Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS)
Volume 33, July 2024
Authors
Erin K. Johns, Seint Kokokyi, Darren Neufeld, Valerie Krysanski, Benjamin P. Meek
Abstract
Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions are well-suited to facilitate timely access to effective treatment for patients experiencing common mental health concerns. This study piloted a 4-session virtual ACT group for primary care patients experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety (n = 21). Changes in symptoms of depression and anxiety, psychological flexibility, and quality of life (QoL) were examined at post-treatment and at 1- and 3-month follow-up. At a group level, there were significant reductions in symptoms of depression for all time points and symptoms of anxiety were significantly reduced at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Measures of psychological flexibility and QoL were significantly improved at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Reliable change index scores revealed high proportions of individual improvement for depression and anxiety symptoms (56–83% across time points). Proportions of reliable change ranged from 25 to 50% for measures of psychological flexibility and QoL at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Overall, these results are comparable with previously reported rates of improvement for empirically supported treatments and provide preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of this brief ACT intervention delivered in a community setting.