects of caregiving demands on caregivers’ mental health. We present the preliminary analysis of the psychometric properties of the Experiential Avoidance in Caregiving Questionnaire (EACQ), a 15-item measure. Participants are 48 dementia caregivers (mean age=60.8 years; S.D.=13.6; 75% females). Significant associations were found between the EACQ and depression (r = .33), rumination (r = .43), alexithymia (r = .30), ambivalence toward relatives (r = .33), vitality (r= -.28) and satisfaction with the personal values related with the own health/physical well-being (r=-.31) and self-care (r=-.37). Although the pattern of correlates found for the EACQ is very similar to that found for the AAQ - except for the correlates with values, found only for the EACQ-, no significant association was found between both instruments. This result, together with the low internal consistency found for the EACQ (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.51), suggest the need for further analysis of the scale using a bigger sample size.
 

48. Experiential Avoidance, Anxiety Sensitivity and Social Anxiety
MARGARITA PANAYIOTOU, University of Cyprus
Dora Georgiou, B.A., University of Cyprus
GEORGIA PANAYIOTOU, Ph.D., University of Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., University of Cyprus

Growing evidence supports that experiential avoidance is a strong predictor of anxiety pathology. Similarly, it has been found that anxiety sensitivity is associated with social anxiety. The present study examines experiential avoidance and anxiety sensitivity as predictors of social anxiety, along with differences in predictive power between subgroups by gender and age.

The sample consists of 324 Cypriot adults (18 to 65 years; Mage 44.87; Females 58.3%) selected through stratified random sampling from the general population. Participants completed a packet of questionnaires, including Greek versions of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire, Fear Survey Schedule,
Acceptance and Action Questionnaire and demographic questions.

Results show that there is a strong negative correlation between psychological flexibility (the reverse of experiential avoidance) and social anxiety (indicating more avoidance), and a moderate positive correlation between anxiety sensitivity and social anxiety. Regardless of age and gender both experiential avoidance and anxiety sensitivity can predict social anxiety.

Further interpretation of these results provides important direction for potential intervention strategies whereby tackling entrenched avoidant behavior, particularly of internal experiences such anxiety may reduce dysfunction in social anxiety rather than vice versa.
 

49. Self-report of Mindfulness in Clients with Asperger's Disorder
CANDICE BAUGH, M.A., New York University Langone Medical Center
ALEXIS LLEWELLYN, Ph.D., Katy Center for Psychology and Counseling Services

Little is known about how clients with Asperger’s disorder compare to other populations in regards to mindfulness. The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) is self-report used to assess dispositional mindfulness; described as open or receptive awareness of and attention to what is taking place in the present (Brown & Ryan 2003). Clients, ages 14-24, were administered the MASS before and after participating in a social cognition group intervention (n = 13). The groups targeted social and executive functioning skills in a psychoeducational-therapeutic format. The curriculum encouraged development of flexibility and openness to experience by including mindfulness exercises informed by Acceptance and Commitment materials. We hypothesized an increase in ratings of mindfulness between pre and post assessment. Analyses revealed a lack of significant difference between pre and post MAAS scores (r = 0 .449, p = 0.192). This finding is similar to that of Jones (2005) who found that after communication and social skills training, clients with Asperger’s disorder self-perception ratings were closer to independent observer ratings. Thus, results may point to gains in ability to accurately self-report dispositional mindfulness in clients with Asperger’s Disorder following a mindfulness and social cognition intervention. Limitations including the small number of participants are discussed; however, as few studies have been done combining mindfulness approaches with this population, even this small sample adds to the extant literature.

50. Relations among Change Processes and Outcomes in Veterans receiving ACT within Residential PTSD Treatment.
MEGAN OSER, PH.D., Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto,
Katharine Sears, Ph.D., National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA
Christi Ulmer, Veterans Affairs Durham Medical Center, Durham, NC
Darrah Westrup, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA
Jennifer Gregg, Department of Psychology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
Robyn Walser, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA

Limited research exists examining change processes within residential PTSD treatment programs using both acceptance and change-based interventions simultaneously. This naturalistic study explores change processes and the relative contributions to proximal outcomes within a residential PTSD treatment program. Veterans (N = 71; Mage = 50.8; 39% female) completed pre- and post-treatment questionnaires while receiving ACT. Treatment consisted of 60-90 days of milieu therapy with daily treatment groups including a number of cognitive-behavioral interventions. We examined the influence of pre- to post-ACT changes in emotional approach coping, social constraints, experiential avoidance (EA), thought suppression, and frequency and believability of automatic thoughts on changes in PTSD symptoms and depression symptoms using regression models. Greater use of emotional approach coping (p < .05) and decreasing social constraints (p < .001) were related to decreases in PTSD symptoms. Further, decreased thought suppression was incrementally related to fewer PTSD symptoms at post-treatment above and beyond all other relevant variables in the model (p < .001). Regarding depressive symptoms, greater emotional approach coping (p < .001) and decreasing social constraints (p < .001) were related to decreases in depressive symptoms, and decreases in EA (p < .01) and believability of automatic thoughts (p < .01) accounted for significant incremental variance in depressive symptom improvement. These findings highlight clinically relevant change processes occurring during ACT provided within the context of a residential treatment program for PTSD. Treatment implications for PTSD and co-occurring depression will be presented.
 

51. Correlates of experiential avoidance in older adults
MARIA MARQUEZ-GONZALEZ, Ph.D., Autonomous University of Madrid
VIRGINIA FERNANDEZ, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid
ROSA ROMERO-MORENO, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid
Andres Losada, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid

Aging brings along important losses (e.g., physical changes, decline in some cognitive processes, etc) and difficult situations which might lead to different aversive internal events. However, little is known regarding the role of experiential avoidance (EA) in older adults´ well-being and its potential role as a mediator of the effects of different variables on well-being. In the present study, the following variables were assessed in 156 people aged 60 and over (mean age=71,4; SD=6,6): EA, emotion regulation (rumination, suppression, mood repair), level of depression and anxiety, well-being, resentment and rage against past events, frequency of leisure and satisfaction with leisure. Mean score in the AAQ (33,60; SD=7,65) was similar to that reported in other studies. Significant associations were found between EA and all assessed variables. Also, a mediating role has been found for EA in the associations between resentment and suppression and well-being.
 

52. Mindfulness Based Program for Infertility (MBPI)
ANA GALHARDO, MA, CINEICC - University of Coimbra
Marina Cunha, Ph.D., Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, CINEICC - University of Coimbra
José Pinto-Gouveia, Ph.D., MD, CINEICC - University of Coimbra

MBPI is a 10-weekly sessions, group format program for infertile patients. It is based on the Mindfulness Based Program for Stress Reduction, The Mind Body Program for Infertility and basic principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The MBPI aims at improving mindfulness and acceptance skills for dealing with infertility. Preliminary data have been collected for 45 infertile women who participated in the MBPI and for 30 infertile women (control group) using standardized measures of depression, anxiety, entrapment, internal and external shame, acceptance, self-compassion, and infertility self-efficacy.

Women who attended the MBPI revealed a significant decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms, internal shame, and entrapment. Inversely, they presented statistically significant improvement in acceptance, self-compassion and self-efficacy to deal with infertility. Women in the control group did not present significant changes in any of the psychological measures.

Preliminary data suggest that MBPI may be a useful psychological intervention for infertile couples.
 

53. Introducing contextual behavioral science approach in Peru through ACT-based workshops, ACT-based coaching and a scientific dissemination blog
MANUEL GARAYAR, BPsych, Major National University of San Marcos

In Peru, there is not a truly interest in studying and working as a contextual behavior analysts. Probably, it is due the absence of academic training centers and trained professionals that are committed with the dissemination of the ACT approach. Moreover, it is harder to achieve professional and personal goals in absence of clients who demand for this approach or organizations that host ACT-oriented therapist or students. So to keep alive contemporary behavior analysis in Peru it would be a need to achieve the dissemination of intellectual advances and to create the context for a professional development as an integrated goal. One step would be to establish psychological flexibility as a general theory of behavioral change, starting in non-clinical contexts. ACT-based personal development workshops have been developed and applied, an ACT-based Coaching intervention is being elaborated, and a blog is being used for scientific dissemination of ACT, RFT and Functional Contextualism.
 

54. Jordan ABA and ACT
BELAL MUSTAFA , MSN, Jordan University of Science and Technology ABA

File 1

File 2

Introducing a Jordan ABA. I will present some works for us in Jordan regarding to ABA (as our working in OBM, workshops, my ABA presentation to Jordan nursing conference, and the projects for other colleagues). How we can apply ACT in the institutional settings (as a psychiatry department) , and Jordan behavior analyst endeavors to apply ACT . Also I'll present the limitations to apply ACT in Jordan setting currently. In addition to our future view to ACT in Jordan, and recommendations.
 

ACT-SKILLS

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55. Poetry of ACT - Science meets Art - Using poetry to support ACT processes with individuals and groups
NELI MARTIN, Private practice, Brisbane, Australia

A key feature of clinical ACT work is the de-literalization of language and cognition. Metaphor, story, experiential exercises, art work and other techniques can facilitate this perspective shift for clinicians and clients alike. Although poetry uses the medium of language, the art and magic of poetry is often written from and can be received by the spaciousness of the self as context.

These poems can be used in clinical settings to illustrate, inspire and motivate around the six core processes of ACT.

“Poetry connects us to what is deepest in ourselves. It gives us access to our own feelings, which are often shadowy, and engages us in the art of making meaning. It widens the space of our inner lives. It is a magical, mysterious, inexplicable (though not incomprehensible) event in language.” Quote from Edward Hirsch.
 

56. The values piece of ACT in smoking cessation
KATERINA KONIKKOU, BSc, University of Cyprus
Maria Karekla, University of Cyprus
Vasilis Pavli
Behavior Analysis

Although ACT is starting to gain both clinical and research interest,it is important to examine the rffectiveness of certain components of this approach. The goal of the present syudy is to examine the effextiveness of one of the ACT components, namely the values piece compared to a psychoeducatioanal type intervention for increasing smoking cessation intent. In the experimental design 60smokers were randomlyassigned into two groups. One group (30 participants) took part in the values based intervention while the other group took part in a psychoeducation session. The intervention in both circumstances lasted one hour and took place only once. The [SSEQ]questionnaire and an intention to quit ladder were given to measure the participant's self-efficacy and their intention to quit prior to and after each intervention sessions. This study is currently in the phase of data collection. Results are expected to show an improvement in participant'sself-efficacy foe quitting and higher intention's to quit smoking in the values intervention compared to psychoeducation. REsults will be discussed interms of the effectiveness of the values piece of ACTin increasing smoking cessation intent.
 

BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

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57. Electrodermal activity and anxiety: comparison between Trascendental Meditation and Hypnosis
SERENA GUERZONI, Psy. D, Accademia di Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive
STEFANO STEFANINI, Psy. D., Fondazione Europea di Ricerca Biomedica
ROBERTO ANCHISI, Università degli Studi di Parma, Istituto Europeo per lo Studio del Comportamento Umano

Transcendental meditation (MT) is a progressive relaxation technique that is rooted in the zen tradition and developed by Benson (1975) to induce an automatic response of relaxation. Hypnosis is a technique that finds its main use for controlling anxiety, reducing tension and for its ability to induce analgesia.

The aim of this study is to compare changes in electrodermal activity in individuals undergoing to one session of hypnosis and MT, assuming greater inhibition in the sympathetic nervous system functions during MT.

At ""Briolini"" hospital in Gazzaniga (BG) we recruited 10 subjects (6 females, 4 males, mean age 39,6) that did not fit in any of the diagnostic criteria of DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). To detect the elettrodermal activity was used the ""Biolab"" equipment that uses electrodes interfaced with a computer that translates in chart the changes recorded. Hypnosis has been induced by following the directions provided by Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale (SHSS) by Weizenhoffer and Hilgard (1959). This Protocol takes about 45 minutes and provides a hypnotic susceptibility measurement of the individual. For MT we followed the indications of Anchisi (2008) according to which the patient close his eyes and repeat mentally the sound ""one"" for about 15 minutes.

Wilcoxon test shows increased activation in hypnosis compared to MT (p = 0.025).
The results obtained have shown that MT is a highly effective procedure to induce an automatic response of relaxation, given the lower level of arousal. Hypnosis induced by SHSS on the contrary, proved ineffective for this purpose, we have rather observed as it increased the reflex of defence, index of sympathetic activation.
 

58. The Development and Validity of a Behavioral Measure of Eating Psychopathology
JENA SHAW, B.A., Drexel University
Adrienne Juarascio, M.A., Drexel University
Lauren Bradley, B.A., Drexel University
Evan Forman, Ph.D., Drexel University

Informed by models of experiential avoidance and distress tolerance (Hayes et al., 2006), this study presents the development and validation of a behavioral measure of willingness to eat restricted foods. Because not all individuals experience the same amount of distress when confronted with a specific food, five different snack options of varying energy densities (3.9 to 5.3 kcal/g) were selected. Participants rated whether they were willing to taste each food (yes/no) and degree of distress. Participants were presented with 60g of the most-distressing food and were instructed to “taste the food and then eat as much of it as you can” within five minutes. The test food was weighed after consumption and the same food was tested at discharge, regardless of rating changes, to avoid increasing within-subject variability.

Participants diagnosed with a BN- (n = 48) or AN-spectrum disorder (n = 54) were recruited at an inpatient eating disorder treatment facility. Distress ratings for each of the challenge foods were significantly correlated (rs = .20-.87, ps = .05-.001) and differed significantly between most items (p < .02). Distress ratings did not differ significantly by diagnostic group, but willingness to taste the foods did differ in the two highest energy density items (χ2(1,101) = 5.33, 7.43; p = .02, .006). Each challenge food was selected between 13 to 27% of the time, indicating that there was variability in which food was most challenging for different patients.

At intake, amount of food consumed was modestly correlated with restraint as measured by the EDE-Q (r = -.34, p = .003), indicating that these two measures are related yet provide different information about this construct. Amount of food consumed was also correlated with the Eating Disorder Inventory drive for thinness (r = -.26, p = .02) and BN(r = .25, p = .03) scales, and differed significantly by diagnostic category (t(96) = -2.7, p = .007). Food consumed was negatively correlated with self-reported distress at three points during the food challenge (r = -.23 to -.28, p = .02 to .005),. Amount of food increased significantly from pre- (M = 6.1g, SD = 10.2) to post-treatment (M = 12.0g, SD = 14.3, t(88) = -3.4, p = .001). These findings indicate the validity of a food challenge as providing unique information regarding the construct of dietary restraint.
 

59. Human Flourishing in Teams through Congruence in Mindfulness
M.E. (MAUREEN) VAN ALTHIUS, MSc, Tilburg University

In teams, members have impact on each other by their actions and through emotion contagion. This impact is mediated through personal psychological factors as well as team structure, affecting team performance. The effect of congruence in mindfulness, as a psychological factor, amongst team members is explored and linked to dynamic team structures in which workers can flourish, using empirical data and simulation techniques. The team structure is defined by team cognition. By introducing a model of mindful team membership as a framework whereby team members bring moment-to-moment awareness and a nonjudgmental approach into practice during team interactions, the emergence of human flourishing is studied. Through qualities of listening and non-reactivity, team members enhance their self-efficacy, perspective-taking abilities and emotional intelligence, and broaden their scope and guide their behavior towards high performance team outcomes.
 

60. Precision Teaching and Multiple Exemplars Training: strategies to improve reading in children with learning disabilities
FRANCESCA CAVALLINI, University of Parma - Learning Centre TICE
FEDERICA BERARDO, University of Parma - Learning Centre TICE
Martina Nani, University of Parma - Learning Centre TICE
Silvia Perini Ph.D., University of Parma

Celeration is all about reaching performance fluency in a timely manner. Ogden Lindsley related celeration to agility. In business & other organizations, agility is the capacity to rapidly and efficiently adapt to changes. Precision Teaching encapsules the concept of agile performance in its measurement of celeration. The study describes the effects of precision teaching traning with multiple exemplars on reading skill in for children with learning disabilities. Data show how the traning non only promote acquisition and retention of target words but it works in build an untaught repertoire. Children learn to read faster new set of words and to reach the aim in less time. According with RFT, the intervention promote the acquisition of higher order verbal operant (reading) with fluency building strategies and a multiple exemplars training.

OTHER

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61. The influence of acceptance in coping with anxiety in sportive competition
JOSE PINTO-GOUVEIA, MSc, Ph.D., University of Coimbra
Ana Maria de Jesus Xavier, MSc., University of Coimbra

It has been empirically showed the importance of acceptance of private events (thoughts, emotions and sensations) as a protective factor to the development of high anxiety levels and psychological distress.

But it has been less studied the importance of acceptance as a beneficial component for coping with competition stress.Using AAQ-II, the present study investigates, within a sample of 106 swimming athletes, the influence of acceptance in anxiety symptomatology, psychological skills and perception of a threat, on athletes in sportive competition.

Results show that acceptance are positively related with psychological skills, and negatively related with the competitive anxiety and the perception of a threat. Regression analysis shows that acceptance is a unique contribution to competitive anxiety prediction.

62. Finding Common Ground in Acceptance and Relationship: Using Compatibility with Clinician Treatment Goals to Enhance Implementation
ELIZABETH GIFFORD, PH.D., VA Palo Alto Health Care System
MEGAN OSER, PH.D., VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Kenneth Weingardt, Ph.D., VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Sara Tavakoli, B.A., VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Promoting evidence-based practice (EBP) implementation is about promoting clinician behavior change (Gifford & Humphreys, 2007; Weingardt & Gifford, 2007). Influencing clinician behavior requires understanding (a) clinicians’ current treatment practices, and (b) factors influencing their adoption of new practices (Biglan & Hayes, 1996). We propose a novel behavioral strategy for promoting implementation of evidence based practices: identify what matters to clinicians and offer them tools compatible with their treatment goals and values. A survey assessing clinical practices and adoption influences was conducted with 75 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) SUD practitioners and 149 non-VA community-based SUD practitioners. Along with component practices of EBPs derived from the National Quality Forum standards (Power, Nishimi, & Kizer, 2005), the survey includes a practice subscale based on an empirically-supported model of common proximal outcomes (acceptance and relationship context (ARC); Gifford et al., 2006) , and organizational, professional, and motivational influences on adoption based on Roger’s Diffusion of Innovations (1995). Clinicians’ treatment orientations were significantly related to their endorsement of specific EBPs although clinicians used components from a variety of EBPs. Motivational Interviewing (MI) was the most frequently endorsed EBP. However, every ARC item was endorsed with high frequency, and ARC was the only subscale endorsed with high frequency in its entirety for both clinician samples. ARC items comprised almost 25% of the high-frequency individual practice items, although 10% was the expected proportion. More MI items were included among the high-frequency items than was true for any other EBP scale, reflecting common practices related to the therapeutic relationship such as providing support, empathizing, and reflective listening. Thus, the findings show that clinicians frequently focus on acceptance and relationship goals with their clients, proximal processes that have been linked to positive long-term treatment outcomes (Hayes et al., 1996; Gifford et al., 2004). In terms of influences on adoption, clinicians report that they are most likely to adopt a new intervention if (a) the treatment fits with the clinician’s existing values, experiences, and needs (compatibility), and (b) the treatment can be integrated with the treatment already provided (compatibility). Clinicians are most likely to sustain adoption if (a) the new treatment could be integrated with the treatment already provided (compatibility), (b) the treatment improved their clinical effectiveness (relative advantage), and (c) they were able to use the treatment successfully (observability). In conclusion, acceptance and relationship focused clinical practices are common among substance use disorder (SUD) clinicians. Emphasizing compatibility with existing acceptance and relationships process goals may promote implementation of acceptance-based treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

63. The positive nature of negative emotions: Using emotion information to increase well being
ILIOS KOTSOU, Louvain University, Belgium
Moïra Mikolajczak, Louvain University, Belgium

Teaching people to use unpleasant emotions as valuable indicators of unsatisfied fundamental needs may increase their happiness. We hypothesized so, via the mediating action of two processes: increased emotional acceptance and better need management. One hundred and thirty two participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Results revealed that the level of emotional acceptance and the efficiency of need management increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. This increase led in turn to a significant increase of subjective happiness. In line with our predictions, these changes were associated with a significant improvement in psychological well-being, as evidenced by an increase in happiness, optimism, need satisfaction and positive to negative affect balance. This study suggests that considering negative emotions as conveying positive information may be emotionally beneficial. The theoretical implications of these results as well as their practical and clinical implications will be discussed.
 

64. Binge Drinking and the Effectiveness of Anti Binge Drinking Advertisements
SONJA JANKOVIC Master Clinical Psychology Candidate, University of Adelaide
Paul Delfabbro, Assoc. Professor, University of Adelaide

The purpose of this study was to identify person, social group, and environmental factors associated with uptake of binge drinking among a sample of 136 university students (aged 18-25 years) and to gauge the perceived effectiveness of various real-life anti-drinking advertisements. Participants completed the AUDIT, a measure of self-efficacy, their state of change, and outcome expectations. Participants were randomly allocated to stimulus conditions differentiated by the advertisement content, e.g., whether it emphasized social or health impacts or a combination of both. Drinking attitudes were assessed before and after exposure using a pre-post test design. None of the well-produced and well-known advertisements generated any attitudinal change. As found previously, students who reported that their peers and family drank heavily were more likely to engage in binge drinking behaviour. The majority of participants had positive rather than negative attitudes towards levels of alcohol consumption and were considered ‘hazardous’ drinkers by the AUDIT.
 

65. An Effort About Cognitive and Behavior Psychotherapies from Turkey
K. FATIH YAVUZ, MD., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurology, Istanbul, TURKEY

Cognitive Therapies have not too long story in Turkey. There are only three CBT trainers and less than ten certificated therapist. However nowadays there are too much young candidates working for being a certificated therapist in CBT. From this historical point of view it is easy to say that Contextual Psychology is a very new approach for Turkish scientific community.

As one of the most interested therapists about Contextual Psychology and Third Wave Behaviorism I am reading, studying and researching about these more recent approaches. Also with my CBT Supervisor we have a presentation called “Similarities and differences between Cognitive Therapy and Third Wave Behavioral Therapies” at National Psychiatry Congress 2011.

My Hospital is the biggest Psychiatry Hospital of Turkey and there is about 50 Psychiatrists and 120 Psychiatry Residents. I am responsible from the training of residents about CBT and recent Behavioral Approaches. So many things have to do about this area in Turkey.
 

66. Dissemination and training in empirically-supported therapies in Argentina
FABIAN MAERO, Argentina

Despite the high number of clinical psychologists in Argentina (649 inhabitants per psychologist, Alonso, 2006), the vast majority are not trained in empirically-supported therapies[EST]. In fact, only 15.9% of psychologists work within a cognitive and/or behavioral framework in clinical practice. Nevertheless, around 83% of mental health professionals share a negative view of the field’s current status. ACT/RFT could provide a transition model, offering EST's in applied psychology, which can evolve within the humanist tradition of Argentine psychology and lead to better using the human resources currently available. Our main goal as ACT therapists in a young institution [Fundacion Foro], is to work toward disseminating and clinical training in ESTs, specifically ACT, DBT and Behavioral Activation.
 

67. Field Coordinator for Informal Education
MICHAEL GBORIE, Social Worker, Sierra Leone

I am working with the Free Pentecostal Development and Relief Agency(FREPDRA), the development wing of the Free Pentecostal Mission Sierra Leone (faith based organization). FREPDRA was established in 1994. it is funded by the PMU Interlife and the Swedish International Development Agency(SIDA).
FREPDRA""s mandate is two fold:
1. Humanitarian relief and
2. Education- formal and informal education.
FREPDRA undertaks humanitarian activities only when the need arise but the formal and informal education are on going simultaneously . Under the formal education sector, FREPDRA undertakes construction of primary and junior secondary schools,FREPDRA also provides learning and teaching materials to the schools that are being constructed ,trains and recruits teachers and pays salaries to those teachers until they are enrolled on the government payroll. the formal education sector is headed by the Education Secretary.

The informal education sector undertakes HIV/AIDS awareness raising activities, human rights , children and womens"" rights through seminars. the sector is headed by the Informal Education Coordinator, the position i have held since 2007. my main duties include: making seminar arrangements, inviting stakeholders of the community as seminar participants.These participants include youth leaders, heads of authorities, women leaders, etc, i am also responsible for contracting facilitators for the seminars,i also pay their allowances as well as the participants setting allowances, and finally make my periodic reports to the director of the project based in Freetown. FREPDRA operates in the rural areas in the country.However, at the moment only the formal education is in active operation while funds are being sourced for the informal sector.

Apart from my formal work , i also serve as one of the Sunday school teachers in my church. i as well facilitate during the annual national youth camp on HIV/AIDS and gender. At home i sometimes undertake counseling session with my clients having had some knowledge in Acceptance and commitment therapy training by ACT foundation in Freetown in January this year through Beate, this training has helped me tremendously and i am happy that i can share the experience gained with those in traumatic situation.
 

68. Restoring Dignity and Integrity to the hopeless
HANNAH BOCKAIRE, Sierra Leone

In Sierra Leone we work on counselling and trauma treatment for individuals, groups and families. We put on Trauma Recovery Workshops and especially work with vulnerable girls. We work with other partners and organizations who help us in our mission.
 

69. Priestly and Social Work in Sierra Leone
Fr. SYLVESTRE KICHE, Sierra Leone
RFT - Clinical

I am a passionate psychologist. I obtained my first Degree in Psychology and later a Diploma in Human Resource Management and finally a Masters in Philosophy. Currently, I work as a full time priest working for the community and my parish. I am providing support for positive human behavioral actions. In Africa today there are many issues around psychological stress and trauma and they are easily linked to things like posession and witchcraft, but this is so because of the economic problems, and many other challenges these people have been faced with. HIV/AIDS, war trauma, and poverty are common challenges in the lives of those in my community. The provision of mindful, respectful and confidence building in the minds of the victims of psychological challenges is a paramount issue in today’s work as a social worker and a priest with keen interest in the development and well being of the people.
 

RFT - CLINICAL

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70. IRAP as a measure of change in self-esteem in children with ADHD
DANIEL ANIORTE MARTÍNEZ, University of Almeria (Spain)
Maria del Mar Montoya Rodríguez, University of Almeria (Spain)
Francisco Javier Molina Cobos, University of Almeria (Spain)
Maria del Carmen Amador Castro, University of Almeria (Spain)

The current study aims to provide an implicit and explicit measures of self-esteem in children with ADHD. The implicit measure is the IRAP (Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure). IRAP is a computerized task designed to measure the latency of relational responses when the subject must respond under pressure, quickly and accurately. The relational responses are of “Same” and “Opposite” between “I” versus “Others” and positive and negative evaluative terms (E.g. Strong and Weak). The explicit measure employed is the Piers-Harris Scale. With an intrasubject ABA design with control measures, induced changes on self-esteem behaviors (B) are measured pre and post treatment (A) with both implicit and explicit tests. The results are analyzed both intra and inter subjects levels, concluding on the efficacy of the training used in the improvement of the self-esteem and the differential sensibility of the IRAP with regard to the explicit measure of the changes.
 

71. A review of security priming and its utility as a therapuetic tool
GERY KARANTZAS, Ph.D., Deak University
Kellie Karantzas, DPsych, Private Practice

The concept of security priming (enhancing a person’s sense of safety and security) has been found to be associated with better management of various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD and eating disorders. Developed from an attachment theory framework, security priming shares qualities with relational frame approaches to therapy. Despite the similarities, few have attempted to outline the therapy implications of security priming for therapists working from a Relational Frame Theory perspective. In this presentation we review the literature linking security priming to mental health outcomes and discuss the different security priming approaches that may be integrated into therapeutic practice.

72. Basic Frame Protocol: a training for higher order verbal operants
ROBERTO CATTIVELLI, University of Parma - Learning Centre TICE
SARA ANDOLFI, Learning Centre TICE
Silvia Perini, Learning Centre TICE
Valentina Tirelli, University of Parma

From a Behavior Analytic perspective, the ability of describing and comparing objects is an example of autoclitic tact. From a RFT perspective instead, this skill is related to frames of coordination, distinction and comparison. This study verifies the effect of a Multiple Exemplar training concerning the “basic frame” of coordination, distinction and comparison on the skill of describing random pictures. Participants were 3 typically developing and 1 subject with special needs, aged from 11 to 17. The procedure used to promote fluent performances includes Precision Teaching (fluency building), modeling e Learn Units. First results seems to confirm the importance of a training with the frames of coordination, distinction and comparison for the acquisition of higher order verbal operants.
 

RFT-RESEARCH

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73. Relational Frame Theory and Executive Functioning
DANIEL STARK, University of Nottingham
DAVID DAWSON, University of Lincoln

Executive functions are commonly referred to as the higher mental processes, but it is only in the last 40 years that it was formally conceptualised as a component of working memory (Baddeley & Hitch, 1974). Executive functioning has been implicated in a range of clinical conditions, from theory of mind abilities in autism (Hill, 2004) to schizophrenia (Savla, et al., 2011), but it still awaits a universally agreed upon definition. In this poster we examine conceptual links between relational frame theory and executive functioning, including alternative conceptual definitions. Methodology and results of a preliminary study investigating the relationship between relational framing abilities and measures of executive function will be discussed.

74. Discrimination of Emotions with Young People with Down's Syndrome
Maria del Carmen Amador Castro., University of Almeria (Spain)
DANIEL ANIORTE MARTÍNEZ, University of Almeria (Spain)
Francisco Javier Molina Cobos, University of Almeria (Spain)
Maria del Mar Montoya Rodríguez, University of Almeria (Spain)

One of the goals of the intervention with people with developmental disabilities is that they may discriminate emotions in others. This study examines how complex discriminations such as these can be developed in young people with Down’s Syndrome (18 to 23 years). The participants are young people who have difficulties in responding differentially to 4 emotions (joy, sadness, anger and fear) presented in 4 series of photographs (6 for each emotion). The goal is to discriminate each of the series consistently. Secondly should relate the emotions of a character with four different sets of situations without "logic" relations (according to cultural criteria) defined by specific contextual cues (work, leisure, shopping and sports). We evaluate the predictions of the participants about the character's feelings in other new situations with the same contextual cues as well as other functionally equivalent situations (coordination relation).
 

75. Transfer of aversive functions in children
Maria del Mar Montoya Rodríguez, University of Almeria (Spain)
DANIEL ANIORTE MARTÍNEZ, University of Almeria (Spain)
Francisco Javier Molina Cobos, University of Almeria (Spain)
Maria del Carmen Amador Castro, University of Almeria (Spain)

A study about transfer of aversive functions is presented with children of 10 years. We use three pre-existing equivalence classes (vowels, shapes and colors) and videos of aversive, neutral and reinforcing content, in accordance with assessing by each participant. Children watch three movies of these contents and they evaluate their degree of discomfort and preferences to watch them again. The videos are labeled with elements of the three classes (A1, A2, A3) and children are then asked to associate them with new videos which have been also labeled (B1, C1, B2, C2, B3, C3). Established relations are measured, as well as the degree of discomfort created and preferences for viewing. Relations between videos are examined according to the classes involved and also the transfer of functions assigned to the new videos. We discuss the clinical implications in development at fears and its treatment.
 

76. Transformation of functions through the relational frame of coordination: mutual and combinatorial entailment
JOSE FENOY CASTILLA, Universidad de Almería
Carmen Luciano Soriano, Universidad de Almería
Francisco J. Ruiz, Universidad de Almería

This study aims to show the transfer of functions through mutual and combinatorial entailments within a frame of coordination and to analyze how these functions are transformed with the inclusion of new stimuli within the relational networks. Participants were trained on 10 pairs of arbitrary relations through a respondent procedure (An-Bn). Afterward, in half of the pairs, one of the members (B) was conditioned with aversive pictures while the remaining half was paired with neutral pictures. Participants evaluated their attraction for both As and Bs stimuli at the end of the subsequent phases. After that, each A stimulus was paired with the opposite function given to its corresponding B stimulus. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to two conditions: the experimental and the control condition. The control condition consisted only in the administration of the stimuli evaluations.
 

77. The formation of functional classes by derived means
JOSE FENOY CASTILLA, Universidad de Almería
Carmen Luciano Soriano, Universidad de Almería
Francisco J. Ruiz, Universidad de Almería

This study aims to show the transfer of functions through mutual and combinatorial entailments within a frame of coordination and to analyze if functional classes of stimuli would emerge by derived means. Participants were trained on 8 pairs of arbitrary relations through a respondent procedure (An-Bn). Afterward, in half of the pairs, one of the members (B) was conditioned with aversive pictures while the remaining half was paired with neutral pictures. After that, participants were tested for the formation of two functional classes: (a) the Bs stimuli with aversive functions, and (b) the Bs stimuli with neutral functions. Finally, participants were tested for the formation of two derived functional classes: (a) the As stimuli with derived aversive functions, and (b) the Bs stimuli with a neutral functions. Results are discussed highlighting the potential of derived relational responding in creating a myriad of functional classes without an explicit training.
 

78. A Visual Representation Measure of Diffusion
PATRISIA NIKOLAOU, University of Cyprus
MARIA KAREKLA, University of Cyprus

Diffusion is one of the techniques utilized in ACT and aims for a person to be able to watch a thought dispassionately thus, see it for what it is, i.e. just a thought and nothing more. Lock and colleagues (2001) utilize a technique where a therapist asks the client to measure her progress using Venn diagram figures to illustrate how much of herself remains preoccupied with Anorexia. This technique may be used as a fusion/diffusion measure and it is appealing given that it is more of a visual representation rather than a verbal one. In the current study the purpose is to use this figurative measurement in an ACT study of smoking cessation in adolescence. Participants are 50 high school smokers. Each participant was asked to make this representation at the beginning of each of 8 sessions. The participants used a circular stamp to show where they consider themselves to be in relation to an existing stamp which represented smoking related thoughts. The distance between the middles of the two circles are measured in mm and the longer the distance between the two circles the more diffused the client is in relation to smoking thoughts. Results will be discussed in terms of whether this technique can be used as a process measure of diffusion in clinical practice.
 

79. An exploratory experimental analysis of the role of relational processes in the expansion of attentional bias for threat
SONSOLES VALDIVIA-SALAS, Ph.D., University of Saragossa
Marisa Páez-Blarrina, Ph.D., Instituto ACT. Complutense University of Madrid
Sebastián Lombas-Fouletier, University of Saragossa
Olga Gutiérrez-Martínez, Ph.D., University of Barcelona

Anxious individuals selectively attend to, and show difficulties disengaging from, unpleasant emotional stimuli. Research has shown that threat-biased processing develops as a consequence of aversive fear learning. We aimed at exploring the emergence of attentional bias for arbitrary stimuli in an equivalence relation with threatening stimuli. Healthy university students participated. Two 3-member equivalence classes (A1-B1-C1, A2-B2-C2) were first trained. Participants were then presented with an exogenous spatial cueing task both prior to and after classical conditioning with A stimuli (i.e., A1- unpleasant; A2-pleasant): A1, A2, C1, and C2 served as cues located either on the left or on right side of the screen, and were immediately followed by a target located either at the same or at the opposite location of the cue. Latency to correctly identify the location of the target was assessed. The role of derivation of functions in complex behavior such as attentional bias is discussed.
 

80. Measuring explicit and implicit responses towards suffering in the developed and developing world: a pilot study
Miles Thompson, University of Worcester
LOUISE MCHUGH, Swansea University

'Povertyism' occurs when ""negative attitudes towards people who experience poverty become embedded and affect behaviour towards them."" Much work still needs to be done to assess this prejudice and provide evidence of how to reduce its influence on behaviour. The current study aimed to (1) design and implement both explicit (questionnaire) and implicit (Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure; poverty-IRAP) measures of prejudice towards poverty in an attempt to detect anti-poverty attitudes were they are apparent. 20 undergraduate students completed the implicit and explicit questionnaires in order to compare overt and covert attitudes to poverty. The results suggest that responding on the poverty-IRAP reflects explicit attitudes towards poverty. These results are discussed in terms on the impact detection of povertyism could have on interventions for negative attitudes toward povertyism.
 

81. IRAP alone: An implicit measure of loneliness
ANDREAS LARSSON, Swansea University
Louise McHugh, Swansea University

Improving social isolation and loneliness is a target for social and health services in many countries. Loneliness is the emotional experience of being alone and has been correlated with higher risk of mental health problems such as depression. Previous research has shown that an Implicit Attitude Task (IAT) developed for loneliness correlated more highly with reactivity to laboratory induced stress than explicit measures. The purpose of this study was to develop an implicit computer-based measure of loneliness using the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP). Participants were required to answer both in line with and against their stated attitude by selecting alternatively TRUE and FALSE for “I do feel” and “I don’t feel” in relation to two different groups of “Lonely” (consistent) and “Non-lonely” (inconsistent) stimuli. Before the IRAP participants were exposed to the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, an Explicit measure of loneliness, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. The results suggest that the implicit measure of loneliness was related to the de Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and the BDI-II. The results are discussed in terms of the clinical implications of implicit detection of loneliness.
 

82. Contextual control of transformation of function in three-member equivalence classes
William Perez, Ph.D. student at University of São Paulo - Brazil, University of São Paulo; Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento, São Paulo - Brazil
YARA NICO, master in Experimental Behavior Analysis, Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento, São Paulo - Brazil
ROBERTA KOVAC, master in Experimental Behavior Analysis, Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento, São Paulo - Brazil
Adriana Fidalgo, master student in Experimental Behavior Analysis, Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento, São Paulo - Brazil; PUC de São Paulo

The contextual control of transformation of functions may be a central issue to understand behavior flexibility. However, few experimental studies have investigated this topic. The present study, systematically replicating previous experiments, aimed to investigate if it is possible to have equivalence-based transformation of function under contextual control. Two adults participated in a one-to-many matching-to-sample training (AB AC) and were tested for the establishment of three 3-member equivalence classes. After that, participants were taught to press specific numbers on the keyboard conditionally to the presence of two different contextual stimuli (X and Y) given the presence of stimuli from set B (e.g., X-B1-Press 1, Y-B1-Press 2, X-B2-Press 3, Y-B2-Press 4...). In order to evaluate the establishment of contextual-controlled transformation of function, contextual stimuli and stimuli from set C were presented during a test phase in which participant's key-pressing responses were not followed by programmed consequences. Data collection is still in progress.
 

83. Implicit Attitudes Toward Homosexuality in Mental Health Professionals
DESIRÉE DA CRUZ CASSADO, M.A., Instituto ACT, Spain
Marisa Paez, Ph.D, Instituto ACT, Spain
Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., Universidad de Almería

The current study aims to analyze the implicit attitudes towards homosexuality in mental health professionals from Spain and Brazil. Thirty participants (fifteen per group) responded to a demographic sheet and to the following questionnaires: The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II; Bond et al., under review), and The Stigmatizing Attitudes Believability (Hayes et al., 2004). Afterwards, participants were exposed to an Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP; Barnes-Holmes et al., 2006) task designed to compare implicit attitudes towards heterosexual individuals versus homosexual individuals. Results were presented in terms of the comparison between both types of participants and in terms of the differential predictive power of explicit versus implicit attitudes in mental health professionals’ burnout symptoms.
 

84. Deictic Relations and Youth Health Attitudes and Behaviour.
LIDIA BUDZISZEWSKA, Instituto ACT Madrid Espana

The difficulty of understanding human behaviour related to health is why the deictic relations and temporal perspective are considered siginifcante in perspective taking and decision making. Young people are in a great risk of unhealthy attitudes and behaviours and that's why wide health promotion and prevention programmes are taking place. Anyway it's seems difficult to consider that the information which is given would actually change attitudes and behaviours young people have. It is believed that the flexibility in decitic relations and temporal perspectives would be related to healthier attitudes and behaviour. This poster is pretending to show the results from the study of Deictic Relations, Temporal Perspective related to Attitudes and Behaviour young people (15-18) in Madrid province have.

 

Below you will find a variety of audio recorded symposia and panel discussions that were presented at the ACBS World Conference IX in Parma, Italy July 13-15, 2011.

HometownScience.org: Building Contextual Science for Everyone, I Hear the Sound of the Mississippi Delta
KELLY G. WILSON, Ph.D.
Length: 56 minutes 13 seconds

 

Self-as-Context, Acceptance, and Defusion in Self-Compassion and Human Liberation
JAMIE YADAVAIA & TAMI JEFFCOAT
Length: 1hour 40 minutes 37 seconds

 

Opening Address
DERMOT BARNES-HOLMES
Length: 46 minutes 15 seconds

 

Why should clinicians bother to learn RFT?
NIKLAS TORNEKE, M.D.
Length: 42 minutes 18 seconds

 

Cultivating healing therapeutic relationships by combining ACT and FAP
BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, MA, MSc
KATIA MANDUCHI, MA
MARIE-FRANCE BOLDUC M.Psy
Length: 36 minutes 25 seconds

 

"My Client and I Just Seem To Get Stuck...": How To Foster Creative Hopelessness Creatively
MARY SAWYER & MARTIN BROCK

Length: 2 hours 31 minutes 15 seconds

 

Owning your science values: Using philosophy as your compass
Chair: DOUGLAS LONG

• Philosophy across the battle-lines
THOMAS G. SZABO, MA, BCBA
W. LARRY WILLIAMS, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• The practical implications of pragmatism: Why philosophy matters
DOUGLAS LONG

Length: 50 minutes 30 seconds

 

Research for Clinicians: Evaluating the Client-Therapist Interaction in Successful and Unsuccessful Cases of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
JONATHAN KANTER, Ph.D.
Length: 1 hour 0 minutes 13 seconds

 

Mastering the Metaphor: An Experiential Workshop to learn and practice the art of using metaphors in psychotherapy
COLLEEN EHRNSTROM, Ph.D.
Length: 2 hours 39 minutes 25 seconds

PowerPoint Slides

 

Translating Research to Practice: Exploring ACT Constructs in Youth and Families, and Informing Interventions
Co-Chair: LISA W. COYNE, Ph.D.
Co-Chair: LOUISE HAYES Ph.D.

• Stop That, or I’ll Lose My Temper: Relationships between Experiential Avoidance and Aggression in Youths
EDWARD MAHER, M.A. & Lisa Coyne, Ph.D.
• Implications of Experiential Avoidance in Parenting: Child internalizing problems and maternal emotion regulatory strategy predict maternal stress
ALYSHA D. THOMPSON, M.A., Kirstin L. Brown, & Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D.
• ACT group treatment to improve youth psychosocial health – more specifically drug abuse, externalizing- and internalizing problems
FREDRIK LIVHEIM
• Linking ACT Constructs with Developmental Psychopathology: Maternal Emotion Suppression in a Diverse, At-Risk Population – Interrelations with Emotion Socializing Behaviors
Angela M. Burke Currie, M.A. & LISA W. COYNE, Ph.D.
• A Mindfulness-Based Program Aimed at Reducing the Impact of Relational Aggression
CHRISTINA THEODORE-OKLOTA, Ph.D. & Susan Orsillo, Ph.D.

Length: 1 hour 24 minutes 33 seconds

 

Developing an ACT-based group intervention for DBT graduates with personality disorder: Moving from ‘quiet desperation’ to ‘a life worth living’
SUE CLARKE, HELEN BOLDERSTON, & BOB REMINGTON

Length: 59 minutes 21 seconds

PowerPoint Slides

 

Increasing Academic Performance and Engagement
Chair: ANNA BIANCA PREVEDINI, MA

• Effects of ACT-based and CBT-based podcasts on students' academic behavior: the experience of a university counseling project.
ANNA BIANCA PREVEDINI, MA, Francesco Pozzi, MA, Elisa Rabitti, MA,, Giovanni Miselli, Ph.D., & Vincenzo Russo Ph.D.
• ACT-based and psychoeducational classes on academic skills in a university counseling project: strategies and outcomes.
ANNA BIANCA PREVEDINI, MA, Francesco Pozzi, MA, Anna Missaglia, PsyD, Vincenzo Russo, Ph.D., & Paolo Moderato, Ph.D.
• Increasing Student Engagement
N. JOSEPH RODRIGUES
• ACT to Build Leadership for Community Improvement- PowerPoint Slides
LARRY DUMKA, Ph.D.

Length: 58 minutes 28 seconds

 

Ask Not What Exposure Can Do For ACT—Ask What ACT Can Do For Exposure
Chair/Discussant: BRIAN L. THOMPSON, Ph.D.

RIKARD WICKSELL, Ph.D.
CARMEN LUCIANO, Ph.D.
SONJA V. BATTEN, Ph.D.
JONAS RAMNERÖ, Ph.D.

Length: 1 hour 7 minutes 51 seconds

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World Conference 9 Powerpoints & Handouts