Possible credit hours:

• 2-day pre-conference workshops: 13 hours

• 1-day pre-conference workshop: 6.5 hours

• ACBS World Conference 2014 (attending all CE events): 29 hours

Types of Credit Available:

• CE credit is available for psychologists. (APA type)

• CE credit is available for LCSW and MFT credits with the State of California, Board of Behavioral Sciences.
• CE credit is available for Counselors from NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors).*

• CE credit is available for Social Workers from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
• CE credit for BCBAs is available for select events. The exact sessions are here (indicated in yellow on the attached sheet). Please note the multiple tabs on the attached sheet. The following Pre-Conference workshops are eligible for BCBA credits: Exploring ways of doing ACT with kids and parents; Wielding the Double-Edged Sword; Treatment Anxiety Disorders from a Contextual Behavioral Science Viewpoint; RFT for Clinical Use
• (We tried like the dickens to get CME credits for physicians this year, but we weren't able to find a reasonably priced co-sponsor for them. If you know of a way for future events, we'd love to hear from you.)

This program is sponsored by the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. 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.

*This program has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors. *With the exception of the following sessions: 22. The Art of Speaking in Soundbytes; 62. Contextual Behavioral Science and Social Work; 100. Connecting to your Clients, Connecting to your Community: Psychological Flexibility & Social Work Values.

This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval #886495791-2816) for 42 Clinical continuing education contact hours.

BCBA credits are sponsored by Foxylearning.  Thank you Foxylearning!

Fees:

A $45 fee will be required to earn CEs.  If you attend either a pre-conference workshop(s), World Conference, or both, only $45 is due.  If you register for multiple events seperately, please only pay the fee one time.

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.

• CEs are only available for events that qualify as workshops, symposia, invited lecture, panel discussion, or plenary sessions. Poster sessions, IGNITE sessions, and some other specialty sessions do not qualify for Continuing Education.

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

Pre-Conference Workshops (2-day & 1-day)

June 17, 2014 - 9:00am-5:15pm

June 18, 2014 - 9:00am-5:15pm 

ACBS World Conference XII

June 18, 2014 - (approx.) 7:30pm - June 22, 2014 - 12:00pm noon

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By day...

Note: The break and lunch times listed below are approximate.

Monday, June 16, 2014

4:30pm-6pm

Registration (registration desk on 4th floor of Marriott City Center, near Ballroom))

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

7:30am-9am

Registration (registration desk on 4th floor of Marriott City Center, near Ballroom))

9:00am-5:15pm (Breaks, 10:30-10:45am; Lunch, 12:00pm-1:15pm; Break, 3:30-3:45pm)

Workshops

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

7:30am-9:00am

Registration (registration desk on 4th floor of Marriott City Center)

9:00am-5:15pm (Breaks, 10:30-10:45am; Lunch, 12:00pm-1:15pm; Break, 3:30-3:45pm)

Workshops

3:00-4:30pm

Registration (registration desk on 4th floor of Marriott City Center)

7:00-7:30/45pm

Rookies Retreat: First ACBS Conference Orientation (St. Croix I, 6th floor)

7:30-9:00pm

Registration (registration desk on 4th floor of Marriott City Center)

7:30pm -10:30pm

Opening Social and Chapter & SIG Event (Grand Ballroom)

Thursday, June 19, 2014

7:30am-4:30pm

Registration (registration desk on 4th floor of Marriott City Center)

7:00am-8:00am

Morning Yoga session

8:00am-9:00am

Morning Mindfulness session

Chapter/SIG/Committee Meetings

9:00am-5:45pm (Breaks, 10:15am-10:30am; Lunch, 12:00pm-1:15pm; Break, 4:15pm-4:30pm)

Conference Sessions

7:00-10:00pm

Nicollet Island Pavilion Event & Dinner (40 Power Street, Minneapolis)

Friday, June 20, 2014

7:00am-8:00am

Morning Yoga session

8:00am-9:00am

Morning Mindfulness session

Chapter/SIG/Committee Meetings

9:00am-5:45pm (Breaks, 10:15am-10:30am; Lunch, 12:00pm-1:15pm; Break, 4:15pm-4:30pm)

Conference Sessions

7:30pm-10:00pm

Poster Session (Grand Ballroom, Marriott City Center)

Saturday, June 21, 2014

7:00am-8:00am

Morning Yoga session

8:00am-9:00am

Morning Mindfulness session

Chapter/SIG/Committee Meetings

9:00am-5:45pm (Breaks, 10:15am-10:30am; Lunch, 12:00pm-1:15pm; Break, 4:15pm-4:30pm)

Conference Sessions

8:00pm-10:30pm (Follies begin at approx. 8:30pm)

Follies! in the ballroom at the Marriott City Center (A cash bar will be available. All family & friends are welcome at this event.)

10:30pm-1:00am

Dance Party!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

7:00am-8:00am

Morning Yoga session

9:00am-12:00pm noon (Break, 10:15am-10:30am)

Conference Sessions

Sonja Batten, Ph.D.*

Sonja Batten is a Senior Associate with Booz Allen Hamilton and clinical psychologist. She was formerly Deputy Chief Consultant for Specialty Mental Health with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affiars, with extensive experience in traumatic stress, postdeployment psychological health, substance use disorders, and women’s health. She has many years of experience in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), working on national mental health policy for United States veterans. Sonja has been active in the ACT community for almost two decades, providing ACT training in the United States and internationally for the past 15 years. She is one of the original ACT trainers recognized by the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, is currently President of ACBS, and is the author of the well-received text, Essentials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

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Frank Bond, Ph.D.* (Co-author: Ross White, Ph.D.)

Frank Bond, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Management at Goldsmiths College, University of London, where he is also Director of the Institute of Management Studies. His research and practice focus on identifying the psychological processes by which ACT, leadership and organisational interventions impact the health and productivity of organisations and their employees. Frank is a Fellow and Past-President of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.

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Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D.*

Kelly Brownell is Dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, and is Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Duke Global Health Institute. Prior to joining the faculty at Duke, Brownell was at Yale University where he was the James Rowland Angell Professor of Psychology, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, and Director of the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity. While at Yale he served as Chair of the Department of Psychology and as Master of Silliman College.

Brownell has been elected to membership in the Institute of Medicine and has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association, Graduate Mentoring Award from Yale, and Distinguished Alumni Awards Purdue and Rutgers. In 2006 Time magazine listed Kelly Brownell among “The World’s 100 Most Influential People” in its special Time 100 issue featuring those “.. whose power, talent or moral example is transforming the world.”

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Jan De Houwer, Ph.D.* (Co-authors: Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D. & Dermot Barnes-Holmes)

After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Leuven (Belgium) in 1997, Jan De Houwer was a Lecturer at the University of Southampton (UK) from 1998 to 2001. Since 2001, he has worked at Ghent University (Belgium) where he heads the Learning and Implicit Processes Laboratory. His research is related to the manner in which spontaneous (automatic) preferences are learned and can be measured. Regarding the learning of preferences, he focuses on the role of stimulus pairings (associative learning). With regard to the measurement of preferences, he developed new reaction time measures and examined the processes underlying various measures. Jan De Houwer (co-)authored more than 190 publications in international journals including Psychological Bulletin and Behavioral and Brain Sciences. He was co-editor of the journal Cognition and Emotion and is a member of the editorial board of several journals including Journal of Experimental Psychology: General and Psychological Bulletin.

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Harold D. Green, Jr., Ph.D.*

Harold D. Green, Jr. (Hank) is a Senior Behavioral Scientist at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, where he is the director of the RAND Center for Applied Network Analysis and Systems Science. Hank uses network analyses to understand the social and cultural determinants of health. He leads an NIH-funded longitudinal study that investigates influence and selection processes associated with substance use and other risk behaviors among American adolescents (including an exploration of how the transition to high school may impact those processes). Other projects focus on the propagation of HIV-related conspiracy beliefs among HIV+ African-Americans in Los Angeles; sexual health and sexual risk-taking among Lebanese men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers, and trans-gender individuals in Beirut; and how changing network composition and structure are linked to HIV care adherence among HIV+ Ugandans. High-risk populations are also a focus, investigating connections among network structure, network composition, substance use, and risky sexual behavior for homeless women, homeless men, and homeless youth. His funding sources include the University of California Tobacco Related Disease Research Program, the National Institute for Child and Human Development, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute on Mental Health, and the MacArthur Foundation. He holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Florida and is an Alumnus of the University of Illinois Training Grant in Quantitative Psychology, of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications Center for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and of the Science of Networks in Communities Research Group.

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Zindel Segal, Ph.D.*

Zindel Segal, Ph.D., is Distinguished Professor of Mood Disorders at the University of Toronto Scarborough and a Senior Scientist in the Campbell Family Research Institute at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Dr. Segal has studied and published widely on psychological treatments for depressive and anxiety disorders for more than 30 years. Most recently, he and his colleagues have pioneered the combined use of mindfulness meditation and cognitive therapy as an effective relapse prevention treatment. Both clinical and neural findings indicate that patients who practice mindfulness develop meta-cognitive awareness of their emotions which, in turn, reduces their reactivity to negative affect. Dr. Segal's publications include Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Depression, and The Mindful Way Through Depression, and The Mindful Way Workbook, a patient guide that outlines this approach.

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Gregory Madden, Ph.D.

Gregory J. Madden received his Ph.D. degree from West Virginia University in 1995. He began his study of behavioral economics during his post-doctoral years at the University of Vermont. Dr. Madden’s research is largely focused on the behavioral economics of addiction and health decision-making. Much of Dr. Madden’s research has focused on impulsive decision-making. His early research documented extreme impulsivity in individuals addicted to illicit drugs and cigarettes. Later research revealed that impulsive decision making predicted cocaine self-administration in rats. His current work is exploring the possibility of reducing impulsivity. Dr. Madden’s second line of research explores behavioral economic approaches to influencing the dietary choices of children. These research endeavors are supported by grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the US Department of Agriculture. Dr. Madden serves on several advisory committees and ad-hoc grant-review panels, and his peer reviewed publications have been cited more than 3,500 times. He is currently the Editor of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior; he co-edited Impulsivity: The Behavioral and Neurological Science of Discounting (APA Books), and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the two-volume APA Handbook of Behavior Analysis.

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Susan Schneider, Ph.D.

Biopsychologist Susan Schneider obtained her graduate education from Brown University (mechanical engineering) and the University of Kansas (developmental psychology/behavior analysis), and is currently a Visiting Scholar at the University of the Pacific. A research pioneer, Schneider was the first to apply the generalized matching law to sequences and to demonstrate operant generalization and matching in neonates. She's proposed a new mathematical model for sequence choice, and her publications also cover the history and philosophy of behavior analysis and the neglected method of sequential analysis. Schneider has long championed the inclusive “systems theory” approach to nature-nurture, and published several influential journal reviews in that area. Her recent book for the public, The Science of Consequences: How They Affect Genes, Change the Brain, and Impact Our World, describes operant behavior principles, their important role in the larger realm of nature and nurture, and their full range of applications. It's a selection of the Scientific American Book Club and received coverage in the journal Nature (see scienceofconsequences.com). Schneider was a friend of B. F. Skinner.

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Daniel "D.J." Moran, Ph.D.

I’d prefer my biography to reflect the most vital and meaningful things in my life, so I should prioritize writing about my family, friends, and love for heavy metal. Alas, this is a professional biography, so it is more appropriate to focus on the fact that I am the founder of the MidAmerican Psychological Institute, a thriving behavior therapy clinic in Chicagoland. I am also the founder of Pickslyde Consulting, an organization aimed at using evidence-based applications to improve performance and wellness in the workplace. Because I have excellent colleagues helping me run these organizations, I was able to accept a position as Senior Vice-President for Quality Safety Edge, a pioneering organization aimed at implementing behavior-based safety processes worldwide.

I earned my Ph.D. from Hofstra in 1998, worked as a university professor for a decade, helped treat dozens of people with Discovery Studio’s Hoarding: Buried Alive show, and currently serve the ACBS Board as secretary-treasurer. I co-authored ACT in Practice (New Harbinger) with my friend Patty Bach. Last year, I published the book Building Safety Commitment in an effort to help front-line workers and leaders improve their safety by learning about mindfulness and values-based motivation.

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David Sloan Wilson, Ph.D.

David Sloan Wilson is President of the Evolution Institute and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Biology and Anthropology at Binghamton University. He uses evolution as a general theoretical framework to understand and improve the human condition, in the same way that evolutionary theory functions in the life sciences. He has been working with ACBS founder Steve Hayes and other ACBS members to integrate principles of ACT and RFT with evolutionary theory. One result of this collaboration is an article in Behavioral and Brain Sciences titled "Evolving the Future: Toward a Science of Intentional Change", which will be published in late 2014 and is currently available online at the BBS website.
 

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* Denotes a Plenary Speaker at WC12

Join us at the beautiful Nicollet Island Pavilion for an evening full of food, drinks, and fun with the ACBS community!

Date:
Thursday Evening, June 19th, 2014
7:00pm-10:00pm

Admittance:
Admittance included with ACBS World Conference registration

ACBS WC12 attendees MUST have their namebadge to gain entrance.

Online registration for Guests is no longer available, however you may purchase guest tickets at the ACBS Registration desk on the 4th floor of the Minneapolis Marriott City Center until 5:00pm, Thursday, June 19.  (Tickets are not available for sale at Nicollet Island.)

What will be there?
Music, dinner, a beautiful venue in the middle of the Mississippi River, and all of your new (and old) conference buddies.

Location:
Nicollet Island Pavilion
40 Power Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401

Directions from the conference venue can be found here.

This event is an easy 15 minute walk away from the conference venue (exactly 1 mile) or a quick taxi ride. You can ride half way there on the free Minneapolis Metro Transit if you prefer. (Organized transportation is not provided.) (If you have a disability that would make this walk difficult, please contact ACBS and we'll work something out. Please indicate if wheelchair accessibility will be necessary for the transportation. support@contextualscience.org )

Or if you prefer to drive, you may park in the lot off of Wilder Street or in the lot alongside the Nicollet Island Pavilion for $.75 per hour.

 

View Larger Map

Some cool images from the ACBS World Conference in Sydney. Too many great moments...

Copyright to images maintained by ACBS.  Please contact us for permission to use a photo.

June 17-18, 2014, at the Marriott City Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA

What to Expect

The 2014 Pre-Conference Workshops offer exciting new opportunities that will engage therapists and researchers of any skill level. Highlights include:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Participate in experiential and didactic workshops to learn this empirically supported therapy
Relational Frame Theory (RFT): Apply this modern perspective on cognition and language to your own research or practice
Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS): Explore the foundations of ACT and RFT to enrich your understanding
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): Supercharge your therapy practice with FAP's relationship-enhancing approach

Combining therapy role-plays, experiential exercises, case presentations, data graphics, focused lectures, and small group discussions, you can expect high-quality training from ACBS Pre-Conference Workshops. Continuing Education Credits are available.

Be sure to review the lists of workshops below to see your full list of options.

When, Where, and How Much?

These workshops will be held the two days immediately preceding the ACBS World Conference XII.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014 - 9:00am-5:15pm
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 - 9:00am-5:15pm

They will be held at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.  You can find parking information for the venue here. The Registration Desk will be on located on the 4th floor of the Marriott, by the Ballroom.

Pre-Conference Workshop  (June 17-18, 2014)

Registration for this event is now closed.
 

*The workshops below 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). CE credits are available.

 

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Learn about the specific workshops below:

WC12 Complete Program - posted May 15, 2014

Go here for information about our Intensive Pre-Conference Workshops

 

For more detail check out our poster list with abstracts, and symposia detail with individual paper abstracts.

 

Here are the folks who are going to put it all together and make WC12 a success:

M. Joann Wright, Ph.D., Linden Oaks at Edward, Chicago, USA - CHAIR

Tony Biglan, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute, USA

Trent Codd III, Ed.S., LPC, FACT, BCBA, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A., Asheville, North Carolina, USA

Aisling Curtin, MSc, ACT Now Ireland

Andrew Gloster, Ph.D., University of Basel, Switzerland

Margherita Gurrieri, Psy.D., IESCUM Italy, Bologna, Italy

Louise Hayes, Ph.D., Orygen Youth Health Research Centre and Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia

Teri Hull, Ph.D., Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA

Laura Koehler, Psy.D., Linden Oaks at Edward, Naperville, Illinois, USA

Igor Krnetic, Ph.D., University of Banja Luka & Private Practice, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Andreas Larsson, Ph.D., Swansea University, U.K.

Nanni Presti, Ph.D., IULM University Milan, IESCUM Italy

Margie Provenzano, Psy.D., Private Practice, Chicago, USA

Graciela Rovner, Ph.D., Rehabilitation Medicine, Neurosciences, Gothenburg University, Sweden

Laura Silberstein, Psy.D., Private Practice, New York, USA

Wanda Smith, Ph.D., Private Practice & McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Poster files will be added as we receive them. If you would like your poster file to be added to this list, please email it to acbsstaff@contextualscience.org.
 

Location: Grand Ballroom

Friday, June 20th, 7:30pm-8:45pm - Poster Session #1 

Friday, June 20th, 8:45pm-10:00pm - Poster Session #2

Image denotes ACBS Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipients

 

Friday, June 20th - Poster Session #1

1. The Role of Values in the Experience of Happiness in Persons with Alzheimer’s disease
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Alzheimer's disease
Lynn Shell, Ph.D., PMHNP, Rutgers University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University

Background. The current understanding of happiness in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is generally limited to information obtained from quality of life measures. Less is known about the subjective experience of happiness for individuals living with AD. Design and methods. Twelve individuals with AD were given cameras and asked to take pictures representing situations that inhibit or support their happiness. Photos served as the starting point for interviews. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed to identify concepts and themes in each transcript. Results. The overarching theme reflected in the data is the presence of lifelong values, historically and contextually based and constructed in relationship with other people, which continue to be important to happiness in AD. Implications. This research suggests the identification of an individual’s core values, and the implementation of person-centered interventions that sustain those values, may improve quality of life and promote a happy, meaningful life in AD.

2. Evaluation of an acceptance-based intervention for children and adolescents with mucositis during cancer treatment
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Pain, mucositis, cancer, children and adolescents, acceptance
Jenny Thorsell Cederberg, M.S., Uppsala University
JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D., Uppsala University
Louise von Essen, Uppsala University
Gustaf Ljungman, Ph.D., Uppsala University

Mucositis, a condition of painful ulcers and inflammation orally or gastro-intestinally, is a common side effect of cancer treatment. In the pediatric population approximately 90 % of patients are affected. According to children and their parents the condition is one of the most painful and debilitating side effects during the whole cancer treatment period. Psychological acceptance has been shown beneficial for persons with chronic pain. Regarding acute pain, acceptance-based methods have fairly recently started to become evaluated scientifically, showing promising results. Meditation interventions for induced experimental pain, with an emphasis on mere observation of painful stimuli without further mental processing in a non-reactive, non-judging way, completely corresponding to the process of acceptance, have been shown to predict increased pain tolerance and decreased pain intensity and experienced unpleasantness of pain. The aim of the present study is to evaluate an acceptance-based intervention for children and adolescents with cancer affected by mucositis.

3. Feeling refreshed? Psychological flexibility and perceptions of sleep quality in a chronic illness sample
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Sleep
Caroline Kelley, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Desiree Green, B.S., Xavier University

For individuals with chronic illness (CI), poor sleep is often associated with decreased daytime functionality and adverse medical and psychological outcomes. We examined differences in measures related to psychological flexibility by subjective (SSQ) ratings of sleep quality (“very”/“fairly” good and “fairly”/“very” bad) in our online CI support group sample. There were significant overall differences by group. Specifically, those with higher SSQ ratings had higher overall life satisfaction in valued areas of living [F(3,364)=6.19,p<.01], CI Acceptance-activity engagement [F(3,362)=16.12,p<.01], CI Acceptance-willingness [F(3,367)=5.93,p<.01], and mindfulness [F(3,382)=12.59,p<.01], and lower levels of illness-related perceived disability [F(3,377)=15.96,p<.01] and experiential avoidance [F(3,381)=13.65,p<.01]. Although 61% of participants rated their SSQ as “fairly” or “very” good,” nearly 80% actually had total objective Sleep Quality Index scores indicating poor sleep. Results highlight how aspects of psychological flexibility may be associated with perceptions of SSQ and hence, vitality. ACT-based treatments may alter sleep quality perceptions, increase functionality, and improve medical outcomes.

4. Chronic illness patients seeking pain relief: Are those who seek psychological care more distressed and less psychologically flexible?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Pain
Caroline Kelley, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University

Chronic illness (CI) and pain management results in substantial annual healthcare cost. Those who suffer with comorbid CI/pain are often dissatisfied with relief achieved with treatments/medications. Psychological inflexibility is associated with higher health care utilization (HCU) and varied efforts to eradicate pain/suffering including psychological care. Our sample of online support group CI sufferers for whom pain was a “primary concern", reported average pain relief of 45.8% (Mode=30%) from treatments/medications. We compared individuals who saw psychologists or psychiatrists on measures of psychological flexibility and HCU. Those who saw a psychologist had greater experiential avoidance (p<.001) and HCU (p=.005), and lower mindfulness (p=.028) and Acceptance-activity engagement (p=.033). Those who saw a psychiatrist had greater experiential avoidance (p<.001), negative affect (p<.001), and HCU (p=.001), and lower positive affect (p=.012), mindfulness (p=.001), and Acceptance-activity engagement/willingness (p’s=<.05). When these individuals seek help, they may be especially distressed/fused and could benefit from ACT-based treatments targeting functional enhancement.

5. Effective ACT-based interventions with chronic illness patients: Achievable with online self-management programs?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Chronic Illness
Matthew Maley, Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
John Forrette, M.A., Xavier University

Care of chronic medical illness (CI) accounts for the majority of cost in health care systems. CI populations exhibit facets of psychological inflexibility that are predictive of poor medical and functional outcome. A sample of individuals (N=577) in online CI support groups were asked if they would be interested in attending behavioral CI self-management sessions with over 77.7% (n=454) responding “Yes”. When asked where they would most like to attend such sessions the three most frequent responses were: “on the internet” (42.6%), “at my doctor’s office” (21.7%), “at a psychology clinic” (9.1%). In our sample, those who expressed interest in sessions had more CIs (p<.001); lower levels of mindfulness (p=.028), CI Acceptance-activity engagement (p=.013), CI Acceptance-willingness (p=.021); and higher experiential avoidance compared to those not interested. Online ACT based CI self-management may be an effective mode of intervention with those struggling to manage CI illness and related symptoms.

6. Coronary artery disease and hypertension patients: Relationships among anxiety sensitivity, mindfulness, chronic illness acceptance, and experiential avoidance
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Anxiety Sensitivity, Mindfulness
John Forrette, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Matthew Maley, B.S., Xavier University

Coronary artery disease and hypertension are serious health concerns, and anxiety sensitivity (fear of sensations associated with anxiety) has recently been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Experiential avoidance (EA) is the attempt to avoid difficult thoughts and feelings. EA is related to health behaviors that increase heart disease risk, such as smoking, drinking, and binge eating. Mindfulness, by contrast, involves an awareness of present moment experiences through an attitude of acceptance and openness. We examined relationships between Anxiety Sensitivity (ASI) subscales (Physical, Cognitive and Social) and mindfulness, chronic illness acceptance and experiential avoidance. Bivariate correlations were notably strong across all variables. There was a strong positive relationship between each ASI subscale and EA (r’s=.511 to .692; p’s<.001) and inverse relationship between ASI subscales and mindfulness (r’s=-.391 to -.582; p’s<.001). It follows that CI Acceptance-willingness was likewise inversely related to each ASI subscale (r’s=-.262 to -.305; p’s<.01).

7. Perceived illness disability, experiential avoidance, mindfulness, and acceptance in chronic illness patients: Does fibromyalgia present a unique opportunity for ACT?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Mindfulness, acceptance, experiential avoidance
Stephanie E. Parazak, B.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Stacy Lorenz, M.A., Xavier University

Fibromyalgia (FM), characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance, is a unique chronic illness (CI) with an unpredictable symptom course. FM is often associated with poor functional outcomes and psychological symptomatology. ACT has shown considerable promise in enhancing functional outcomes in chronic pain patients. To evaluate the potential benefit of ACT in FM patients specifically, relevant theoretical variables were examined in FM patients (n=71) compared to patients with other CIs (n=333) in an online CI support group sample. Overall, FM patients perceived themselves to be more disabled due to their illness [F(1,383)=24.14,p<.01], including greater disability in family/home responsibilities, social activity, occupation, sexual behavior, self-care, and life-support activities [all p’s<.05]. FM survey participants also endorsed higher levels of experiential avoidance [F(1,402)=10.49,p<.01], lower levels of mindfulness [F(1,392)=8.46,p<.01], and lower CI Acceptance-activity engagement [F(1,379)=18.21,p<.01]. Taken together, results suggest that ACT treatment focus in FM patients may foster enhanced function across varied domains.

8. Mindfulness works in Children: Fusion or Fact? A systematic review of randomised control trials conducted thus far
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness based intervention, children
Dr Kannan Kallapiran, M.D., FRANZCP, Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Siew Koo, Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Background Quality of evidence for Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) in children have been variable. Aims Aim of this study is to systematically review the effect of MBIs in children and adolescents with mental health symptoms. Methodology We searched the following databases MEDLINE, EMBASE,CENTRAL, PsychINFO, CINAHL, openDOAR in January 2014created a systematic search strategy for the following terms “mindfulness”, “meditation”, “DBT“ACT”, “MBSR”, “M-CBT”, “Children and Adolescents” and “randomized controlled trials” firstly for MEDLINE and then adapted it to different databases. We have only included RCT that meet our inclusion criteria. Results Two authors screened 1601 records independently and selected 11 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 9 out of 11 studies showed positive results for MBI and two were negative studies. A table will be presented in the poster showing the details of the sample, intervention, control, outcome measures and results of each study. Conclusions: Implications for clinicians and further research will be discussed.

9. Using the IRAP to measure experiential avoidance
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: IRAP
William F. Perez, Ph.D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Roberta Kovac, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Yara Nico, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Adriana Fidalgo, M.D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Daniel Caro, M.D. Ila Linares, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Rodrigo Boavista, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Sarah Barbosa, Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil

Experiential avoidance (EA) is supposed to underlie a variety of psychological problems. Studies have frequently used explicit measures, like questionnaires (e.g., AAQ-II), in order to infer the occurrence of EA in participant's daily life. The present study aimed at developing an additional measure of EA using the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP). Adults responded the AAQ-II and then were exposed to the IRAP. On IRAP trials, sentences related to "Acceptance" (e.g., It is OK to think, I allow myself to feel...) or "Avoidance" (e.g., I avoid feeling, I can't stand thinking of...) were presented as sample and sentences related to "Positive" (e.g., happy things, pleasant things...) or "Negative" (e.g., things that scares me, things that makes me anxious...) psychological contents were presented as target stimuli along with the words "True" or "False" as response options. Data collection is still in progress.

10. Validation of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) for the Italian youth population
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

The Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS; Cardaciotto, Herbert, Forman, Moitra & Farrow, 2008) is a bidimensional measure of mindfulness to assess its two key-components: present-moment awareness and acceptance. Its original version was tested on clinical and non-clinical samples of adults. This poster presents a pilot study assessing a PHLMS version validated for Italian non-clinical adolescents. Psychometrical properties and correlations with anxiety, depression, suppression thought, mindfulness and attention awareness have been investigated. Data collection is still currently in process, but preliminary tests reveal support for the validity of an Italian PHLMS version for youths.

11. Italian version of the White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI): A preliminary study
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

The White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI; Wegner & Zanakos, 1994) is a 15-item self-report questionnaire that is designed to measure chronic thought suppression, connected to obsessive thinking and negative affects linked to depression and anxiety and inversely correlated with repression. The WBSI identifies individuals who are more disposed to develop chronic thought suppression as well as individuals who express the wish to not be depressed, when in fact they are still depressed. The present study meets the need to have an Italian version of WBSI for youths. Data collection on the psychometrical properties of its items and on the correlations with measures assessing anxiety, depression, and dissociation seem to support a preliminary validation of this instrument.

12. A preliminary study of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) in Italian adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

Cognitive fusion, in the ACT perspective, is the tendency to allow thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations to dominate other sources of behavioral regulation. It plays an important role in the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders. The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ; Gillanders, D.T., Bolderston, H., Bond, F.W., Dempster, M., Campbell, L., Kerr, S., Tansey, L., Clarke, S., Remington, B., Flaxman, P., Deans, G. , 2010) measures the extent to which individuals become ‘fused’ with their cognitions. This poster investigates CFQ items in a sample of about 500 Italian adolescents and compares them with thought suppression, avoidance, mindfulness, anxiety and depression symptoms. We expect to find positive correlations with measures of anxiety and depression and with measures of experiental avoidance; while we expect to discover negative correlations with a measure of mindfulness. Data analysis is still currently in process. Clinical implications of this study will be discussed for further research in adolescence.

13. Affect and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Exercise Frequency
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Affect, Self-Compassion, Physical Activity
Jennifer K. Altman, M.A., University of Louisville
Abbie O. Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Paul G. Salmon, Ph.D., University of Louisville

Exercise is associated with multiple health benefits. However, >25% of Americans report no leisure-time physical activity (PA) in the past month, while stress and associated disorders are at epidemic proportions. We investigated the relationship between affect, self-compassion and PA. A sample of 469 undergraduates, with overall mean Body Mass Index of 24.1, and mean moderate exercise frequency of 3.2 times/week, completed the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Stepwise multiple regression was conducted to ascertain the most salient predictors of PA frequency among PANAS and SCS-SF factors. The final model accounted for 12.4% of total variance (F(3, 435)=21.463, p<.0001, Adj R2=.124) with lower levels of Negative affect (β=-.122, p=.01), higher levels of Positive affect (β=.354, p<.0001), and notably, lower levels of self-kindness (β=-.146, p=.003) predicting more frequent PA. These results provide a preliminary base for future research investigating the roles of affect and self-compassion in PA.

14. A laboratory investigation of emotion regulation: The influence of mood induction and personality psychopathology on emotional responding
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Emotion regulation
Lauren Borges, M.A., Western Michigan University
Amy Naugle, Ph.D., Western Michigan University

To better understand how individuals regulate aversive emotions, the present study evoked emotion regulation strategies in an undergraduate sample. Pairs of participants were generated based on personality assessment data from the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality-2 (SNAP-2). Participants were then randomized to the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task-Computerized version (PASAT-C) mood induction condition or an essay writing mood induction task concerning abortion views. Self-report measures of state emotion regulation strategies were administered before and after each mood induction task. These measures were used to understand the interaction between mood induction condition, personality psychopathology, and emotional responding. Data are presented to address how different contextual demands result in different emotion regulation strategies. Additionally, differences in emotional responding between students meeting criteria for personality psychopathology and those without personality disorders are presented. Implications for the findings from the present study are discussed and future areas of research are identified.

15. Examining cognitive fusion and psychological inflexibility as predictors of binge eating
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Eating Disorders
Sarah A. Potts, Utah State University
Jack A. Haeger, Utah State University
Michael E. Levin, Utah State University

Psychological inflexibility, as assessed by the AAQ-II, has been linked to binge eating in previous research. While the AAQ-II is a general process measure for psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance, measures of other more specific components of the psychological inflexibility model have recently been developed. The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ; Gillanders et al., 2014) is one more specific inflexibility process measure of interest in the realm of eating pathology. The present ongoing online survey study conducted with college students at a mid-sized university administered a measure of binge eating, the AAQ-II, CFQ, and other known predictors of eating pathology (rumination and negative affect). Preliminary poisson regression analyses with an initial sample of 96 students revealed the CFQ as more predictive of binge eating behavior in comparison to the AAQ-II. Additionally, the CFQ better accounted for the relationship between binge eating than both rumination and negative affect. Data collection will continue through May 2014.

16. The Role of Values in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Schizophrenia
Melissa Rosenberg, B.A., Alliant International University
Irwin Rosenfarb, Ph.D., Alliant International University

Although there is promising research on the implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with schizophrenia, it is unknown if ACT as a whole is required for these benefits, or whether just one component is needed for long-term, positive life changes. Preliminary research suggests, however, that ACT-based values work alone may assist these individuals in moving towards their core ideals despite intrusive and pervasive symptoms. The purpose of this study will be to look at the role of values in the treatment of schizophrenia. Research that has examined the values and goals that individuals with schizophrenia have will be reviewed and the study will discuss how ACT-based values work may be enhanced.

17. Turkish Version of AAQ-II: Reliability and Validity Analysis
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: AAQ
Fatih Yavuz, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology
Mehtap Iskin, Psyc,
Sevinc Ulusoy, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology
Betul Esen, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology
Huseyin Sehid Burhan, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology

Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a self-evaluating scale that has been developed for examining psychological flexibility of a person. Scale has strong correlations with two dimensions called experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion, which are determined as main processes underlying psychological rigidity. The aim of this study was to examine validity and reliability of the Turkish version of “Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II” (AAQ-II). Method: The sample consisted of 107 participants including students from a Turkish university. After translation, back-translation and pilot assessment of Turkish version of AAQ-II (TAAQ-II) completed, socio-demographic data form, TAAQ-II, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire (RTSQ), The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered to participants. For reliability analysis of TAAQ-II; test-retest correlation, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and item-dimension total score correlations were used. We also used principal component analysis for factor analysis and Pearson correlation analysis for convergent validity. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.8±2.7 years (age range: 18-26 years) and 60.7% (n=65) were female. Statistically significant results supported TAAQ-II’s reliability. Item-dimension total score correlation analyses revealed statistically significant correlation coefficients that show high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.90). Factor analysis revealed that TAAQ-II, as the original version, has one dimension and this explained 61.8% of the total variance. For convergent validity, we compared TAAQ-II total scores with BDI, RTSQ and STAI and revealed strongly significant positive relations. Conclusion: The results of this study show that TAAQ-II is a reliable and valid scale for the assessment of psychological flexibility in non-clinical population.

18. Components of mindfulness are good, but psychological flexibility is better
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Miles Thompson, Canterbury Christ Church University
Verena Becker, Canterbury Christ Church University

Mindfulness remains popular both within and outside of the CBS community. Research continues to target the measurement and active ingredients in this behaviour. One popular measure of mindfulness is the Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS). The original authors of the measure claim that both mindfulness and this measure are uni-dimensional. However recent research by McCracken and Thompson (2009), using data from participants suffering from chronic pain, proposed a four factor solution. This current study used a non clinical sample of 160 and sought to evaluate the relationship between variations of the MAAS and measures of general health and life satisfaction. It also compared the MAAS results with those achieved by the AAQ-II. Correlation and multiple regression analysis indicate that parts of the MAAS four factor solution outperform the uni-dimensional MAAS total. However results from the AAQ-II suggest an even stronger relationship with general health and life satisfaction.

19. Development of the Body Compassion Scale
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Body Image, Compassion
Jennifer K. Altman, M.A., University of Louisville
Abbie O. Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Paul G. Salmon, Ph.D., University of Louisville

We are developing the Body Compassion Scale (BCS) to assess body-focused compassion. A sample of 503 undergraduates (29.4% male; 70.6% female; 77.3% White; 10.7% Black; 4.2% Asian; 3.8% Hispanic) completed a battery of questionnaires, including the Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ), and an 83-item pool from which the BCS will be formed. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy was 0.91, showing enough common variability between items to warrant exploratory factor analysis. Bartlett’s test of Sphericity was significant (χ2 (3003) = 17033.19, p < 0.001), indicating the R-matrix is not an identity matrix; and initial communalities range from 0.49 to 0.80, suggesting acceptable shared variance between items. Preliminary analyses suggest three factors in the BCS: Appearance-Acceptance (AA); Embodiment-Shared Experience (ESE); and Health-Kindness (HK). Two of the factors and the total score were significantly correlated with the BIAAQ (AA r=.805, p<.001; HK r=.217, p<.001; BCSTotal r=.669, p<.001).

20. The effectiveness of the Global Parenting Skills program: Moderating roles of psychological flexibility and acculturation
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Children
Anne Brassell, B.A., University of Vermont
Rebecca Hamblin, M. A.,
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont

Parenting in a new culture is particularly distressing when the familial values of the resettled country differ from the individual’s native country. Such a transition is especially difficult for refugee families who often exhibit increased levels of psychosocial distress, post-traumatic symptoms, and post-migration stressors. Resettled refugees often express that they are unaware of how to manage their children’s behavior in the context of their new cultural environment. Behavioral parenting programs are one method of increasing effective parenting strategies and reducing child psychopathology. However, given the unique challenges of refugee families, it is important to modify pre-existing parenting programs to fit the needs of this population. The current poster will serve to examine the effectiveness of a culturally-modified parenting program in a Bhutanese refugee population. Specifically, we will present data on the association between psychological flexibility and acculturation and examine the moderating roles of these variables in predicting treatment outcomes, namely parenting strategies and child behavior. We expect that acculturation will be positively associated with psychological flexibility. Further, we anticipate that these variables will moderate pre/post change.

21. ACT in Real Time: ACT APP for Adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Adolescents
Sheri Turrell, Ph.D., Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ontario
Mary Bell, MSW, RSW, Trillium Health Partners
Paula Gardner, Ph.D., Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Marjan Verstappen, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Lindy Wilkins, MDes Candidate, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Dora Poon, BDes Candidate, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Tim Bettridge, BDes Candidate, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)

We have been running ACT groups for adolescents as part of an on-going outcome study in our out-patient clinic in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. To augment mindfulness, defusion / acceptance, and values based living, we partnered with the Ontario College of Art and Design University in Toronto, Ontario, to create a mobile APP. Adolescents from the ACT groups engaged in extended interviews and using a participatory, iterative design, the authors have created an APP for adolescents from an ‘everyday life’ approach. We hope to have participants from our focus groups test the first working model of this APP in the near future; their feedback will contribute to further refinement and wider distribution. This poster will highlight elements of the APP and will be accompanied by a working prototype for 'hands on experience." We also welcome feedback from our ACBS colleagues in Minneapolis!

22. Taking ACTion in Physical Rehabilitation
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Physical Rehabilitation
Melissa Mattson, Ph.D., Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Christie King, Ph.D., Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System

There has been increasing support for the use of ACT in medical contexts as it relates to health behavior change in a variety of areas, including weight and diabetes management, smoking cessation, and exercise. Although ACT has been studied in relation to pain management, there is a dearth of research on the integration of ACT principles in the area of physical rehabilitation more broadly (including brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and amputation). Applying ACT principles to the rehabilitation population may present unique issues and challenges, given the physical and/or cognitive limitations present in this population. The authors will discuss the use of ACT in addressing the impact of physical disability on emotional well-being (i.e. anxiety, trauma, and depression), identity and body image, and on the often dramatic change in capacity to engage in previously fulfilling activities. The authors will also discuss the interplay between the six core processes and the rehabilitation process, including values as related to modifying or identifying new, meaningful behaviors and activities; self-as-context in terms of one’s experiences before and after injury; and acceptance with regard to letting go of the struggle against changes in physical condition. Further implications of ACT and the six core processes in the acute and long-term rehabilitation process, as well as case examples, will be discussed.

23. Group-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for PTSD in a Managed Care Setting
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: PTSD
Kathryn Wetzler, Psy.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Shay Loftus, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Kelly Land, Psy.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Michael Skolnik, M.S.W., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Cody D. Christopherson, Ph.D., Southern Oregon University
Ross Nelson, Psy.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8 week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group in reducing psychiatric symptoms and improving quality of life in adult outpatients with PTSD. Participants (N = 86, 79% female, 62% Caucasian) were members of a large health maintenance organization who met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD according to chart review. The 90 minute group was designed around the 6 core processes of ACT (psychological flexibility, cognitive defusion, present moment awareness, self-as-context, values, and committed action). Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up using self-report measures of posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. The psychotherapy process variables of psychological flexibility, cognitive defusion, and mindfulness were also assessed. Three fourths of the sample completed treatment, which was defined as attending a minimum of 5 groups. Repeated Measures Mixed-Effects Models revealed that all four outcomes improved significantly from pre-treatment to post-treatment (p < .0001) and from pre-treatment to follow-up (p < .0001), while controlling for potential confounds (e.g., demographic factors, medication changes, concurrent therapies). The psychotherapy process variables of psychological flexibility and mindfulness were significantly associated with changes in symptom severity over time (p < .05). Overall, the findings of the study were promising, warranting further research in a randomized controlled trial.

24. Avoidance and inflexibility is associated with failure to respond to a contingency management intervention targeting cocaine use: A secondary profile analysis
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Substance Abuse
Angela Stotts, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Anka Vujanovic, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Robert Suchting, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Angela Heads, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Charles Green, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Joy Schmitz, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston

Contingency management (CM), a reinforcement-based approach that provides tangible reinforcement for objectively verified drug abstinence, is the most effective intervention for cocaine use disorders. In a recent study (Schmitz et al., 2014) high-magnitude CM implemented during the pre-randomization lead-in period prior to a cocaine pharmacotherapy trial resulted in subgroups of participants who were able and unable to achieve initial abstinence (i.e., CM responders and non-responders). For purposes of the current investigation, a secondary profile analysis was performed to identify clinically relevant cognitive-affective characteristics related to CM response with the potential to inform future treatment development. Cocaine-dependent, treatment-seeking adults (n = 99) were administered diagnostic interviews, provided urine samples to confirm active substance use, and completed self-report questionnaires. Profiles were established using standardized mean scores on baseline measures of avoidance/inflexibility, negative affect, cocaine withdrawal/craving, and impulsivity. Results indicated that the parallelism hypothesis was rejected, i.e., patterns of mean values were different between CM responders and non-responders. Post-hoc testing revealed that subgroups did not differ on levels of negative affect, withdrawal/craving, or impulsivity. However, CM non-responders, relative to responders, had significantly higher scores on avoidance and behavioral inflexibility (p < .01) when faced with distressing cocaine-related thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, indicating that methods for regulating emotional experiences may play a significant role in treatment response. Promoting acceptance and behavioral flexibility among cocaine-dependent adults may thus increase sensitivity to CM interventions as well as other non-drug reinforcers, facilitating abstinence and improving treatment outcomes.

25. Initial depressive and psychiatric symptoms and group condition as predictors of six-session ACT treatment outcome
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Depression
Heidi Kyllönen, M.S., University of Jyväskylä
Anne Puolakanaho, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Piia Astikainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä

Major depression disorder (MDD) is associated with continuum of clinical features. The present paper aimed to explore how the initial levels of depressive and psychiatric symptoms and group membership are connected to the treatment outcomes. Clinically depressed participants (N = 119) were randomized either to instantly treated or to waitlist condition (WLC) group before having the same six-session Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT). Treatment outcomes were based on self-reported questionnaires of depressive (The Beck’s Depression Inventory II, BDI-II) and psychiatric symptoms (The Symptom Check-List 90, SCL-90). Initial level of both depressive and psychiatric symptoms, and treatment group membership predicted linear logistic regression outcomes, producing explanation rates 22.1 % and 38.8 % respectively. The clinical relevance of these findings is further discussed in the presentation.

26. Learning to Surf Endless Waves: A Systematic Review of ACT for Chronic Pain
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Pain
Mary Eleanor Burkhart Polk, University of Maine, Farmington
Amanda Adcock, Ph.D., VA Hospital
Kevin Polk, Ph.D., VA Hospital
David Bann, M.D., VA Hospital
Debora Heath, RN, M.S., VA Hospital
Amy Doughty, NP, VA Hospital
Christopher White, PT, VA Hospital

The goal of most treatment plans for patients with chronic pain is pain reduction through prescription drugs with problematic side effects and frequently questionable benefit. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain aims to increase psychological flexibility through acceptance of internal experiences, values identification, and action. Research in this area has burgeoned, and a systematic literature review is needed for studying effectiveness of ACT for chronic pain. This poster will present gathered systematic review of literature from Pubmed, PsycINFO, Medline, Proquest, and ScienceDirect databases. The search returned 386 possible articles for use in this analysis. Twenty-seven outcome trials were reviewed by a team of professionals. Data analysis is currently underway, but trends are that ACT is as effective as CBT, and sometimes better in the long term.

27. A new strategy for reducing the use of force in mental health care
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Reduced use of force in mental health care
Didrik Heggdal, Clinical Manager/ Clinical Psychologist, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust
Arne Lillelien, Psychiatric Nurse, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust

In inpatient mental health care, efforts to regulate the patients’ behavior may, contrary to intentions, reinforce and aggravate behavioral disturbances and therefore increase the need for external control and restraints. To counteract and prevent such problem-maintaining interaction between health professionals and the inpatients, a treatment facility in Norway has developed and implemented a strategy labeled Complementary External Regulation (CER). The strategy is used in combination with 3rd generation cognitive behavioral therapies and aims at eliminating behavioral disturbances, reducing the use of force and promoting motivation for treatment. CER consists of organizing and guiding structures that conveys the total body of ethical principles and clinical competence into a coordinated practice across various professionals’ contributions and across shifts. Preliminary data indicates that implementation of CER dramatically reduces the use of force, and also the use of medication. Furthermore, the patients’ symptoms were significantly reduced and psychosocial functioning improved.

28. The relationship of youth mindfulness and parent post-traumatic stress with emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents with refugee and non-refugee backgrounds
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, PTS, Refugees
Emily R. Pichler, B.A., University of Vermont
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Rex Forehand, Ph.D., University of Vermont

Emerging research suggests that children of refugees (“refugee youth”) are at increased risk for mental health problems. Moreover, some research specifically in refugee populations suggests that parental post-traumatic stress (PTS) negatively impacts children’s adjustment. The current study sought to identify specific factors that promote psychosocial adjustment in the context of refugee status and its associated parental trauma. For example, youth mindfulness, conceptualized as nonjudgmental awareness and acceptance of one’s experience, is associated with reduced psychosocial problems in youth. Mindfulness is a promising area of investigation in the context of parent PTS, as parental behaviors and symptoms play a substantial role in the development of children’s responding to their own emotional reactions. We will examine the simple and interactive relationships of parent PTS symptoms and youth mindfulness with youth psychosocial problems in a sample of refugee and non-refugee adolescents (data collection in progress, expected N=90); we expect that youth mindfulness will be related to lower levels of youth problems, whereas parental PTS symptoms will be related to higher levels of youth problems but youth mindfulness will buffer adolescents from the effects of parent PTS.

29. Improving Daily Life Through Mindfulness: Moderators of the Daily Relation Between Mindfulness Meditation and Value-Guided Living
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Meditation, Values, Experience Sampling
Christopher R. Berghoff, M. A., University at Albany, State University of New York
Timothy R. Ritzert, University at Albany, State University of New York
John P. Forsyth, Ph.D., University at Albany, State University of New York

Mindfulness-based strategies and values-based outcomes are rapidly gaining attention in mainstream CBTs, and ACT is at the forefront of these efforts. Yet, little attention has been given thus far to the potential effects of traditional mindfulness meditation (MM) on values-directed behaviors in daily life. This may be due to a relative lack of focus on values by mindfulness researchers (see Shapiro et. al., 2006 for an exception) or the tendency for ACT to employ, and thus focus research efforts on, less traditional mindfulness exercises in therapy (Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2012). The aim of our research was to elucidate the relation between MM practice and value-guided living in a nonclinical sample (N = 75) who participated in a 14-day diary study. Initial analyses indicate mean value-guided living, but not experiential avoidance (EA) or contact with the present moment, was greater on days MM was practiced. Moreover, analyses suggest that daily EA and contact with the present moment are related to value-guided living in theoretically consistent ways. Accordingly, the present work will examine daily EA and present moment awareness as potential moderators of the relation between MM practice and value-guided living. Results will be presented in terms of improving CBTs through the inclusion of formal MM practice and identifying key elements that may be critical to successful mindful practice outcomes.

30. Preliminary results from a pilot trial of ACT for men with moderate risk prostate cancer: Trends in distress, decision-making and cognitive fusion
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Cancer
Matthew C. Porter, Ph.D., California School of Professional Psychology
Pia Heppner, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System and University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry
Matthew T. Lutz, B.S., California School of Professional Psychology
Laura Redwine, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System
Kyoko Sakamoto, M.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System
Jill Stoddard, Ph.D., California School of Professional Psychology
Niloo Afari, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System

A novel, four-hour, ACT intervention was developed to facilitate treatment decision-making in men with a recent moderate risk prostate cancer diagnosis. In a mixed methods, nonrandomized, nonblinded, longitudinal study design, we provided ACT plus usual care to 13 and usual care only to 19 men at the VA San Diego Healthcare System in 2011-12 (9 and 17 completers, respectively). Our primary purpose was to assess the intervention’s feasibility in a busy urology surgery clinic serving a clinically heterogeneous, aging male veteran population. Qualitative data indicated ACT was well tolerated and accepted in this population. In the quantitative data, significance testing and effect size calculation were hampered by the pilot study’s small sample size. We nonetheless observed a trend for desirable psychological outcomes to be more protected in the ACT group across multiple distinct constructs. From baseline to 2-week post-intervention, 11 of 16 between-group comparisons obtained in this direction. Outcomes were disease-related distress (HADS and MAX-PC), illness and treatment perceptions (BIPQ, ICQ, DC) and acceptance, values and meaning-life (AAQ and SMILE). Similarly, at 4 months, 19 of 27 comparisons found perceptions and distress to be less strongly related to objective cancer-related functioning in the ACT group, suggestive of greater cognitive defusion. While none of these comparisons reached statistical significance, the trend across multiple distinct measures and constructs suggested that ACT’s ability to reduce distress and improve decision-making is deserving of study on a larger, adequately powered scale. Our experience also highlighted the complexities and opportunities of coordinating a psychological intervention within the activities of a busy surgery clinic.

31. ACT - MOH (Medication Overuse Headache): An observational study
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Headache
Giuseppe Deledda, Psy, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy,
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Fabio Marchioretto, Neurology Unit, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Verona, Italy
Vittoria Pasetti, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Claudio Bianconi, Neurology Unit, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Verona, Italy

Background: This study explored the psychological variable on patients with MOH (Medication overuse headache), in order to develop a brief intervention ACT based. Methods: Patients were assessed at pre-treatment ACT based (3 sessions during ten day hospitalization) with standardized self-report measures (MIDAS; SCL-90; Distress Thermometer; AAQ-II; VLQ), and 1-year-follow-up. Results: Fifty two patients (mean age = 48.03 years (SD 10.81); 83% female) were recruited. Data showed high mean scores of Migraine Disability(MIDAS mean=104,7; SD 88.94), a high distress level (M=6,7; SD 2.3) and psychological symptoms (Somatization M=1.55 (SD 0.89); obsessive compulsive symptoms M=1.54 (SD=9.4), Depression M=1.33 (SD 0.84); Anxiety M=1.05 (SD 0.82); Paranoid ideation M=1,05 (SD 0,78) Sleep Disorders M=1.33 (SD 0.81)), and alow degree of acceptance (AAQ2 M=44.18; SD 12.22). Male showed higher degree of acceptance (AAQ2 M=51,45; SD 6.69) and lower psychological symptoms. Also, more women under the age of fifty years show high levels of hostility M=1,15 (DS 1,06) and interpersonal sensitivity M=1,16 (DS 0,91) than women over the age of fifty. Conclusions: The brief ACT - MOH, is focused on the psychological flexibility through the increase a non-judgmental attitude and willingness to experience unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and on the control agenda, in order to live in the present consistently with their values.

32. Getting interpersonal on the matrix: Cultivating empathy and facilitating conflict negotiation on the matrix
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Family therapy
Susan F. Balaban, Brattleboro Retreat Uniformed Service Program
Kevin Polk, Ph.D., The Psychological Flexibility Group

There is little time or opportunity for family therapy in brief treatment contexts, but inpatients and patients in intensive outpatient programs tend to struggle painfully in their close relationships. In this ACT-centered program for uniformed service professionals we have adapted the matrix to facilitate powerful family interventions. Using the matrix, families address major stressors during treatment. Family members develop awareness of patients’ efforts to handle pain while engaging in valued action. The matrix is also used to facilitate group therapy sessions designed to improve functioning in relationships by cultivating empathy, clarifying relationship values (e.g. communication, closeness, intimacy) and committing to valued actions in the service of those relationships. This project would show families’ conflict-negotiation sorting on matrix diagrams as well as interpersonal experience sorting on our adapted “interpersonal matrices.” These techniques are readily adapted to conflict negotiation and empathy building in other interpersonal contexts (e.g., workplace, school, political advocacy groups).

33. The impact of three mood induction procedures on dysphoric mood and how their effects are moderated by self-compassion and rumination
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Self-compassion
Eric B. Richardson, Wichita State University
Nakisha Carrasquillo, Wichita State University

The present ongoing study investigates the relationship between dispositional self-compassion and rumination by examining their individual and interactive effects upon dysphoric mood as induced by three different mood induction procedures as well their effects on subjective distress to the resulting change in dysphoric mood. The three mood induction procedures, the Velten Mood Induction Procedure (Velten, 1968), a musical induction procedure, and one that combines the two (Martin, 1990), will also be examined for their relative impact on dysphoric mood. Thus far, a preliminary analysis shows a significant effect on subjective reactions for the Velten and Combined mood inductions. Further analysis will also address how the effects of the differing mood induction procedures are moderated by self-compassion and rumination.

34. A brief lifestyle intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for cancer patients: preliminary data sorting on BMI groups
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Cancer patients
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Chiara Anselmi, Department of Medicine Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, of “Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Stefania Gori, U.O.C. Oncology, of “Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy

Background The weight gain affects an high number of cancer patients, during and after the treatments. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focused on psychological flexibility, has shown to be effective in reducing and maintaining weight. This study explored the psychological variable on cancer patients recruited for a healthy lifestyle intervention ACT based. Methods The healthy lifestyle intervention consists in a set of four-monthly sessions and a follow up after 3 mounts. At the first and last encounter patients’ weight is reported and questionnaires on clinical state (RSCL, PWBQ, Distress Thermometer, Bull’s eye), eating behaviour (TFE.Q-51), psychological flexibility (AAQ-2, Bull's-eye) and the BIAAQ are administered. Results Thirty one consecutive patients were recruited. The Mean age of the sample was 57,8 (SD=11,67), and it was divided in three groups, depending on the patients’ starting BMI (Group 1: BMI<22; Group 2: 22

35. Mindful Parenting: Conscious Action, Acceptance, and Living Out of the Comfort Zone
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindful Parenting, mindfulness,
Carlos E. Rivera Villegas, B.S., Suffolk University
Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University, Harvard Medical School/ McLean Hospital
Marie-Christine André, M.A., Suffolk University
Sara E. Shea, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital

Mindful Parenting: Conscious Action, Acceptance, and Living Out of the Comfort Zone Carlos E. Rivera Villegas, B.S., Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Marie-Christine André, M.A., & Sara E. Shea, Ph.D. Suffolk University, Harvard Medical School/ McLean Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA The present study investigated the relationship that facets of mindfulness, specifically, acting with awareness and accepting without judgment, have with mothers’ parenting practices and perceptions of their children’s behavior. We expected that mothers reporting less awareness and acceptance would report more punitive and inconsistent parenting, experiential avoidance, and child behavior problems. The sample included 144 low-income, racially and ethnically diverse mothers of preschool children recruited from Head Start and public preschool programs around the urban Boston area. Our hypotheses were supported. Mothers who reported lower levels of acting with awareness tended to be more punitive (p < .05). Those who reported lower acceptance also reported using more inconsistent (p < .05) and punitive (p < .01) parenting practices, engaged more in experiential avoidance (p < .05), and reported more internalizing and externalizing problematic behaviors in their children (p < .01). Additionally, lower levels of acting with awareness, accepting without judgment, coupled with higher levels of experiential avoidance, predicted 12% of parental punitive practices (p < .01), 11% of inconsistent parenting (p < .01), and 15% (p < .01) of children problematic behavior. These findings suggest that acting with awareness and accepting without judgment, while staying in contact with emotions, may help prevent maladaptive parenting practices. Implications and future directions will be discussed.

37. Cybersexual Addiction: Conceptualization and Treatment integrating ACT and FAP in a case study and hypothesis for the group therapy intervention
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: New Addictions, Cyber-Sexual Addiction,
Robert Allegri, Ph.D., Iescum alumni, Miopsicologo.it, private practice, ACBS
Katia Manduchi Ph.D., Iescum, private practice Italy, Acbs

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Therapy (FAP), can be used in the treatment of different behavior disorders. Those protocols can also be used in the treatment of Sexual Addiction and specifically for Cybersexual Addiction. The treatment of an individual case will be presented, in order to introduce the ACT conceptualization model, pointing out how Hexaflex provide guidelines that can be used in the treatment of this behavior. The FAP model has been integrated and used on support of the therapy. The efficacy of the treatment has been measured with instrument such as: AAQ2, VLQ, IAT, functional analysis and sheets. The present work aims to bring the attention to these widespread conditions, as well as to provide guidelines for the treatment. The clinical success of this intervention on individual cases, suggests guidelines that can be used in a group protocol, that deserves further investigation and controlled studies.

38. Yoga in the Healing of Anxiety and Depression: The Context for Learning Psychological Flexibility
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Anxiety, Depression, Yoga, Mindfulness, Alternative Interventions, Complementary Medicine
Timothy Gordon, MSW, RSW, Independent Practice

Interviews with 12 yoga teachers, social workers, and other clinical counselling professionals describe their experience and recommendations for yoga practices with a mental health client population who suffer from anxiety or depression. This study uses a qualitative approach and a constructivist grounded theory method. The results have been formulated as an addition to existing theory regarding how yoga is used to heal anxiety and depression. Drawing upon existing yoga literature and other theories of healing anxiety and depression, including Ayurveda, Mindfulness, and Relational Frame Theory, the findings explore a new understanding of how yoga heals. This understanding includes constructs and practices such as psychological flexibility; present moment awareness through the separation of self from thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations; reappraisal of situations and reactions, and the ability to successfully adapt to fluctuating circumstances; mindful breathing: present moment awareness through the separation of self from thoughts and strategies to focus attention as a means of grounding; and valued living, the commitment to demonstrating personal values.

39. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Distressed Cancer Patients
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Patients with Cancer
Gabriela L. Alshafie, B.S., San Jose State University
Ashley S. Palma, San Jose State University
Elizabeth Mejia-Munos, San Jose State University
Benjamin Ramos, San Jose State University
Jennifer A. Gregg, Ph.D, San Jose State University

Within the next decade, cancer survivors in the United States are estimated to reach 18 million people. Distress in this population is common, and disruption in normal life activities and roles often contributes to psychological distress. The present study examined an 8-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention for individuals who had completed medical treatment for early stage breast cancer compared to a control condition. Participants (N = 41) were randomly assigned to either ACT or waitlist control. Outcomes were measured pre-treatment and at 3-month follow-up and included change in diurnal cortisol (collected 4 times per day over 3 days), quality of life (QoL; EORTC), and distress (SOSI). Process measures included psychological flexibility (AAQ) and benefit-finding (BFS). Results indicated significant improvement across outcome and process measures for both treatment and control groups, but no significant differences between groups. Post-hoc analyses for explorations in future studies are discussed, as well as implications of this and future research in this population.

40. Appropriating the AAQ for the Context of Studying—A Pilot Study among Students of Arts
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: College Students
Juha Nieminen, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Henna Asikainen, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Telle Hailikari, Ph.D., University of Helsinki

University students’ academic emotions, regulation of studying, and their relationships to study success are receiving a renewed interest within the field of educational psychology. Simultaneously, the role of psychological flexibility in interventions designed for college students is being investigated by members of the CBS community. In the present study, the workplace-related version of the AAQ (WAAQ, Bond et al.) was appropriated for the context of studying and, together with existing measures of academic emotions, administered to 274 students of Arts. Students’ GPAs were obtained from university records. The internal coherence of the new scale was found to be good. Psychological flexibility was positively correlated with positive emotions and negatively with negative emotions. Analyses of relationships to other measures and possible meditational effects between psychological flexibility and study success will be presented.

41. Improving university students’ academic achievement in Psychology through active learning strategies
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Improving university students' academic achievement
Grace Fayombo Ph.D., The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Faculty of Humanities and Education, School of Education, Barbados

Active learning is vital to students’ success. Evidence suggests that anything that involves students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing may be referred to as active learning. This Quasi-Experimental study therefore investigated the effectiveness of active learning strategies (video, games, role-play and discussion) in improving the academic achievement among a sample of 80 undergraduate psychology students (18-46 years) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados. There was pre and post assessment of the participants before and after instruction utilising the active learning strategies; the paired t-test was conducted to compare the pre and post test scores. The result revealed gain in the mean score -8.55 (pretest 12.21 – post test 20.76) and the difference was significant (t= -24.435, df = 79, p<0.05). These findings showed that active learning strategies are effective in improving academic achievement among UWI psychology students. Keywords: Active learning strategies, academic achievement, Psychology, students

42. The role of psychological flexibility in minority and nonminority students’ adjustment to college
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Diversity, College Students
Jenna M. Marx, M.S., Bowling Green State University
Sabrina Gonzales, B.S., Bowling Green State University
Jennifer H. Lackey, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Stacey Bradbury, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Mariya Zaturenskaya, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Alan K. Davis, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Dryw Dworsky, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
Nova Hinman, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Sindhia Swaminathan, B.S., Bowling Green State University
Margaret Feuille, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Maren Froemming, B.S., Bowling Green State University

African American and Hispanic students are more likely to drop out of college than non-minority peers (Eimers & Pike, 1997), possibly due to discrimination that contributes to poor college adjustment. Additionally, the degree to which one faces or avoids the emotional activation that may occur due to discrimination could be a factor that is related to adjustment. Considering this, our study seeks to examine the associations between psychological inflexibility and adjustment to college among minority and nonminority students. Specifically, we are examining the relationship of psychological inflexibility with general self-efficacy, perceived stress, coping with college stress, physical and psychological health, and attitudes about diversity. We propose to answer the following questions. First, is there a relation between psychological inflexibility and psychological adjustment to college among minority undergraduates? Second, does this relation increase or decrease as a function of year in college? Third, is there a difference in the relation between psychological inflexibility and adjustment to college between minority and non-minority undergraduates? Finally, is there a relation between psychological inflexibility and prejudicial attitudes? If psychological inflexibility is an important factor in college adjustment among minority students, this could inform college level interventions and prevention programs in order to facilitate healthy adjustment and reduce the dropout rate among ethnic minorities.

43. An Examination of the Effects of Feedback and Acceptance and Commitment Training on Direct Support Professional Active Treatment Implementation, Stress, and Job Satisfaction
Primary Topic: Organizational behavior management
Subtopic: Performance Management
John Pingo, Goldie B. Floberg Center
Mark Dixon, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Experiment 1 examined the effect of a verbal and written performance feedback system with a low cost probabilistic contingency reward program and an eight hour ACT training program on the percentage of time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) spent engaged in active treatment and the technical competence of active treatment provided to people with disabilities. The experiment used a pretest/posttest design with a waitlist control group and two intervention groups. DSPs serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in a residential and small group home settings participated in the experiment. The first intervention group received only the feedback intervention while the second intervention group received the feedback intervention and the ACT training. After attrition the group sizes were control N = 12, feedback only N = 12, and feedback plus ACT N = 17. Both intervention groups performed significantly better than the control group. The feedback plus ACT group outperformed the feedback only group by 27.8% in percentage of observation time engaged in active treatment at posttest. The result was statistically significantly at the .05 level of significance. The feedback plus ACT group also exhibited superior but nonsignificant improvements over the feedback only group in the areas of competency of operant teaching techniques (14.9%), percentage of clients engaged in purposeful activities (10.7%), and percentage of clients with learning or leisure materials within arm’s reach (11.0%). Regression analyses found a weak positive correlation between age and frequency of active treatment (R2 = .11, F(1, 39) = 4.99, p < .05), a weak positive correlation between psychological flexibility as measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2 (AAQ-2) and job satisfaction, a weak negative correlation between psychological flexibility and self-reported workplace stress, and a weak negative correlation between stress and job satisfaction. Self-reported levels of psychological flexibility, workplace stress, and job satisfaction remained stable for all three groups from pre to posttest despite the increased performance expectations on DSPs in the two intervention groups. Experiment 2 consisted of a small scale replication of the active treatment findings of experiment 1 while examining what impact, if any, higher frequency observations and verbal and written feedback would have on DSP self-reported workplace stress, job satisfaction, and psychological flexibility. Experiment 2 also used participants 25 years of age and under to further explore and possibly rule out the age-active treatment correlation found in experiment 1 as a significant variable impacting the frequency of active treatment. The intervention procedures used in experiment one were adapted for experiment two. The specific intervention components used were verbal performance feedback and a one-on-one daylong version of the eight-hour ACT training program used in experiment one. Two separate multiple baseline designs across participants were used. Group one consisted of three DSPs and group two contained 2 DSPs. The feedback intervention produced improvements in the percentage of time DSPs were engaged in active treatment during observations and in their operant teaching skills competency-based testing assessment scores. Three DSPs failed to meet the performance target after the feedback intervention was introduced but met or exceeded the performance target after the daylong ACT training was implemented.

44. Validation of the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale in a Greek-speaking Chronic pain population
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: ACT and Validation
Orestis Kasinopoulos M.Sc, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Vasilis Vasileiou M.Sc, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Michaela Paraskeva - Siamata. M.Sc, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Maria Stavrinaki, M.Sc, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Despina Hadjikyriacou, Ph.D, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Evangelos Karademas, Ph.D, University of Crete, Rethimno, Crete
Magda Flouri, M.Sc, University of Crete, Rethimno, Crete
Savvas Papacostas, M.D., FAAN 3, Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
Yiolanda Christou, M.D., Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus

Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS; Wicksell, et al., 2010) is a measure of psychological inflexibility in pain patients. To date, there is dearth of research about the utility of this measure and its association with other relevant constructs. This study aimed to fill this literature gap. Participants were 144 Greek-Cypriot rheumatoid pain patients. An exploratory factor analysis suggested a two-factor solution similar to the original, with small differences in item loading. Cronbach’s alpha was .88. It significantly correlated with the CPAQ (r= -.69, p < 0.001), AAQ (r= 0.53, p < 0.001), and HADS (.433 p < 0.001). Findings will be discussed in relation to the utility of this measure for chronic pain and its association to other constructs of interest among pain populations.

45. Construction of the Upādāna Scale: Attempts to Control Positive Emotions
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Experiential Avoidance
Jeffrey Swails, Wichita State University
Robert Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University

Data was collected from 544 students at Wichita State University in online surveys to develop the Upādāna scale. The Upādāna scale was designed to measure people’s tendency to grasp on to positive emotions. We conceptualize this construct as akin to experiential avoidance in that it involves efforts to control emotion. However, the nature of grasping positive emotions may be different from pushing away negative emotions. Results from the online survey illustrate strong internal reliability, concurrent validity, and a 2-factor structure. The 2 factors consist of i) worries about happy emotions and ii) efforts towards being happy. The “worry” factor is negatively correlated with subjective happiness while the “effort” factor is positively correlated with subjective happiness. Attempts to control negative emotions, as measured by the AAQ-II, consistently correlate with negatively valenced measures while the current scale shows that efforts to control positive emotions are not uniformly correlated with negatively valenced measures.

46. Argentinean Adaptation of the AAQ II. First Psichometrics Studies
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Psichometric Studies
García Díaz. M., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina
Olaz, F.O., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina

In this poster we the Argentinian adaptation of the AAQ II purpose we revised the items of the spanish version developed in México and rewrite some of the items. Then, we carried out psychometric analysis to assess the validity and reliability of the instrument. Firstly, we collected evidence based on test content through expert judges who evaluated the quality and the relevance of the items. In a second study, we provided validity evidence based on the internal structure of the instrument using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Finnaly, we calculated composite reliability coefficients and also studied the sensitivity of the scales for detecting changes after an intervention. Results are discussed

47. Argentinean Adaptation of the Five Facet Mindfulness to College students
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Psychometric Studies
García Terán, M., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina
Olaz, F.O., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina

In this Poster we present the adaptation of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire originally produced in USA to Argentinean population. A reverse translation of the instrument’s items was performed and conduced various psychometric analyzes to assess the validity and reliability of the same. Firstly, we collect evidence about content through expert judges who evaluate the quality and the relevance of each of the items was assessed translated. In a second study, we provide validity evidence about the internal structure of the instrument using exploratory and Confirmatory factor analysis. We also calculated composite reliability coefficients of each factor and studied the sensitivity of the instrument to detect changes after an intervention. results are discussed

48. Mind and Emotions: A Universal Treatment Protocol for Emotional Disorders Targeting Maladaptive Coping Strategies Via An Integration of CBT, DBT, and ACT
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Integrative
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., The Wright Institute
Patricia Zurita Ona, The Wright Institute
Jorge Mendez, The Wright Institute
Rebecca Wilson, The Wright Institute

Background: The proposed group treatment, entitled Mind and Emotions, is designed to examine the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic treatment protocol integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Transdiagnostic factors are described in the literature as maladaptive coping strategies that underlie many diagnostic categories including anxiety, depression, chronic anger, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The seven transdiagnostic factors targeted by the Mind and Emotions treatment protocol are: experiential avoidance, rumination, emotional masking, short-term focus, response persistence, hostility or aggression, and negative appraisal. Methods: The goal is to have between 25-35 participants for this study. Participants struggling with various emotional disorders including depression, anxiety, anger, and emotion regulation problems in general will attend a 12-week, Mind & Emotion group module. Each week, coping skills such as mindfulness exercises, values work, defusion, cognitive flexibility, acceptance strategies, and an assortment of exposure exercises will be taught. These skills, among others, will target each of the seven maladaptive coping strategies that create and maintain emotional distress. Effectiveness will be defined in direct correlation with individual results of the following four assessment measures at four different points in time: Comprehensive Coping Inventory (CCI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Novaco Anger Inventory – Short Form (NAI-25). Progress will be measured at the onset of the group, at the mid-way point (week 6), at the end of the group (week 12), and at a one-month follow-up. Results: The first pilot of the treatment protocol is currently being implemented; pre and post data will be available by March 2014. Conclusion: Please see above. Objectives: 1. Explore the effectiveness of a unified treatment protocol for adults struggling with multiple emotional disorders including depression, anxiety, anger, and emotion regulation problems in general. 2. To target specific transdiagnostic factors across multiple emotional disorders. 3. Attempt to strengthen the therapeutic process by incorporating a universal/simplified treatment for a wide range of emotional suffering. 4. Create a simplified/universal method of providing support to individuals who present with multiple emotional disorders.

49. Can you continue to build houses with pain? : The effect of value clarification on building houses of bricks as valued action
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Value, Pain.
Asako Sakano, M.A., Graduate School of Psychology, Doshisha Univ.
Takashi Muto, Ph.D., Faculty of Psychology, Doshisha Univ.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of value clarification (VC) on building house made of bricks as valued action while receiving physical pain. Design: Pre-post design. Dependent variables: Number and repertoire of colors or forms of the houses. Method: Undergraduate students were screened through following two phases. During first phase, they thought themselves to be a carpenter and built houses of bricks freely. During second phase, they continued building houses freely but it came to be thanked by a resident of the house when they built houses of the specific design. Following screening phases, only those who built more houses of specific design in the second than the first phase were randomly assigned to one of the conditions (VC group or CONT group) as participants. In pre- and post-tests, both groups built houses with physical pain, and between each test, VC group clarified their value in their occupation (e.g. Giving delight to the residents), while CONT group just clarified color of bricks.

50. The role of Experiential Avoidance and Mindfulness Breathing in the Performance on Working Memory
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Masataka Ito, graduate school of psychology (Master program), Doshisha university
Takashi Muto, Department of psychology, Doshisha university

Study objective: The present study examined experiential avoidance (EA) and mindfulness breathing have effect on the performance on working memory task. Design: Pre-post and group design Setting: Assessment by paper-and-pencil tests were carried out in classroom. The task sessions were concluded in laboratory. Mindfulness breathing were instructed in laboratory and practiced in home for a week. Participants: Undergraduates showed high/low score in the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II Intervention: Mindfulness breathing in laboratory and home. Measures: The number of correct answer of the Reading Span Test (RST) as a working memory task. Results: High/Low EA didn’t make difference in RST score. Mindfulness breathing did not improve RST score. Conclusion: The results suggested that EA did not have an influence on working memory and mindfulness breathing have little effect on working memory.

51. Procedural adaptations for relational training to improve IQ scores in young children
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Intelligence
Laura Zamot Rabelo, M.S., Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Juliana Sarantopoulos Faccioli, M.S., Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Julio Cesar Coelho de Rose, Ph.D., Universidade Federal de São Carlos

A relational training procedure produced a significant increase on IQ scores of twelve year-olds (Cassidy, Roche & Hayes, 2011). The objectives of the present study were: (1) replicate the study of Cassidy et al. (2011), (2) adapting the relational training procedure to younger learners. In total, 12 six to eight year-old children were and will be evaluated with standardized intelligence tests prior and after the conclusion of the relational training. Results are still partial, however, different response type, instructions and stimuli were used to simplify the task. Some additional learning conditions were necessary to avoid repetition of sessions, such as blocked sessions, errorless trials, verbal description of stimuli and even physical help. Some alterations were more successful than others in promoting effective teaching. Adjusting the procedure to the demands of primary school children is the first step towards enabling an efficient use of the intervention with populations with intellectual disabilities.

52. The Impact of Acceptance, Suppression and Cognitive Reappraisal of Emotion on Affect and Eating Behavior among a Normal-weight, Overweight and Obese Adult Sample
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Obesity
Taryn L. Gammon, B.S., Alliant International University, San Diego
Kristin Whelan, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Lauritz McCuthcheon, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Janina Scarlet, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
Michelle Lopez, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
Jill A. Stoddard, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego

The increasingly high rate of obesity in the United States is widely recognized as a serious threat to society, increasing individuals’ risk for myriad health problems and resulting in tremendous healthcare costs. While recent research on cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based treatments for weight management has shown promising results, further investigation is needed to uncover the complex mechanisms involved in unhealthy food-related behaviors. The present study examines the impact of emotion regulation on affect and eating behavior. Recruitment of 180 normal-weight and overweight participants is currently underway (N=56). Participants are randomly assigned to one of four emotion regulation conditions (Acceptance, Suppression, Cognitive Reappraisal or Control) and are instructed to apply the appropriate strategy following an emotion induction procedure. Participants complete pre and post measures assessing positive and negative affect (PANAS), and their eating behavior is recorded during the session. Repeated measures ANOVA will be used to analyze the dependent measures for main effects and interactions of time, group, and emotion regulation condition. Findings from this study may inform prevention and treatment efforts for weight management by providing a greater understanding of how responding to internal states via different emotion regulation strategies may impact food-related behaviors.

53. Examining the Impact of Emotion Regulation Styles on the Emotional Stroop Task in an Overweight/Obese and Normal Weight Adult Sample
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Obesity
Kristin Whelan, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Taryn L. Gammon, B.S., Alliant International University, San Diego
Lauritz McCuthcheon, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Michelle Lopez, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Janina Scarlet, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
Jill A. Stoddard, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego

Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and worldwide as rates have nearly doubled since 1980. Existing research has demonstrated that emotion regulation and cognition affect eating behavior; however, the relationship between these factors remains unclear. The current study compares overweight and normal weight participants using the Emotional Stroop Task to examine how emotion regulation strategies impact information processing and attentional bias to emotional stimuli and how these strategies differentially affect mood, experience, and behavior with regard to food and eating. Recruitment for the research study is currently underway (N = 56). Participants in each weight condition are randomly assigned to an Acceptance, Suppression, Cognitive Reappraisal or No Instruction group. Participants are instructed to manage their emotions with the appropriate strategy following an emotion induction exercise, and subsequently complete the Emotional Stroop Task. Two-way ANOVA will be used to investigate main effects and interactions of group (overweight/normal weight) and condition (acceptance/suppression/reappraisal/no instruction) on response times to the Emotional Stroop Task. Results of this study may be used to develop better interventions to specifically target the mechanisms underlying obesity and may provide new avenues for treatment and prevention for adults who are overweight or obese.

54. Psychological flexibility, perceived stigma and quality of life in people with epilepsy in Poland.
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: epilepsy, stigma
Joanna Dudek, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Pawel Ostaszewski, Ph.D., University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Wojciech Bialaszek, Ph.D., Univeristy of Social Sciences and Humanities
Anna Skarzynska, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological illness, has not only numerous physical, but also psychosocial consequences, such as stigmatization and self-stigmatization. The aim of the study was (1) to examine links between psychological flexibility (PF), perceived stigma and satisfaction with life (SWL) in people suffering from epilepsy in Poland, and (2) to answer the question whether ACT can be effective in enhancing SWL in Polish patients. We examined 72 respondents suffering from epilepsy and 72 without any chronic illness (control group). The results of the study showed that people suffering from epilepsy had lower SWL, lower PF and higher level of perceived stigma. Higher PF was connected with higher SWL, no matter if respondents were suffering from epilepsy or not. The level of PF had no impact on the link between perceived stigma and SWL in epileptic patients. According to the results ACT can be effective in enhancing SWL in people suffering from epilepsy. However to change the quality of life of epileptic patients we need to consider contextual nature of stigma and the necessity to focus not only on individual psychotherapy, but also on interventions at the environmental level.

55. Evaluating a Therapist Training on Values-Based Behavioral Activation for Adolescent Depression
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Depression, Behavioral Activation
Julissa Duenas, M.A., Western Michigan University
Rachel A. Petts, Western Michigan University
Scott T. Gaynor, Ph.D., Western Michigan University

Depression is a significant problem among all age groups, but adolescents are at greater risk of long-term effects; therefore, it is important to treat depression as early as possible. Behavioral Activation (BA), an evidence-based treatment based on the behavior analytic theory of depression, has been described as a more parsimonious and more easily implemented treatment than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, research in the area of BA dissemination is limited. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a one-day workshop for clinicians on Values-Based Behavioral Activation (VBBA) as a treatment for adolescent depression. The training used the Behavioral Skills Training method (BST; Miltenberger, 2008), which incorporates instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback, and was evaluated using Decker, Jameson, and Naugle’s (2010) Therapist Training Evaluation of Outcomes Framework. Twenty-one participants attended one of four workshops and completed pre- and post-workshop questionnaires. Results from the main outcome measure showed that VBBA knowledge significantly increased from pre- to post-workshop, t (20) = -7.73, p < .001 and the knowledge was maintained from post-workshop to one-month follow-up, t (14) = -.07, p = .94. These results provide support for the BST method used in the study and extend the limited research area examining BA dissemination.

56. ACT Meets Mental Health Recovery: Development and Evaluation of an ACT-based Training for Peer Support Specialists
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Mental Health Recovery
James E. Yadavaia, Ph.D., VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Richard C. Tingey, Ph.D., VA Long Beach Healthcare System

Within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Peer Specialists (PSs) are veterans who have achieved success in their own mental health recovery and who have been hired by VA to help facilitate the recovery of other veterans seeking mental health treatment. Currently, PSs receive only a 40-hour training that covers basic knowledge and skills, such as phenomenology of common psychiatric disorders, crisis management, and group facilitation skills. Notably missing is a theoretical framework that PSs may use to organize their knowledge and lived experience to guide their work. This poster will report data on a training (delivered over 8 45-min sessions) designed to help PSs conceptualize their own recovery process and learned skills using ACT, in order to guide and more effectively deliver recovery counseling to their clients. Pre- and post-training levels of psychological flexibility, work/career values, burnout, recovery attitudes, and work-related confidence will be reported for the 13 PSs enrolled.

57. Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Group Therapy and traditional Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Predictors of Treatment Outcome
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Social Anxiety
Nancy Kocovski, Ph.D., Wilfrid Laurier University
Jan Fleming, MD, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University of Toronto
Rebecca Blackie, M.A., Wilfrid Laurier University
Martin Antony, Ph.D., Ryerson University

The purpose of the present study was to examine predictors of treatment outcome for two forms of group therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), namely traditional CBT and Mindfulness and Acceptance-based Group Therapy (MAGT; a group form of ACT). Participants meeting criteria for SAD, Generalized (assessed using the SCID; N = 137) were randomly assigned to the 12-week treatment groups (n = 53 for each group) or a waitlist control group (n = 31). Based on self-report measures of social anxiety as well as clinician-administered blind assessments, both treatments were more effective than the control group but not significantly different from one another and these gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Consistent with past research, social anxiety severity and depressive symptoms were predictors of outcome for both treatments. Additionally, there was evidence that mindfulness moderated outcome, such that those low in dispositional mindfulness at the outset did better with traditional CBT compared to MAGT. Overall, the present paper points to some variables that may be helpful in determining who will do well in group therapy for SAD.

58. The influence of psychological inflexibility on parenting and child psychosocial well-being
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Children
Anne Brassell, B.A., University of Vermont
Elyse Rosenberg, M.A., University of Vermont
Justin Parent, University of Vermont
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Martin Seehus, M.S., University of Vermont
Rex Forehand, Ph.D., University of Vermont

Introduction: Psychological flexibility within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework refers to how individuals relate to their internal experiences and increase their engagement in value-based behaviors. The purpose of this study is to examine a model that tests the association of psychological flexibility with parenting practices, and, in turn, child psychosocial adjustment. It is hypothesized that parents who are more psychologically flexible will demonstrate less negative parenting behaviors, more positive parenting behaviors, and, in turn, their children will have better psychosocial outcomes (fewer internalizing and externalizing problems). Method: Participants included 615 parents of young children (3-7, N = 210), school aged children (8-12, N = 200), and adolescents (13-17, N = 205). Parents completed a measure of psychological flexibility both generally and psychological flexibility as it applied to their role as a parent, as well as validated parenting scales and a scale measuring their child’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Results & Conclusions: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test primary hypotheses. The proposed model demonstrated excellent fit across age groups (x2 (2) = 3.6, p > .20, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .05, SRMR = .01). Parent psychological flexibility was directly and indirectly related to child internalizing and externalizing problems such that parental psychological flexibility was related to less negative parenting, more positive parenting, and fewer child and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems. In sum, the present findings elucidate the importance of psychological flexibility both generally and as a parent for child psychosocial well-being.

59. Psychological Flexibility and Valued Living in Latinos with Severe Mental Illness
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Severe Mental Illness and Latinos
Darisabel Roman- Laureano, MHS, M.S., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso
Rebecca Pasillas, Ph.D., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso
Alok Dwivedi, Ph.D., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso
Christina Ramirez, B.A., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso

The utility of the Psychological Flexibility model has not yet being explored in the Latino population with Severe Mental Illness. This study investigates the role of psychological flexibility and valued living on quality of life, psychosocial functioning and psychological distress in Latinos with SMI. A second part of the study will explore any similarities and/or differences between the participants’ results and norms of two measures that measure psychological flexibility (AAQ-II) and valued living (VLQ). Participants are recruited from an outpatient psychiatric clinic as part of a larger study. Pearson correlation coefficients will be used between quality of life, psychological functioning, psychological distress, psychological flexibility and valued living. Unadjusted and adjusted ordinary linear regression analyses will be carried out to determine the association of cofactors with psychological flexibility and valued living outcomes. Median regression will be also carried out for psychological flexibility and valued living outcomes. Data is currently being collected and analyzed. The potential for applying this approach to Latinos with SMI will be illustrated.

60. Body Image Flexibility as a Predictor of Eating Pathology
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Eating Disorders
Megan Strowger, Drexel University
Adrienne Juarascio, Ph.D., Drexel University
Alyssa Mattetucci, Drexel University
Evan Forman, Ph.D., Drexel University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University

Psychological flexibility, the ability to engage in behavior that is consistent with one’s chosen values even when the present moment includes difficult internal experiences, has been shown to be prospectively negatively predictive of eating pathology. Recently, several domain specific measures of psychological flexibility have been created, including the Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BIAAQ). The current study sought to determine whether generalized psychological flexibility (GPF) or body image psychological flexibility (BIF) was more predictive of both current and future eating pathology. Fifty six undergraduate students completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), BI-AAQ, and Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3) at the beginning and end of the academic year. Results revealed that while both the AAQ-II and BIAAQ were concurrently and prospectively predictive of eating pathology (e.g., drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms), comparisons of the strength of the correlations using Fisher’s z scores indicated that the BIAAQ was significantly more related to eating pathology (Bulimic Symptoms: z=2.11, p<.05; Drive for Thinness: z=1.61, p=.10). These results suggest that domain specific measures of psychological flexibility may be especially useful for assessing risk of developing eating pathology.

61. Depressive Symptoms and Emotion Regulation in Latina Mothers and their Children
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Latina families
Marie-Christine Andre, M.A., Suffolk University
Jadig Garcia, M.A., Suffolk University
Angela Currie, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University

Interventions targeting Latino/a mental health have been the focus of recent studies given the increase of mental health problems in the Latino population. Yet, few interventions have examined the role of ACT processes in Latina families. This study sought to ameliorate that gap by investigating the relationship between maternal emotion regulation, emotion expression, and depressive symptoms in a sample of 38 Latina and 22 European-American mothers with preschool-aged children recruited from urban Head Start centers. Our results suggest that Latina mothers endorsed more depressive symptoms (p<.05) and more frequently reported using suppression as a strategy than the European-American mothers (p<.05). Specifically, the more depressive symptoms the Latina mothers endorsed, the more they perceived their children as being significantly less regulated (p<.05). However, no relationship was observed between the Latina mothers’ endorsement of depressive symptoms and the teachers’ perception of the children’s emotion regulation. Implications for future research will be discussed.

62. The effectiveness of three life style interventions for overweight persons experiencing stress: ACT face-to-face, ACT –mobile and CBT –based web-intervention
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: lifestyle intervention, ACT, mobile intervention, web-intervention, stress, overweight, adults
Essi Sairanen, MA., University of Jyväskylä
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Marjukka Kolehmainen, Ph.D., University of Eastern Finland
Riitta Korpela, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Miikka Ermes, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tampere

Lifestyle-related health problems such as overweight and stress are very common problems and there is a need for evidence-based interventions models. Many of the current disease prevention and management models are not sufficiently cost-effective and they do not reach those who need them most. Therefore, more alternatives and controlled studies are needed to evaluate models of prevention and treatment based on self-management. This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness and applicability of different lifestyle interventions with persons having metabolic syndrome risk factors and perceived stress. Approximately 300 overweight persons reporting stress symptoms were recruited and randomized either into a face-to-face ACT group, ACT mobile, Internet-based CBT intervention, or control group. The subjects were measured three times during the study (pre=week 0, post=week 10, and follow-up=week 36). Psychological wellbeing, lifestyles and habits, eating behaviors, and user experiences were measured with online surveys. In addition, laboratory measurements for physical wellbeing were performed, including e.g. blood samples for blood lipids and glucose and body composition analysis. This study provides knowledge of effects of different psychological interventions for enhancing overall wellbeing among persons with metabolic syndrome risk factors and perceived stress.

Friday, June 20th, 8:30pm-9:30pm - Poster Session #2

1. Coping after cancer: Experiential avoidance and anxiety sensitivity to painful experiences in cancer survivors
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Cancer Survivors
Stacy Lorenz, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Stephanie Parazak, B.A., Xavier University

In 2008, there were an estimated 28.7 million cancer (CA) survivors worldwide. CA survivors often experience decreases in physical/psychological functioning and increased risk of additional chronic illness. Survivors with elevated anxiety symptoms have increased levels of fear of cancer recurrence. Specifically, anxiety sensitivity (AS; fear of anxiety-related sensations) may be particularly relevant for CA survivors. We compared experiential avoidance, mindfulness and AS of CA survivors (n=189) with non-CA survivors (n=193) in a sample of persons in online chronic illness support groups. Notably, endorsement of the experiential avoidance item “my painful experiences make it difficult to live a life I value” was much higher in CA survivors [F(1,263=6.212;p=.013]. CA survivors had higher physical AS [F(1,256)=7.924;p=.005] negative affect [F(1,250)=10.561;p=.001],and lower mindfulness [F(2.252)=7.544;p=.006]. These results suggest that CA survivors may be more sensitive to and vigilant about unpleasant private events that make it difficult for them to pursue valued life activities.

2. What is the relative utility of ACT-based approaches in older adults with co-morbid chronic illnesses?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Aging, Health
Amy Olzmann, B.S., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Amy Houston, M.A., Xavier University

The elderly population is expected to more than double over the next decades. Older adults (OAs) are at high risk for age-related chronic illnesses (CIs). Generally, OAs report more visits to physicians and hospitals, and more visits with medications prescribed. We surveyed members of online CI support groups and compared older adults 65+ to those under 65 regarding healthcare utilization (HCU), perceived illness-related disability (PD), and ACT-related variables (i.e., experiential avoidance, mindfulness and acceptance). In our sample, OAs reported lower HCU (F(1,403)=5.087, p=.025) and lower PD (F(1,383)=4.295, p=.039). OAs also reported lower subjective pain ratings (F(1,315)=15.564, p<.001). In our sample, OAs reported lower levels of experiential avoidance, higher CI Acceptance-Activity Engagement and higher Mindfulness (all p’s<.05). Although our online sample of OAs may be especially resilient, these findings are counter to what we initially expected. These results are encouraging regarding the positive utility of ACT interventions with OAs with CIs.

3. The Association of Acceptance and Avoidance with Medical Rehabilitation Outcomes
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Medical Rehabilitation
Victoria L. Carhart, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Kyoung deok Baik, M.S., Bowling Green State University
Rolf Ritchie, B.A., Bowling Green State University
Mariya Zaturenskaya, M.A., Bowling Green State University
William H. O’Brien, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University

Research with medical populations suggests that acceptance is related to better psychosocial and health outcomes, while avoidance is related to worse outcomes. A behavioral model may explain these findings, in that acceptance and avoidance may affect outcomes via effects on treatment engagement. This study examined the associations among these constructs and treatment outcomes in a medical rehabilitation population. Self-reports of acceptance and avoidance were collected for twenty adult medical rehabilitation inpatients. These variables were then used to predict depression, physical and occupational therapist-rated therapy adherence, and functional status outcomes. Results demonstrated that acceptance was related to less depression and avoidance was related to greater depression. However, these variables were not significantly related to functional status outcomes. These results offer preliminary, yet promising, evidence of the importance and presence of acceptance and avoidance in a medical rehabilitation population. Future research on the role of psychological variables in rehabilitation recovery is warranted.

4. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy experiential exercises in large-group brief workshops as "preventative behavioural medicine" in workplaces with high-stress environments and/or risk of vicarious trauma
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Workplace stress and vicarious trauma
Stephanie Swayne, MSW, RSW, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; private practice

Stress and secondary (vicarious trauma) in the workplace contribute to numerous negative outcomes, including increased sick time, decreased morale, and decreased performance. This poster will describe two series of brief ACT workshops on stress and vicarious trauma, conducted with large groups (60 and 20) in professional contexts where these issues are under recognized and even stigmatized – a correctional setting and a medical school. The aim of the workshops was to "teach" ACT principles and processes through group experiential exercises, with a view to "arming" the participants with tools for "inoculating" themselves against stress and vicarious trauma by enhancing psychological flexibility - opening them up to values-driven, mindful living and choices in the face of the stressors and traumatic events that they face on a regular basis while at work. This poster will include relevant research on stress and vicarious trauma in the workplace, the exercises that were used in the workshops with these two groups, and the feedback and outcomes from the participants.

5. The Psychological Picture of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Chronic Disease
Jeralee Briggs, M.S., M.A., Western Michigan University
R. Wayne Fuqua, Ph.D., Western Michigan University

Living with chronic gastrointestinal disorders including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is physically and mentally challenging. In order to better understand the relationship between physical disease expression and psychological health, and to identify risk and protective factors for psychopathology, the present study measured physical and mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, behavioral activation, and acceptance. Participants diagnosed with IBS or IBD were recruited via social networking websites and completed online disease background questions and mental health measures (Duke Health Profile, Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and a modified version of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Acceptance and Action Questionnaire). Data were analyzed within and across disease type. Results reveal that scores on mental health measures differ according to aspects of physical disease expression, including perceived severity of physical symptoms, time since diagnosis, and disease type. Future research and treatment implications are discussed.

6. Cognitive fusion mediates the impact of stigma on well-being in adults living with multiple sclerosis
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Stigma
Amy House, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University
Abbey Valvano, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University
Lauren Penwell-Waines, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University
Rebecca Rahn, PA, Georgia Regents University
Suzanne Smith, M.D., Georgia Regents University
Lara Stepleman, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University

Among those who live with chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), perceptions of stigma related to the illness can negatively impact well-being. Cognitive fusion (CF) may be one process through which stigma influences well-being. The aim of this project was to determine whether CF mediated the relationships between MS-related stigma (MRS) and three indicators of well-being (quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression) in a cross-sectional study of adults living with MS (n = 128). Three mediation analyses were conducted using bootstrapping (Hayes, 2009). Results indicated that CF fully mediated the relationship between stigma and anxiety, and partially mediated the relationships between stigma and QoL and between stigma and depression. These results point to the possibility that interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which aim to reduce cognitive fusion, may mitigate the influence of stigma and thus have positive impacts on the well-being of those living with MS.

7. Cognitive Defusion and Cognitive Restructuring: Comparing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Interventions with Individuals who Worry
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Worry and Anxiety
Renata Way, M.A., The Wright Institute

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health issue that plagues majority of Americans. At the core of GAD is chronic worry. So, treating GAD essentially means that targeting worry is an essential part of treatment. With the myriad of interventions in the field of psychology, the challenge becomes choosing an intervention that is not only efficacious at treating worry, but is flexible to meet the needs of the individual. One such treatment that has been renowned as the most effective modality for treating worry is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, a third-wave behavioral intervention, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) boasts similar results at treating worry by increasing acceptance and decreasing the subjective experiences of worry. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine which modality is most effective at ameliorating worry when compared to a wait-list group. Specifically, this dissertation examines two interventions within each modality that is at the crux of each theory and is widely used to treat worry. Cognitive defusion and cognitive restructuring (CR) are said interventions. In the present study, 86 participants with varying degrees of worry underwent a 6-week web-based treatment. Before and after the treatment, participants completed a series of questionnaires to gather measures of acceptance, anxiety, depression, stress, extent of worry, and dysfunctional attitudes towards worry. Several directional research hypotheses were tested using information obtained from participants prior to beginning the study and at post-treatment. Mixed ANOVA was used to calculate differences from pre to post treatment. Additionally, an analysis of covariance was conducted to examine the effect of acceptance and thought suppression on worry and anxiety. Results of this study indicate there is a statistically significant effect of time and group as well as a statistically significant time by group interaction on some outcome measures. Implications for these findings and recommendations for future research are provided.

8. The Association between Race and Mindfulness in a Sample Primed for Stereotype Threat
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Adeline Leon, MSW, Illinois Institute of Technology

Race and ethnicity are associated with performance differences on cognitive tasks, with Caucasians outperforming minorities. This may be explained by “stereotype threat,” an inhibited performance due to an association with a group whose members are believed to underperform on the task at hand (Steele, 1997). Awareness of this stereotype leads to a perceived psychological threat, in which poor performance is viewed as evidence that the individual retains the group’s perceived shortcomings (Martens et al, 2004). These negative thoughts and feelings contrast with the concept of mindfulness, which focuses on acceptance and being non-judgmental. Thus, when minority individuals’ cognitive performance is impeded by this threat, they may also exhibit lower mindfulness levels. This study explores the relationship between mindfulness, measured by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS), and race in a sample of women (N= 128) primed for stereotype threat while completing a spatial reasoning task. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between race and scores on the TMS-decentering scale (t= 2.24, p =.03), with higher scores for Caucasians (mean= 19.5) than non-Caucasians (mean= 17.2). Overall, there appears to be a significant association between race and mindfulness when minorities are primed for stereotype threat, suggesting that increased mindfulness may be beneficial for minorities when completing these cognitive tasks.

9. ACT with Wisdom: Utilizing a Group Model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Increase the Level of Psychological Resilience in Older Adults
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Older Adults, Wellness
Blaise Amendolace, Psy.D., Florida Atlantic University
Jacquelyn Browne, Ph.D., LCSW, Nova Southeastern University

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has proved to be an empirically supported treatment approach for a wide range of presenting problems and populations. However, little empirical support has been provided for ACT’s efficacy in working with older adults in a group setting. The following presentation provides the findings from structured eight-week life-enrichment group utilizing the core principles of ACT in an attempt to increase psychological resilience in older adults. The findings provide useful strategies for successfully implementing such a group, and provide suggestions for improving the delivery and implementation of this pilot group program.

10. ACT for Interpersonal Distress: Clinical Outcomes
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Greg Baron, M.A., Pacific University
Aaron Bergman, M.A., Pacific University
Julija Stelmokas, M.S., Pacific University
Michael Christopher, Ph.D., Pacific University

The Pacific Psychology Clinic in Portland, OR serves community members suffering from a wide variety of mental health concerns through sliding scale, student-run services. Research supports the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT) delivered by student clinicians (Lappalainen, Lehtonen, Skarp, Taubert, Ojanen, & Hayes, 2007) andhas been shown to be an effective transdiagnostic treatment approach (Ruiz, 2010).The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a manualized, doctoral student-led ACT group for interpersonal problems. The creation of the group followed a mentor model where an experienced student clinician worked with a new practicum student. Six participants completed the 10-week group, completing pre, mid, and post measures of psychological flexibility, interpersonal distress, emotional regulation, and overall functioning. Z-score analyses, reliable change indices, and qualitative feedback suggest group members improved as a result of their participation in the group. Findings, limitations, and directions for future research will be discussed.

11. Mindfulness: Acceptance verses Control-based Conceptions
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Peter Hitchcock, B.A., Drexel University
Lindsay Martin, M.A., Drexel University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University

Mindfulness is often associated with acceptance-based concepts such as 'flexibility,' 'willingness,’ etc. However, many clinicians report anecdotally that clients often have different interpretations (e.g., 'relaxation,' 'turning off the brain'). Assessment of a client’s understanding may help guide the course of treatment; it is plausible that clients with strong control-based understandings of mindfulness may benefit from additional psychoeducation and/or experiential work. We are examining college-aged students’ conceptions of mindfulness. Participants (n=60) will answer one open-ended prompt. Then they will rate the degree to which they agree with 15 acceptance-based (e.g., “Mindfulness is being with one's experience without trying to change it”) and 15 control-based (e.g., “Mindfulness is a way of transcending difficult emotions”) sentence stems, using a visual analog scale. Raters will conduct content analyses on the open-ended responses, identifying response themes, then coding by thematic category. Descriptive statistics will be generated for the sentence agreement ratings.

12. Trauma Pathology and Fear of Self-Compassion: A Rehashing of Experiential Avoidance or a Distinct Predictor?
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Self-Compassion; PTSD
Lynsey R. Miron, M.A., Northern Illinois University
Holly K. Orcutt, Northern Illinois University

Evidence suggests that increasing self-compassion is a worthwhile therapeutic target and may protect against the development of PTSD. More recently, researchers have noted that particular individuals respond to self-compassion with fear and resistance, a phenomenon known as fear of self-compassion (FOSC). The present study investigated the role of FOSC in the development of posttrauma symptoms (PTS) in a sample of trauma-exposed undergraduates (N = 246). Further, we examined whether FOSC predicted unique variance in PTS beyond experiential avoidance (EA) scores. Hierarchical multiple regression results revealed that EA directly predicted variance in PTS (β = .23, p < .05), while FOSC did not (β = -.08, ns). A significant interaction between EA and FOSC was observed (β = .39, p < .05), where individuals with heightened EA and FOSC met symptom criteria for a probable PTSD diagnosis, while those with other variable combinations (e.g., high EA, low FOSC) did not.

13. The Effects of Three Mindfulness Skills on Chocolate Cravings
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Julien Lacaille, McGill University
Jinshia Ly, McGill University
Natalie Zacchia, McGill University
Sophia Bourkas, McGill University
Emma Glaser, McGill University
Bärbel Knäuper, McGill University

There is accumulating evidence that mindfulness-based interventions are useful in reducing food cravings. However, existing studies have applied many mindfulness skills together, rendering it unclear which skills are essential and which are unnecessary. Based on recent investigations into the efficacy of individual mindfulness skills at managing cravings, the goal of the present study was to compare the efficacy of two-week mindfulness-based interventions, targeting different combinations of specific mindfulness skills (awareness, acceptance, disidentification), at reducing trait and state chocolate cravings. We compared the efficacy of the mindfulness interventions to an active control intervention (distraction). Overall, disidentification emerged as the most efficacious mindfulness skill. After two weeks of practice, those trained in disidentification reported less intense state cravings after a craving induction task compared with those trained in distraction. Mediation analyses revealed that this effect was mediated first by a greater increase in the disidentification skill, and subsequently by a greater decrease in trait chocolate cravings. Manipulation checks revealed that training the disidentification skill was more successful than training the other skills. Disidentification is shown to be a crucial mindfulness skill that can be taught to help better cope with food cravings.

14. Dealing with food cravings: Cognitive Restructuring vs. Cognitive Defusion
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Eating Disorders
Natasa Georgiou, M.A., University of Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., Univerity of Cyprus

Dealing with food cravings: Cognitive Restructuring vs. Cognitive Defusion Coping with food cravings seems to be crucial in weight management. Individuals tend to use avoidance type strategies, so as to resist eating desires and avoid overeating (Lowe, 2003). Cognitive behavioral practices tend to utilize cognitive restructuring as a way of dealing with unwanted thoughts and emotions, however this approach maybe more in line with control and avoidant strategies and as a result not work in long-term. Cognitive defusion may present as a better approach in combating cravings (Hooper et al, 2012; Moffitt et al, 2012; Forman, 2007). This study aimed to compare two techniques (Cognitive Restructuring vs. Cognitive Defusion) in order to investigate their effectiveness in dealing with food cravings. Sixty five participants (M age = 33,9 yrs) received a 30-minute instruction session of either cognitive restructuring (CR) or defusion (CD), and a control group (C) received only information on obesity. Participants were provided with pieces of chocolate and carrots, and were asked to carry these with them at all times. A taste test followed after a week. Participants in the CD group ate significantly less chocolates (M=3.9) compared to CR (M=5.8) and C groups (M=9.7). CD resulted in less self-reported cravings compared to CR and C groups. At a final taste test, both CD and CR groups ate significantly less chocolates compared to the C group. Groups did not differ in amount of vegetable eaten at taste test. Effective approaches in the management of food cravings and implications for weight management programs will be discussed.

15. Psychological Flexibility and Mental Health Issues of parents of children having disabilities
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Parents of children having disabilities, Group Format, Mental Health
Shinji　TANI, Ph.D., Ritsumeikan　University
Kotomi　KITAMURA, Ph.D., Osaka University of Human Sciences
Toshiko Okamoto, Reinan Hospital
Akihiro OKAMOTO, Reinan Hospital

We have conducted four researches to show the effectiveness of ACT WS to mental health issues of parents of children having disabilities. Each WS was conducted in different areas in Japan. Social workers and occupational therapists who are working with the parents in the area attended to the WS as assistants to continue to help the parents after finishing the WS. All WS was conducted with a group format. Two pre-test and two post-test were implemented in all research. BDI-II and GHQ-28 were used as the outcome measures and AAQ-II was used as the process measures. The purpose of this research is to synthesize the four researches we conducted and show the mental health condition of the parent of children having disabilities and explore the relationships between psychological flexibility (AAQ-II) and mental health (BDI-II and GHQ-28). 77 parents provided the pre-test assessments and 68 parents finished the ACT WS (6 parents attended BPT WS as a TAU control group and 3 parents were absented to the ACT WS for private reasons). 58 parents-data who answered all questions necessary for calculating the score of outcome and process measure were used to analyze the relationships between the outcome measures and the process measure. Results 1) Characteristics of parents of children having disabilities. The means score of AAQ-II was 41.0, SD=9.1. The mean score of BDI-II was 13.1. AS the cut-off score of BDI-II in Japanese population is 13/14, 34.7% of the parents showed the above cut-off score. The mean score of GHQ-28 was 8.73,The cut-off score of GHQ-28 is 5/6. 57.3 % of the patient showed above the cut-off score. 2) The changes of the outcome measures. The significant change of the score of BDI-II was found between pre-test and post-test (t=3.80, p<.001) and the effect size is medium (r=.45). The significant change was also found in GHQ-28 (t=3.38, p<.001, r=.41). 3) The changes of the process measure. The change of the score of AAQ-II was not significant between pre-test and post-test. 4) The interrelationships between the process measures and the outcome measures. The score of the AAQ-II at the pre-test was significantly correlated with the amount of the change between pre-BDI-II (GHQ-28) and post-BDI-II (GHQ-28). This indicated participants showing the lower AAQ-II score at the pre-test got the larger change of the two outcome measures after finishing the WS. These results indicated that Psychological Flexibility played an important role in improving the mental health of parents of children having disabilities.

16. The preliminary psychometric properties of an Italian version of Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) for Adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

The paper presents a pilot study assessing the psychometric properties of the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI; Walach, Buchheld, Buttenmuller, Kleinknecht, Schmidt) on a non-clinical sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 500 high school students). This 14-item instrument captures several important aspects of Mindfulness according to the ACT model, and in its original version has been validated for adults. Preliminary analyses support the reliability and validity of the most of the 14-items even for youth, correlating with dissociation, psychological distress, cognitive fusion, thought suppression and avoidance.

17. Development and validation study of the Italian Version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

Emerging research suggests that an increase of Acceptance and Mindfulness abilities, since from youth, leads to significant reductions in physiological and psychological distress. Moreover there is a growing agreement about the reliability of children and adolescent reports about their inner experiences. Departing from these assumptions we translated an Italian version of the “Child Acceptance and Mindfulness Measure” (CAMM; Greco, Smith& Baer, 2009) an instrument which is focused on Acceptance and Mindfulness in youth. In this study CAMM was administered to a non-clinical sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 500 high school students) together with other self-reported measures focused on psychological distress, cognitive fusion, thought suppression, avoidance. Theoretical implications of this study for clinical practice will be discussed with suggestions for further researches in adolescence. Achieved results could also allow a preliminary validation of the CAMM for the Italian population.

18. Psychological Flexibility, Ethnicity, and Binge-drinking Behaviors in College Students
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Substance-Use
Bethany Grix, M.S., Illinois Institute of Technology
M. Ellen Mitchell, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology

There is limited research exploring the relationships between psychological flexibility and values-based committed action in the context of substance related disorders. (e.g., Luoma, et al., 2011). Therefore, the current study investigated the relationship between binge-drinking behaviors, psychological flexibility (AAQ-2), values-based committed action (VLQ), alcohol-related consequences (YAACQ), and health-related quality of life (SF-36), in a college-aged sample. One-hundred and eighty-nine undergraduate students from a Midwestern university completed an online survey. As a part of the larger study’s analyses, a logistical regression was computed to assess the impact of AAQ-2 scores and ethnicity on the likelihood that college students would engage in binge-drinking behaviors (Yes/No). Results revealed that psychological flexibility and ethnicity were significant negative predictors of whether or not students engaged in binge-drinking behavior X² = (5, N=189) = 15.5, p<.05. The odds ratio for psychological flexibility indicated that respondents were 0.95 times less likely to endorse binge-drinking with each additional point on the AAQ-2. Individuals who identified as Hispanic and Asian were 0.30 and 0.33 times less likely to endorse binge-drinking behavior, respectively. Even though research related to these constructs are in the early stages, results suggest that increased psychological flexibility may serve as a protective factor for college students’ binge-drinking behavior, lending support for potential target interventions within this population. Results suggest that ethnic and/or cultural differences may also contribute to differences in college-aged binge-drinking behavior, consistent with previous literature (Grant et al., 2004).

19. Reliability and Validity of an Italian version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) for Youth
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan) is a self-report instrument, coherent with the ACT model, which assesses individual differences in the frequency of mindful states over time (focusing on the presence of attention to and awareness of what is occurring in the present) and, in its original version, it was directed to undergraduate students. This paper presents a pilot study assessing the reliability and validity of MAAS on a sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 600 high school students). The aim of this research is to check which items detect good psychometric properties when applied to mindlessness adolescents. Correlations with other self-report measure have been investigated. Data collection is still currently in process, but preliminary analyses seem to confirm the Italian validation of MAAS on youth.

20. Validation study of the Italian Version of the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

This is a preliminary validation study of “Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth” (AFQ-Y; Greco, Baer & Lambert, 2008). The AFQ-Y items are tied to the ACT model of human suffering, and they were generated to represent a theoretically cohesive conceptualization of psychological inflexibility. This is promoted by cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance and inaction or behavioral ineffectiveness in the presence of unwanted internal experiences. Cognitive fusion is the mechanism in which the thought and the thing that refers to it are stuck together. Experiential avoidance, instead, is the phenomenon that occurs when a person is unwilling to remain in contact with a particular private experience and he takes steps to change form or frequency of these events, even when it causes psychological harm. In this study, reliability and validity of the 17-items version of the AFQ-Y have been tested on a non-clinical sample (n = about 500 high school students) of Italian adolescents, even considering correlations with other self-reported measures about anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and dissociation (SAFA, STAI-Y, A-DES), cognitive fusion, avoidance and thought soppression (CAMM, WBSI). Clinical implications of this study will be discussed for further researches in adolescence.

21. Avoidance and cognitive fusion in mental suffering: Adaptation and validation study of an Italian version of the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS) in Italian adolescents with psychological distress
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

The Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS; Wicksell, Renöfält, Olsson, Bond & Melin, 2007) is a 16-item instrument measuring, according to the ACT model, avoidance and cognitive fusion with pain in adults affected by chronical disease (such as fybromialgia and migraine). This paper presents a pilot study on psychometric properties of PIPS applied to a non-clinical sample of adolescents (n = about 500) with high-scores at psychological distress (evaluated with different assesment measures) even in absence of chronical disease. The aims of this study are: - assess the adequacy of PIPS in measuring psychological pain (through correlations between high score at PIPS and high score at anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, dissociation); - identify the translated items with higher validity and reliability scores for Italian youth. Data and clinical implications of this study will be discussed.

22. The Role of Mindfulness and Experiential Avoidance in the Relation Between Disordered Eating Cognitions and Body Checking Behaviors
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Disordered Eating, Mindfulness, Experiential Avoidance, Body Checking
Brittany Lang, B.S., Midwestern State University
Laura Spiller, Ph.D., Midwestern State University

Body checking, repeated assessment of one’s bodily features, is an example of the over-evaluation of shape and weight theorized to be the core component of clinical eating disorders. The current study investigated the relationships between disordered eating cognitions, body checking behaviors, mindfulness, and experiential avoidance, as well as tested whether mindfulness or experiential avoidance moderates the relation between disordered eating cognitions and body checking behaviors. Participants were 209 college undergraduates who completed questionnaires online. Eating disordered cognitions were correlated with body checking behaviors, r=.46. Mindfulness was negatively correlated with eating disordered cognitions, r=-.33, and body checking behaviors, r=-.18. Experiential avoidance was positively correlated with eating disordered cognitions, r=.34, and body checking behaviors, r=.24. While total mindfulness and experiential avoidance scores did not act as moderators, the relation between eating disordered cognitions and body checking was stronger for those with higher scores on the Observe subscale of the mindfulness measure.

23. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): case conceptualization and a combined ACT-FAP intervention with a client diagnosed with Eating Disorder (EDNOS)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Eating Disorder, FAP, ACT
Giovanna Cristina Campione, ACBS, ACT-Italia
Katia Manduchi, ACBS, ACT-Italia, IESCUM

Sonia’s problems start at least one year ago and from DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2001) point of view she meets the criteria for Eating Disorder No Otherwise Specified. The girl has a restrictive eating (no purging), reports a loss of self-confidence, some difficulties in family relationships, and to struggle in bearing self-efficacy and other people’s expectancies. The authors, the first one as therapist, the second one as supervisor, conceptualize Sonia’s case using the FAP-Matrix and integrating it with the ACT model. According to FAP model, the therapeutic relationship represents a sacred space where client’s clinically relevant behaviors can be evoked. Within the therapeutic relationship it is possible to promote significant changes using shaping and contingent reinforcement.

24. Validity and reliability of an Italian version of the Internalized Shame Scale (ISS) for Youth
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

The original version of the Internalized Shame Scale (ISS; Cook, 1994, 2001), with its subscales (Internalized Shame and Self-esteem), appears to be a reliable instrument for measuring trait shame in college students, since shame is a relatively enduring and stable personality characteristic. ISS must be understood and interpreted within the biologically based theoretical framework (Nathanson, 1992) according to which there are eight categories of shame cognition that are reactions to biological triggers and which provides to motivate an individual to maintain or increase positive affects and decrease the negative ones. Adolescence is a developmental age during which there is a rapid magnification of shame. The affects of shame accounts for many disregulations of self-functioning: awkwardness, clumsiness, the retreat inward to reduce visibility, frequent or unexpected rages and other affective eruptions. The purpose of this study is to validate an ISS version for Italian non-clinical population, in particular for youths (sample: n = about 500 high school students). Psychometrical properties of each of the 30 items and correlations with other affect constructs theoretically linked with shame (such as anxiety and depression) have been investigated through some self-report measures. Data collection is still currently in process. Clinical implications of this study will be discussed for further research in adolescence.

25. A Preliminary Study on Validating the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) in Italian Adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC

The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ; Hollon & Kendall, 1980) is a 30-items instrument measuring depressogenic thoughts frequency. The ATQ-B is a revision to this instrument by Zettle and Hayes (ATQ-B, Zettle & Hayes, 1986) that measure the believability of these depressive thoughts. The authors recommend to use both subscales which assesses separately the frequency (F) and degree of believability (B) of (or fusion with) negative thoughts associated with depression. This preliminary study moved from the original version of ATQ (F & B), translated and back-translated in Italian and administered to a sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 600) to validate an Italian version of ATQ (F&B) for youths. Psychometrical properties of its items will be analyzed in subjects with highest scores at test assessing anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and dissociation, indicating the level of appropriation of the instrument under study and its future application in the management of negative automatic thoughts in an ACT perspective.

26. Impact of ACT self-help books: A review of the literature and recommendations for future research
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Self-help book
Catherine Ethier, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frédéric Langlois, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frédérick Dionne, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Recently, Hayes, Barnes-Holmes and Wilson (2012) mentioned that it would be essential to proceed to rigorous testing of the ACT oriented self-help books available. In order to prepare the ground for eventual researches in the field, this poster aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT self-help books. Therefore, a review of corresponding articles from PsycInfo, PubMed, Medline and the ACBS website, was done with selected keywords such as: self-help, book, bibliotherapy, , effectiveness and/or ACT. Seven studies were retained because of their focus on ACT self-help books’ efficacy. We calculated and presented the effect sizes of each of the studies. The results showed that ACT oriented self-help books presented both preventive and ameliorative impacts. In fact, positive impacts on general mental health, depression, anxiety and stress were found in almost every study. It was also shown that the use of an ACT self-help book diminished the probability to developed distress among the non-distressed population. The different results are detailed. The limits are discussed as well as future directions.

27. Culturally-informed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Pilot study of Puerto Rican veterans with Fibromyalgia
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Latinos
Yari Colon Torres, Ph.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Karen Malaret-Gomez, Psy.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Sarel Rivera-Rios, Psy.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Beth Wecksell, Psy.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System

There is a call for evidenced-based treatments that better meet the needs of different cultural groups (Sue, et al., 2009). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shown to be effective with multiple health-related problems, particularly chronic pain. However, there is no information on how ACT has been implemented for use with Puerto Rican adults. In a poster presented at the 10th annual world Conference of the Association of Contextual and Behavioral Science in Washington D.C. , Colon, Berrios, Navas and Abreu (2011) discussed efforts to culturally adapt ACT for the treatment of Fibromyalgia with Puerto Rican veterans. The aim of this poster is to present the results of a pilot study that compared pre-treatment and outcome measures to examine the potential utility of culturally-informed ACT group therapy for Puerto Rican veterans with Fibromyalgia. Instruments administered were the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire- II (Patrón-Espinosa, 2010), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (Gonzalez-Menéndez, Fernandez-García, & Torres-Viejo, 2010), and the Valued Living Questionnaire (Wilson & Luciano, 2002). The poster will describe the eight-week ACT intervention that has been specifically designed for Puerto Rican veterans with Fibromyalgia. It will include the following information: 1) Descriptive data and exploratory analyses, 2) Benefits and limitations, and 3) Recommendations and future directions. The hope is to contribute to the discussion of the cultural adaptation of ACT, and foster fertile ground for feasibility and efficacy studies of culturally-informed ACT for Fibromyalgia.

28. ACT & FAP for couples in group: working around the Hexaflex with love courage and awareness
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Couples, Cyber-Sexual Addiction,
Katia Manduchi, Ph.D., Iescum, private practice Italy, Acbs, Act Italia
Robert Allegri, Ph.D., Iescum Alumni, private practice Italy, Acbs Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., Universty of Washington, Acbs, private practice

The diagnosis of sexuality and more in general relationship psychological problems, results difficult because using quantitative standards tends to produce discriminative and inappropriate classes. Third Generation approaches like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and FAP (Functional Analitic Psychotherapy) can overcome this problem by introducing qualitative measurements: AAQ2, VLQ and specific sexual/relational self monitorated sheets. Two different protocols are presented, the first specifically tailored for couples that are dealing with relational/sexual/emotional problems. The second specifically designed for individuals with Sexual/Cybersexual behavioral problems. The structure of both protocols is projected on ACT and FAP and composed by 6 sessions of 2 hours, that can be realized live or Online. During the sessions the group will explore the 6 processes of the hexaflex, integrated by the 3 FAP components (love, courage and awareness). At the end of the 6 sessions we suppose to find an improvement in the measures above mentioned.

29. Towards a Functional-Contextual Solution for Anger-Related Problems: Results and Lessons from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Problematic Anger in Low Income Minorities in Substance Abuse Recovery
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Anger, Group-Based Training
Koke Saavedra, Psy.D., Private Practice, Berkeley, CA
Katherine Plambeck, M.A., The Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA

We present the unpublished empirical outcomes of a small, pilot group-based RCT (n=12) of ACT (vs. ACT + TAU) for ‘problematic anger’, i.e., frequency of unworkable behaviors in the presence of 'anger' experience. Participants are low income minorities (over 90% African American) treated in the natural setting of a California-funded substance abuse recovery center. Average data supports ACT as a new, promising intervention approach for problematic anger (Cohen d = .78). Most importantly, the effectiveness of ACT correlates with problem severity, i.e., effectiveness increases as severity of anger (baseline frequency of problematic behaviors) increases. This finding is counter to extensive research on CBT, which has generally failed to help with severe anger. Data also show that ACT change processes are consistent with its functional-contextual theory, rooted on well-established operant contextual behavioral principles, as well as distinct from traditional topography- or antecedent-focused CBT, as measured by the STAXI and an acceptance measure. A brief literature review is also offered, which show how little we have done in applied/ACT anger research. We see this ACT pilot as suggesting new avenues to loosen the grip of anger experiences over human action and thus the massive human suffering associated with anger in our world-wide human community.

30. Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Stepped-Care Approach to the Treatment of Adolescent Depression
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Depression
Rachel A. Petts, Western Michigan University
Julissa A. Duenas, M.A., Western Michigan University
Scott T. Gaynor, Ph.D., Western Michigan University

Adolescent depression is a significant mental health concern; thus, research on treatment outcome and potential mediators of outcome is indicated in this population. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of using a stepped-care approach to treat adolescent depression in a school setting. Depressed adolescents, aged 14-20, were invited to begin participation in a minimal intervention phase (i.e., three weeks of Motivational Interviewing Assessment (MIA)), and then entered a more involved intervention phase (i.e., ten weeks of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)), if they did not respond to MIA. The current study also sought to assess potential mediators of ACT, including activation and defusion/acceptance. Data collection is currently underway using a single subject design. To date, twelve adolescents have entered the study and six have completed the protocol. Changes in outcome and process measures were analyzed with reliable change indices. Three subjects demonstrated a clinically significant response in depression scores post-ACT; two of these subjects also had a reliable change in activation and one of these subjects had a reliable change in defusion/acceptance. Two subjects have yet to complete follow-up data; however, a reliable change in activation was demonstrated for both of these participants during treatment. One participant demonstrated a reliable change in depression scores and activation during MIA, but did not have further improvement during the ACT phase. Results thus far suggest ACT may be an effective treatment for adolescent depression. Further, increased activation and defusion/acceptance may be plausible mechanisms of action in ACT.

31. The Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-based Online Intervention to Lower Distress in Public University and Community College Settings
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Viann N. Nguyen, M.P.H., University of Minnesota
Christiaan S. Greer, University of Minnesota
Liza Meredith, University of Minnesota
Kelli G. Howard, University of Minnesota
Jacob A. Paulsen, University of Minnesota
Therese Bermingham, University of Minnesota
Patricia A. Frazier, Ph.D., University of Minnesota

Self-help internet-based interventions are effective for treating depression and anxiety. However, most of these interventions use cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. The present study assessed the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based online intervention in lowering distress in public university (N = 103) and community college (N = 73) students. Both samples completed three online modules regarding stress and its effects, and strategies to increase perceived control over stress. They then completed several mindfulness exercises, which involved listening to mindfulness videos, meditating, and completing written logs regarding their experiences while completing the exercises. Pre- and post-outcome measures were the DASS Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scales. Completion rates were 73% at the public university and 67% at the community college. Participants in both samples significantly (p<.05) decreased their distress, with mean within-group effect sizes of d = -.26 and -.43, respectively. Mindfulness-based online interventions may be an effective tool for lowering distress in college settings.

32. Effectiveness of ACT Groups for Adolescents in an In-Patient Setting
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Adolescents
Cecily Anders, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Dr. John Klocek, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Staff clinicians at an in-patient facility for adolescents were asked to refer adolescents to a group for people who experience distressing thoughts, emotions, or memories related to anxiety, depression, and/or anger. Fifty-five adolescents were selected to participate in a group and thirty adolescents completed a group. The clients learned about and actively participated in exercises related to mindfulness, acceptance, values, and goals. The groups were based on frequently used ACT interventions (Harris, 2009). The group members were asked to practice mindfulness, labeling thoughts as helpful or unhelpful, accepting their emotions, and overcoming barriers to their goals for homework. Pre and post measures for depression, anxiety, acceptance, and/or mindfulness were given to clients based on their current diagnoses, as part of routine health care administration. It is hypothesized that symptoms will be reduced and knowledge of ACT skills will be increased.

33. Lessons Learned and Practical Applications for Adolescent In-Patient ACT Groups
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Adolescents
Cecily Anders, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Dr. John Klocek, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Staff clinicians at an in-patient facility for adolescents were asked to refer adolescents to a group for people who experience distressing thoughts, emotions, or memories related to anxiety, depression, and/or anger. The group members learned about and actively participated in frequently used ACT interventions related to mindfulness, acceptance, values, and goals (Harris, 2009). The poster will include information on collaborating with administration and staff in the context of a full and fixed therapeutic programming schedule, educating staff clinicians, selecting adolescents for the group, the length of the group, the content of the manual, barriers to participation (such as competing recreational activities, adolescent interpersonal conflicts, staff clinician turnover, and an increase in distressing symptoms during mindfulness exercises), the pros and cons of voluntary participation, selecting mindfulness exercises for the group, creating useful homework sheets, and the continued use of ACT treatments at the facility.

34. Psychometric Properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire French Version (AAQ-II, 7 items)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Assessment, ACT Questionnaire
Jean-Louis Monestès, Ph.D., Laboratoire Epsylon (EA 4556) Montpellier & CHU de la Réunion
Marcos Balbinotti, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frank Bond, Ph.D., University of London
Joel Gagnon, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frédérick Dionne, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Experiential avoidance is defined as the tendency to rigidly escape or avoid private psychological experiences (thoughts, emotions, sensations, memories, urges), even when doing so is futile or interferes with valued actions. High experiential avoidance contributes to the development and maintenance of various forms of psychopathology, through the narrowing of one’s behavioral repertoire (Boulanger et al., 2010; Hayes et al., 2004; Ruiz, 2010). Experiential avoidance is measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II, Bond et al., 2011), a 7 item self-administered questionnaire answered on a 7 point Likert-type scale (from 1=“never true” to 7=“always true”). The 10 items version of the AAQ-II was validated in French (Monestès, Villatte, Mouras, Loas & Bond, 2009), but the 7 items version properties have not yet been studied in this language. The present study evaluates the psychometric properties of the 7 items AAQ-II French version in a group of 427 non-clinical participants. Overall, the French version of the AAQ-II presents good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: .88). Its concurrent validity and construct validity appear strong. Results of correlational analyses showed that experiential avoidance (AAQ-II) is significantly related to defusion (CFQ, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, Gillanders et al., 2014; r = 0.77, p < 0,05), and mindfulness (MAAS, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale; Brown & Ryan, 2003; Jermann et al., 2009; r = -0.37, p < 0,05). A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the French version of the AAQ-II presents with an unifactorial structure (CFI = .928, SRMR = .0477, RMSEA = .127), reproducing the structure of the original English version. These psychometric properties ensure the use of the AAQ-II French version in research as well as in clinical practice.

35. Validation of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) in a French-Speaking Population
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Assessment, ACT Questionnaire
Frédérick Dionne, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada)
Marcos Balbinotti, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
David T Gillanders, Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Joël Gagnon, B.Sc., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Jean-Louis Monestès, Ph.D., ., Laboratoire Epsylon (EA 4556) Montpellier & CHU de la Réunion

One central concept in ACT is cognitive fusion. Cognitive fusion is the pouring together of verbal/cognitive process and direct experience such that the individual cannot discriminate between the two. Cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance are key processes in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. Despite the relevance of the concept of fusion, very few questionnaires are available for the clinician and researcher, and none in French. The 7-items CFQ was administered to a sample of 434 non-clinical and 130 clinical participants. Respondents indicate how frequently they have the experience described in each statement using a 7-point Likert scale from 1 (always true) to 7 (never true), where high scores reflect more cognitive fusion. Results of correlational analyses showed that cognitive fusion is significantly related to two dimensions of psychological flexibility, namely mindfulness (MAAS; r = -.50 for non-clinical and .45 for clinical population, p < 0,001) and acceptance (AAQ-II, r = .77 for non-clinical to .56, for clinical population, p < 0,001). Principal Components factor analysis confirmed the unidimensional factor as the original CFQ (Gillanders et al., 2014). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using AMOS 22 and the unidimensional structure of the CFQ was confirmed (CMIN/DF = 0,69; p > 0,05; GFI = 1,0; AGFI = ,99; SRMR = 0,01; RMSEA = ,00; CFI = 1,0). Furthermore, results showed that the CFQ presents excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of .92) in the non-clinical sample and fair (Cronbach’s alpha of .74) in the clinical sample. The French version of the CFQ has a valid construct and internal consistency for use on clinical and research purposes.

36. Correlates of perceived disability and psychological flexibility in older adults with chronic illness: Are ACT interventions the next best step?
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: psychological flexibility
Amy M. Houston, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Amy E. Olzmann, B.S., Xavier University

Most older adults (OAs) have >1 chronic illness (CI), and treatment is 3-5 times more expensive than those <65. Psychological flexibility and perceived illness-related disability (PD) have been associated with functional/medical outcomes. Relatively little is known about these factors in OAs with CIs. We examined correlates of facets of psychological flexibility and PD in OAs (N=110; Mage=69.99,SD=4.24) in online CI support groups. Notably, in our sample, OAs had similar numbers of CIs but lower PD compared to younger counterparts. PD was inversely related to life satisfaction, CI Acceptance-willingness/activity engagement, and positive affect (r’s=-.302 to -.519,p’s<.02) but positively associated with experiential avoidance and negative affect (r’s=.317 and .302,p’s <.05). Similarly, experiential avoidance was inversely related to life satisfaction, CI Acceptance-willingness/activity engagement, and positive affect (r’s=-.265 to -.515,p’s<.05) but positively associated with negative affect (r=.631,p <.001). Effective interventions for CI management in OAs are essential and could be greatly informed by ACT.

37. Evaluation of the efficacy of an ACT-based intervention on the psychological health of university students: A randomized study
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: University Students, Mental Health
Laurence De Mondehare, Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal
Simon Grégoire, Ph.D., Département d'éducation et de pédagogie, Université du Québec à Montréal

Many university students struggle with stress, anxiety and depression. Consequently, some get discouraged and drop out. During the fall semester of 2013, four 2.5 hours stress-management workshops were developed and offered to students of three Canadian universities. These workshops were based on the six core processes of ACT and included both didactic activities and experiential exercises (role play, meditation exercises, etc.). A pretest-posttest control group switching-replication design including three measurement times was used to evaluate the impact of the workshops on psychological health (i.e., stress, anxiety, depression, psychological well-being) and academic commitment. During the first part of the study, Group 1 (n = 20) acted as the intervention group while Group 2 (n = 17) acted as the control group. During the second part, the intervention was replicated and the roles of the two groups were reversed. The data were collected using self-report questionnaires at baseline (t1), week 5 (t2) and week 9 (t3) and examined using multivariate analysis of variance. Overall, the results showed that the intervention helped reduce stress, anxiety, and depression among students while it increased their level of well-being and academic commitment. This study makes three important contributions: 1) it introduces a novel ACT intervention specifically designed for university students, 2) it assess the impact of this intervention on academic commitment, and 3) it does so by using a research design rarely used in ACT studies.

38. An examination of psychological distress, mindfulness, and values among minority and majority first-year college students
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Minority college students
Jose Arauz, M.A., Suffolk University
Sara Danitz, M.A., Suffolk University
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Susan Orsillo, Ph.D., Suffolk University

Empirical evidence indicates that students of diverse backgrounds face challenges that increase psychological distress and academic difficulties (Arbona & Jimenez, 2014; Blume, Lovato, Thyken, & Denny, 2012). The factors that contribute to this problematic phenomenon are extensive and multiply determined, although recent evidence indicates value affirmation can improve academic performance among Black university students (Taylor & Walton, 2011). One plausible explanation for the racial/ethnic achievement gap is that minority students deal with increased levels of depression and anxiety and lower endorsement of academic values in comparison to their majority counterparts. The present study seeks to better understand the significant disparity between minority and majority students through an examination of mental health, mindfulness, and values in various key domains during the first semester of college. One hundred and ninety two first year undergraduates (22% of which identified as non-White) participating in a larger study examining the impact of an intervention integrated into a first year seminar course, completed a baseline packet of questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ; Wilson, Sandoz, Kitchens, & Roberts, 2010), a measure of Academic Values (AVQ; Glick, 2014), and the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHL-MS; Cardaciotto, Herbert, Forman, Moitra, & Farrow, 2008). Data collection is completed and we will present analyses testing our hypotheses that minority students experience greater psychological distress and differing academic values in comparison to non-minority students. The results of this study have implications for the current system of higher education, which needs improvement in effectively serving and retaining these underrepresented populations. References Arbona, C., & Jimenez, C. (2014). Minority stress, ethnic identity, and depression among Latino/a college students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 61(1), 162-168. Blume, A. W., Lovato, L. V., Thyken, B. N., & Denny, N. (2012). The relationship of microaggressions with alcohol use and anxiety among ethnic minority college students in a historically White institution. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 18(1), 45-54. Cardaciotto, L., Herbert, J. D., Forman, E. M., Moitra, E., & Farrow, V. (2008). The assessment of present moment awareness and acceptance: The Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale. Assessment, 15, 204-223. Cokley, K., McClain, S., Enciso, A., & Martinez, M. (2013). An examination of the impact of minority status stress and impostor feelings on the mental health of diverse ethnic minority college students. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 41(2), 82-95. Glick, D.M. (2014). A Comparison of the effects of two interventions for reducing academic procrastination: Acceptance-based behavioral therapy vs. time management. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Suffolk University, Boston, M.A. Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Psychology Foundation. Taylor, V., & Walton, G. M. (2011). Stereotype threat undermines academic learning. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37(8), 1055-1067.

39. Rule-following as generalized operant behavior in autistic children: Two case studies
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Luis Jorge Ruiz Sánchez, Centro Psicología Avanzada (CPA)
Jonas Feder, Centro Psicología Avanzada (CPA)
Ángel Alonso Sanz, Centro Psicología Avanzada (CPA)

We replicate the findings of Tarbox et al. (2011) to create a preliminary behavior repertoire of rule-following in 2 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children were 3 and 5 years old, and had been in ABA therapy for 9 and 8 month respectively at the start of the experiment. Both children had been trained in intensive tact programs, including Yes/No tacts about pictures (e.g. Is this a car? Yes/No) and simple instruction programs (e.g. clap hands, stand up, etc.). If-Then rules specified antecedents and simple behaviors that should occur in their presence (e.g. IF you see a Car, clap hands). En pre-test children were exposed to 5 if-then rules and showed low levels of correct responding. After testing children were trained in Multiple Exemplars (MET) to respond to If-then rules. Following MET in If-then rules, results in the post-test indicate high correct responding in a generalized manner to new if-then rules never trained before. In other words, both children learned a generalized operant behavior of if-then rule-following. Results are discussed in terms of generalization of rule-following to real-life interactions and future research implications in rule-following.

40. In Search of a Behavioral Measure of Experiential Avoidance
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Measurement validation
Charles Hayes, Wichita State University
Rober D. Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University
Suzanne Gird, M.A., Wichita State University
Angie Hardage-Bundy, M.A., Wichita State University

The purpose of this study was to determine if a laboratory-based task performance could be identified to serve as a behavioral measure of experiential avoidance. Based on previous research, three separate and challenging tasks were identified as possible candidates: (a) breath-holding, (b) cold pressor, and (c) the PVSAT, a computerized serial addition task. The relationships between performance on the three tasks and two paper-and-pencil measures assessing experiential avoidance (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, AAQ-II) and distress tolerance (Distress Tolerance Scale, DTS) were mixed. Analyzing data from 120 participants showed the AAQ-II to have a low to moderate correlation with one of the performance measures for the cold pressor as well as with the breath-holding task. The breath-holding task also correlated with two of the cold pressor performance measures. The DTS did not significantly correlate with any of the behavioral measures, but did correlate with the AAQ-II. The implications of the results will be discussed.

41. Using Cognitive Defusion Measures to Account for Variability in Depression
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Assessment
Suzanne R. Gird, M.A., Wichita State University
Robert D. Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University
Jeffrey Swails, B.A.

A believability scale added to the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ-B; Hollon & Kendall, 1980) has been used in prior research as a measure of fusion with depressogenic cognitions. A recently published measure, the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ; Gillanders et al., 2014) was designed to measure the process of cognitive fusion more generally. In the present study, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II; Bond et al., 2011), the ATQ-B, and the CFQ were analyzed to determine the ability of these measures to predict levels of depression in a college student sample as assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, & Brown 1996). The AAQ-II and ATQ-B were found to be significant predictors of depressive symptomatology, while the CFQ was not a significant predictor. Implications for the use of the ATQ-B and CFQ in future research are discussed.

42. Psychometric evidence on the brazilian version of AAQ-II
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: AAQ-II
Leonardo Martins Barbosa, Ph.D. student, University of Brasilia
Felipe Valentini, Ph.D., University of Brasilia
Sheila Giardini Murta, Ph.D., University of Brasilia

This study describes initial psychometric properties of the brazilian version of AAQ-II. In the first part of the study, 1,352 participants from eight states answered the questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis showed adequate properties: KMO = .87, alpha de Crombach = .87, unidimensional structure explaining 48% of variance. It was also found expected correlations with QSG-12 (r = .21), CD-RISC 10 (r = .35), CES-D (r = -.62) and anxiety (r = -.71). In the second part of the study, 481 online participants answered AAQ-II and the scale structure was tested through SEM. All standardized pattern regression coefficients were statistically significant and above .7. Residual covariance between itens 1 and 4 was estimated in 0.6. The model presented an adequate adjust to data (χ2 (13) = 45,89; TLI = 0,97; CFI = 0,98; RMSEA (IC 90%) = 0,07 (0,05 – 0,10). Results are promising, but adjustments may be necessary.

43. Preliminary Evidence for a Multidimensional Measure of Psychological Flexibility
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Psychological Flexibility
Jaci L Rolffs, University of Rochester
Ronald Rogge, University of Rochester

Psychological flexibility has been linked to better individual functioning on both psychological and physical outcomes, serving as a key element of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, current measures of psychological flexibility typically treat it as a single dimension despite the fact that the theory posits six distinct yet related dimensions within this theory. To address this, the current study sought to develop a multidimensional measure of psychological flexibility. We are giving an item pool of over 400 flexibility items to an online sample of roughly 800 respondents. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses will be used in random sample halves to identify the six subsets of items that most clearly correspond to the six theoretical dimensions of psychological flexibility. Correlational analyses will examine how the new scales of psychological flexibility are related to the measures currently in use within the ACT literature, grounding the new scale within previous work.

44. Response Styles and Avoidance Strategies That Accompanies Bipolar Disorder
Primary Topic: Functional contextual approaches in related disciplines
Subtopic: Bipolar Disorder
Sevinc Ulusoy, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey
Kaasim Fatih Yavuz, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey

Response Styles and Avoidance Strategies That Accompanies Bipolar Disorder OBJECTİVE: The goal of this study to investigate the relationships and interactions between stress appraisal attitudes and rumination, worry, experiental avoidance levels of individuals with bipolar disorder. The results to be obtained will present a contribution to literature about relations between stress, cognitive and emotional maladaptive processes and bipolar disorder. METHOD: 67 participants who diagnosed Bipolar I Disorder being treated in the outpatient clinic of Bakirkoy Psychiatry and Neurology Hospital and 70 healthy controls who had no psychiatric complaints between the age of eighteen to sixty five were included into the study. Sociodemographic Data Form, Leahy Emotional Schema Questionnaire (LESQ), Ruminative Thinking Style Questionnaire (RTSQ), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Stress Appraisal Measure Dispositional Form (SAM-DF) and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II were applied to both of the groups; additionally Bipolarity Index and Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire were applied to bipolar group. RESULTS: It has been detected that the ratio of childhood abuse history, suicidal history, divorcement and singleness were more frequent in the bipolar I disorder group and also they have higher scores in ‘treat’ and ‘uncontrolled’ subscales of SAM- DF (p<0,01). In the comparison of emotional schemas of participants, ‘uncontrollability’ sub-scale mean scores of LESQ were detected higher in Bipolar Disorder group compared to healthy controls (p<0,01). When the meta-cognitive processes of the groups were assessed in terms of rumination and worry, no significant statistical difference was found between bipolar I disorder and healthy control group. In the assessment of psychological flexibility, bipolar disorder group has higher scores at AAQ- II than the control group (p<0,01). And also positive correlation has been found between SAM- DF ‘treat’ and ‘uncontrolled’ subscale mean scores and RTSQ, PSWQ, AAQ-II, LESQ ‘uncontrollability’, ‘weakness to emotions’, ‘guilty’ subscale mean scores. CONCLUSION: Data obtained from our study indicates that; while experiencing stresfull events individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder perceive the situation more threatening and uncontrollable; they have a cognitive pattern about uncontrollability of their emotions, have lower levels of psychological flexibility compared to healthy controls and all of these results can explain the usage of avoidance strategies in this population.

45. The way to better living: Psychological flexibility, emotional intelligence and satisfaction with life
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: well-being, satisfaction with life, emotional intelligence
Joanna Dudek, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Pawel Ostaszewsk, Ph.D., University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Psychological well-being is an increasingly important domain of current psychology research. Psychological flexibility (PF) and emotional intelligence (EI) are two factors contributing to well-being that are currently under the focus of scientific investigation. The purpose of our study was to examine links between psychological flexibility, emotional intelligence and satisfaction with life. As enhancing PF is a primary goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and enhancing EI is one of goals of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), we wanted to find out whether one of the two treatments might be more useful for certain populations. We investigated 160 respondents using AAQ II, SSEIT and SWLS. Results showed that higher level of EI and higher level of PF were connected with higher satisfaction with life. In the group with lower level of PF, there were no significant differences in life satisfaction between people with higher and with lower levels of EI. However in the group with higher PF level, higher EI was connected with even higher life satisfaction. The study suggests that ACT, aimed at enhancing PF, should be a primary intervention for increasing life satisfaction. However, for people with lower EI and high PF, FAP might be more useful.

46. ACT and connect to make your life better. Quality of life in women with lipoedema – contextual behavioral approach
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: lipoedema, quality of life
Joanna Dudek, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Pawel Ostaszewsk, Ph.D., University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Lipoedema is a chronic disease of an unknown etiology. It’s relatively common (it affects about 11% of women irrespective of body size) but underdiagnosed, and often misdiagnosed as obesity. The main symptom is the accumulation of the fat in lower parts of the body. The fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise as is the case with “normal” fat of obesity. Quality of life in women suffering from lipoedema might be affected by many factors, such as unfamiliarity of the condition, and medical and psychosocial consequences (e.g. chronic pain, stigmatization and self-stigmatization, depression). In our study we wanted to investigate how psychological flexibility, social connectedness, self-compassion, disordered eating, commited action, body image flexibility, symptoms severity and body dissatisfaction affect quality of life in women suffering from lipoedema. Our aim was to find out whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) might be considered as useful interventions for enhancing quality of life in the population suffering from lipoedema. We conducted an internet-based cross-sectional study. Participants were 102 women suffering from lipoedema, mostly from the USA, the UK and Australia. Statistical analyses showed that psychological flexibility and social connectedness are important factors linked with higher satisfaction with life and higher quality of life in women with lipoedema. The results suggest that ACT and FAP might be useful in treating women with lipoedema, but further research in this area is needed.

47. Developing a prototype ACT website for distressed college students with Qualtrics survey software
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Web-based interventions
Jack A. Haeger, B.A., Utah State University
Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University

Web-based self-help offers a promising, cost effective method for providing efficacious treatments to distressed college students, including those who may not otherwise seek help. Although successful web-based interventions are becoming more prevalent, those seeking to develop new interventions often encounter significant barriers, including high development costs, relatively slow pace of grant-funded projects, and communication issues/delays with developers. These barriers may hinder innovations in web-based treatments, initial prototype development/testing, and iterative program development. This presentation describes the development and usability testing of a prototype ACT website using Qualtrics – an online survey program that many U.S. universities subscribe to and make freely-available to students and faculty. Qualtrics allowed for an inexpensive, quick, and iterative development, while still providing researchers tools to build a sophisticated website with minimal training. Key website features and content examples will be presented, along with a development overview and usability testing results with a sample of distressed college students.

48. Psychological flexibility and donations to charity: a lab based experiment.
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Pro-social
Miles Thompson, Goldsmiths, University of London & Canterbury Christ Church University
Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London

CBS seeks to create a science more adequate to the challenge of the human condition. One persistent challenge is global poverty and human rights abuse. This lab based experiment explored the role of psychological flexibility on donations to charity. Eighty-three participants were each paid £5 for taking part. After completing questionnaires, including measures of psychological flexibility, participants were given the opportunity to donate parts of their payment to either Oxfam or Amnesty International. Participants then listened to one of three audio recordings either: i. an ACT intervention, ii. an education intervention or iii. a control condition. Then they were asked if they wished to change the way they donated, before finally being given their payment and having the opportunity to actually donate to charity. The poster will present the significant relationship between the initial measures of psychological flexibility and donations as well as the influence of the ACT intervention condition.

49. Parental Experiential Avoidance Relates to Higher Parental Stress and Lower Resilience in a Community Sample of Parents of Strong-Willed Children
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Parents, Experiential Avoidance
Anthi Loutsiou, University of Cyprus
Anastasios Matsopoulos, University of Crete
Andri Anastasiou, University of Cyprus

This study aims to establish the reliability of a cultural adaptation of the Parental Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (PAAQ), and to establish the relationship of parental experiential avoidance with parental stress, parental resilience, and child defiance in a community sample of 162 Greek speaking parents (136 mothers, 26 fathers) of 3-8 year old children. The PAAQ was translated in Greek using the front and back translation method and the original scoring instructions were maintained. Subjects participated in this study as part of the 7-week prevention program “Parenting the Strong Willed Child” (adapted for Greek parents). The 15-item adaptation of the PAAQ internal consistency was below the recommended cut-off and inter item correlations were lower than expected. Problematic items were removed resulting in an 8-item scale with borderline acceptable alpha coefficient. As expected, parents with children higher on the Defiance Scale of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory also scored higher on the PAAQ ( p=.005). Further, parents with higher experiential avoidance also reported statistically significantly higher Parental Distress on the Parenting Stress Inventory- Short Form (PSI-SF) and lower Resilience on the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS). Further psychometric evaluation of cultural adaptations of the PAAQ is necessary. Experiential avoidance appears to be a meaningful correlate in the parenting context.

50. Examining the Relation Between Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Flexibility in Female Bhutanese Refugees
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Refugee Mental Health
Sheau-Yan Ho, B.A., University of Vermont
Jessica Clifton, M.A., University of Vermont
Maggie Evans, B.A., University of Vermont
Diane Gottlieb, M.S.W., Ph.D., University of Vermont
Valerie Harder, M.H.S., Ph.D., University of Vermont
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont

Group therapy models for refugees and torture survivors point to the importance of multi-systemic and multi-component treatment, yet few studies have examined the therapeutic processes by which group therapy operates in this population. In the present study, Bhutanese females seeking psychological services from a community clinic were treated in an open adjustment group (N = 10). Group treatment utilized an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework to address psychological wellbeing. Participants were assessed for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder at baseline using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Mid-treatment measurements included the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. Here, we present descriptive data on how symptoms of anxiety and depression relate to and predict mid-treatment measures of acceptance and willingness to pursue valued experience. The findings of this study will begin to elucidate the mechanisms that explain therapeutic change over time in a Bhutanese adjustment group. Results also hold broader implications that may improve mental health treatment of refugees and torture survivors to address a range of presenting mental health problems.

51. Aikido: Mindfulness in Action
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Annette Dufresne, Ph.D., University of Windsor

Aikido is a practice that emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit, and promotes harmony, balance, and focus. The emphasis in Aikido is on personal self-development, but it can also be used as a means of non-aggressive self-defense. This poster describes an innovative project offering Aikido classes to individuals with a serious mental illness, and discusses parallels between the use of Aikido and other mindfulness practices. The project is a partnership between two community mental health agencies and a community athletic organization. Information is provided on the elements of the program, and how it might be adapted to other centers or for other populations. Preliminary quantitative and qualitative data on the effectiveness of the project are presented. The potential for the integration of practices such as aikido into an ACT approach are explored.

52. An Intensive Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention’s Effect on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptomology in At-Risk Adolescents
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: OCD
Michelle Miller, University of Iowa
Emily Kroska, University of Iowa
Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo, University of Iowa
James Marchman, University of Iowa

Introduction: There is increasing support for the implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Preliminary evidence of ACT with adolescent populations indicates a need to employ prevention and community-based interventions. Method: Participants in a one-school-day intervention included approximately 120 students aged 14-18. Intrusive thoughts and OCD symptoms were not directly targeted through the intervention. The present analyses will assess change in frequency and severity of intrusive thoughts and OCD symptoms from pre-intervention to four follow-up points. At-risk adolescents are an ideal population for prevention research due to the developmental vulnerability associated with this age. Results & Conclusions: Preliminary results (1- and 3-month follow-up) will be presented. Data analysis will utilize longitudinal mixed-effects modeling. Expected results include reduction in severity and frequency of OCD symptoms after participation in the intervention.

53. The Effect of Cognitive Defusion on Behavioral and Psychological Flexibility
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: IRAP
Timothy R. Ritzert, B. A., University at Albany
Christopher R. Berghoff, M. A., University at Albany
John P. Forsyth, Ph.D., University at Albany

ACT defusion interventions are used to alter the literal context of thinking, allowing individuals to see distressing thoughts just as they are (i.e., products of language). From an RFT perspective, it is theorized that defusion disrupts the derived functions of thoughts, reducing their control over behavior and leading to greater sensitivity to direct contingencies. Although previous research indicates defusion reduces the self-reported believability and distress of unwanted thoughts, there is a paucity of research investigating the behavioral effects of defusion strategies. Specifically, it is unknown if the effects of defusion on self-report indices are associated with the underlying behavioral process of defusion theorized by ACT/RFT. The present study assessed the effect of a defusion intervention on behavior, as measured by the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP). Undergraduates high in spider fear were randomly assigned to one of two interventions targeting personally relevant thoughts related to spider phobia: a word-repeating defusion intervention or a thought distraction intervention. A third inactive control condition (reading an article) was employed to evaluate the relative impact of both interventions. Participants completed the IRAP and self-report rating scales of believability and distress of target thoughts pre- and post- intervention. Results showed that following intervention, participants in the defusion condition demonstrated quicker response latencies on the IRAP, suggesting defused behavior under greater control of direct contingencies rather than pre-existing derived relations. Likewise, participants receiving the defusion intervention showed associated reductions in thought believability. Results are discussed in the context of employing the IRAP and similar measures to assess the underlying behavioral processes of ACT-based interventions and their link with RFT.

54. Transformation of meaning of arbitrary stimuli related as similar or opposite to facial expressions of happiness
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: IRAP
William F. Perez, Ph.D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
João Henrique de Almeida, Ph.D., Universidade Federal de São Carlos - Brazil
Julio C. de Rose, Ph.D., Universidade Federal de São Carlos - Brazil

The present study aimed at evaluating the transformation of meaning of arbitrary stimuli related as similar or opposite to facial expressions of happiness. Forty-three college students participated. Thirty of them comprised a control group that evaluated arbitrary stimuli and faces expressing happiness through a semantic differential. Thirteen participants were submitted to a relational training to establish the facial expression of happiness (A1) as similar or opposite to arbitrary pictures (A1 similar to B1 and opposite to B2, and B1 similar to C1 and opposite to C2). Seven of the thirteen participants demonstrated the expected derived relations. According to the semantic differential, B1 and C1 acquired the meaning of the facial expression of happiness; B2 and C2 acquired the opposite meaning (sadness), however only in a few scales of the semantic differential. An IRAP evaluation also indicated that C1 and C2 were more rapidly related to happy and sad faces, respectively, corroborating transformation of function.

55. Effect of acquisition of avoidance through a direct or a derived learning on an implicit measure
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: Avoidance, Transformation of functions
Tomoya Sato, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan; Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Ayumi Yamashita, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Shunta Maeda, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Hironori Shimada, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Tomu Ohtsuki, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan

This study investigated an effect of acquisition of avoidance through a direct or a derived learning on an implicit measure. Seventeen undergraduate students completed a delayed matching-to-sample procedure (Dymond et al., 2011) which formed stimulus relations of coordination consisting of three physically dissimilar novel stimuli (avoidance cues: AV1-AV2-AV3 and neutral cues: N1-N2-N3), threat and safety cue training (Dymond et al., 2011) and Go/No-go Association Task (Nosek & Banaji, 2001) which was intended to measure a fluency in formation of stimulus　relation　of coordination. In the threat and safety cue training, participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups (Derived group or Direct group). In the Derived group, avoidance was trained for AV2. In the Direct group, it was trained for AV1. Both groups showed a transformation of avoidance function. However, there were no significant differences of fluency in formation of stimulus relations between two groups.

56. Self-Control and Relational Framing
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: Self-Control, Children, Relational Training
Midori Uemura, Waseda University
Tomu Ohtsuki, Ph. D., Waseda University

In applied behavior analysis, to choose delayed larger reward over immediate smaller reward is called self-control. Relational frame theory (RFT) suggests that temporal relational framing enables us to describe the delayed consequence, and comparative relational framing enables us to identify larger reward. Therefore, we choose delayed larger reward according to temporal and comparative relational framing. The purpose of the current study is to identify whether the self-control is related to the temporal and comparative relational framing. Thirty-three elementary school students participated in this study. They were exposed to temporal and comparative relational task to measure the relational ability, reverse task and picture arrangement to measure the ability to specify the contingency, and delay-discounting questionnaire to see self-control choice. The Participants who passed the relational test got high score on picture arrangement and preferred self-control choice. We discussed about the role of the temporal and comparative relational framing in the self-control.

57. Opportunities and challenges in disseminating ACT in South-Africa
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Dissemination
Bertus Swanepoel, M.A., Private Practice

South-Africa has a population of more than 50 million people, with a very diverse racial configuration and 9 official languages. Apartheid left a history of racial oppression and social inequality, and the need for effective psychological intervention is much needed to deal with all of these challenges. Currently there are less than five ACT South-African therapists registered on the ACBS website. The aim of this descriptive research is to identify the very unique challenges and opportunities for the dissemination of ACT in this relatively young democracy. Opportunities: In many poor countries a need for brief psychological intervention aiming at alleviating symptoms of distress such as trauma, anxiety and depression has been highlighted. It was found that low income South-African communities requested help mainly for psycho-social problems, anxiety, financial difficulties, learning problems and violence. Bearing this in mind, there seems to be a great need for support programs, as well as psycho educational initiatives in poor communities. Resources are scarce in South Africa, and an evidence based therapy model (like ACT), that demonstrates tangible benefits to clients, might convince policy makers to invest in psycho educational and support initiatives. Challenges: In South-Africa you need at least a Master’s degree in Psychology to register with the Health Professions Council, and it is very difficult to be selected for the Master’s program. Universities receive 10 – 20 times more applications for a Masters’ program in Clinical Psychology than they can accommodate (150 persons per annum). Currently none of the tertiary institutions offer ACT as a separate module, and this is reflected by the low numbers registered on the ACBS website. I believe that people will take note of ACT if it is properly recognized by tertiary institutions, as an evidence based therapy, with proper supervision. The other possible solution for proper recognition is for fellow registered Psychologists and Psychiatrists to attend Continuous Professional Development workshops, which is a compulsory requirement for continued registration with the Health Professions Council. Although only one challenge and one opportunity is highlighted, these are both very strategic in disseminating ACT in South-Africa.

58. Contextual behavioural science needs you to become a trainer!
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Training
David Gillanders, Chair of ACBS Training Committee

Contextual behavioural science represents a progressive science of human functioning, with tight coherence between philosophy, theory, technology, effectiveness and training. An important vehicle for pursuing these values is the growth of a community of scientists and practitioners, across the whole world. CBS’s growth is rapid. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in areas where ACBS peer reviewed ACT trainers live and work, there are growing communities of ACT and CBS practitioners. The peer review process ensures that trainers are delivering high fidelity, high quality training. The community of trainers is an important vehicle for the growth of CBS. If you delivering or are thinking of delivering training, stop by this poster and have a conversation. We’ll answer questions and give you advice and encouragement about the ACT peer review trainer process. If growing CBS is a value for you, come by – this community needs you to help it grow!

59. Does avoidance of a non-contingent negative reinforcer influence behavioral variability?
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Avoidance, Behavioral variability, Creativity, Response repertory
Aiko Oya, Doshisha University, Kyoto
Takashi Muto, Ph.D., Doshisha University, Kyoto

Variable behavior leads to new or flexible solutions for problems. However, people may behave in an avoidant manner if they receive non-contingent punishment, which has the possibility of lowering behavioral variability in the search for solutions. This study examined whether non-contingent avoidant situations with negative reinforcers would cause lower behavioral variability than acquisition situations with positive reinforcers among students. Eighty-nine students were divided into two main groups, in which the task they were asked to perform involved either acquisition or avoidance of the appearance of a computer-generated stimulus. Participants played a computer game for 20 minutes, before those in the acquisition group was instructed to make the word “GOOD” appear on the screen as many times as possible, whereas those in the avoidance group was instructed to keep the word “BAD” from appearing on the screen as few times as possible. The stimulus was provided independently of sequence variability, every 1 or 6 minutes. Each group was further divided into two groups, according to the intervals at which the stimulus was provided. Variability in the sequence of responses during the computer game was then recorded. As a result, the study found that avoidance groups showed lower behavioral variability than acquisition groups.

60. Inconsistency Compensation and the BIS, BAS, FFFS: A New Light on a Clinically-Relevant Phenomenon from Social Psychology, with Implications for Treatment Development
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Inconsistency Compensation
Peter Hitchcock, B.A., Drexel University
Lisa Hayley Glassman, M.A., Drexel University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University

Gray’s seminal theory of the behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and fight-flight-freezing systems (BIS, BAS, and FFFS) exhaustively integrated personality, animal lesion, and psychopharmacology research. The theory goes a long way toward explaining many social and political psychology studies. That is because many studies in those fields deliberately violate participants’ expectations (provoke inconsistency), then measure some kind of compensatory response (inconsistency compensation; IC). This poster will summarize recent conclusions by several researchers that IC undergirds topographically different social psychology effects. It will explain how apparently distinct IC effects can be made comprehensible by the interactions of the systems, per Gray’s theory. Many negative social phenomena, including clinically relevant phenomena such as automatic defensiveness toward threatening health information, may be underlaid by the interaction of these systems. Therefore interventions can specifically target these interactions. The poster will conclude by showing how mindfulness interventions appear uniquely well-suited to target these interactions.

61. Developing a new behavioral rigidity task for depression: Application of alphabet-maze task
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Defusion Depression
Yuki Shigemoto, M.A., Graduate student Doshisha University
Muto Takashi, Department of psychology Doshisha University

The purpose of this study is to develop a new rigidity task, a measure of cognitive flexibility, in depressed people. Although some rigidity tasks have used in previous studies, stimuli in these tasks were only consisted of non-verbal ‘pictures or figures’. So, previous researches couldn’t fully investigate influence of language in these situations. Thus this study investigated whether performance on rigidity task without language (Wisconsin card sorting test: WCST) would be related to the performance on rigidity task with language (Alphabet-maze: AM). AM is a maze which consist of alphabets. The purpose of the task is to move from the upper right-hand corner of the maze to the lower left-hand corner, spelling out English words on the way. Participants are told to reach the end via the shortest solution. Initial mazes are solvable by the same route, but in later mazes solving is possible by an additional much shorter route without warning. In this study, Japanese version of the task which consisted of Chinese characters was developed and administered. Participants answered questionnaires measuring related cognitive processes (eg.,Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire) and depression (eg., BDI-Ⅱ) and performed WCST and AM. Results indicated that depressed people who exhibit rigid behavior on WCST showed rigid behavior on AM.

Powerpoints and handouts files added where available. If you would like your materials to be added to this list, please email it to acbsstaff@contextualscience.org.

Please check back often as we continue to add to this page.

Pre-Conference Workshops

2-Day June 17-18, 2014

How to give your sessions IMPACT: Interpersonal Mindfulness Processes in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Handout 1
Russ Harris, M.D., Private Practice

Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT): Mastering The Basics
Handout 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
Handout 4
Handout 5
Kirk Strosahl, Ph.D., Central Washington Family Medicine
Patricia Robinson, Ph.D., Mountainview Consulting Group
Thomas Gustavsson, M.Sc., HumanAct

Wielding the Double-Edged Sword: How to Use Relational Frame Theory to Master Verbal Interactions, Experiential Exercises, and Metaphors in Therapy
Handout 1
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D., Jennifer Villatte, Ph.D., & Sonja Batten, Ph.D.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Using Mindfulness and Values to Make Powerful Life Enhancing Changes
Robyn Walser, Ph.D.

1-Day June 17, 2014

Therapist use of self in ACT
Helen Bolderston, Ph.D. & David Gillanders, DClinPsy.

From ACT Gone Wild to Verbal Aikido: Exploring the Simplicity of the ACT Matrix
File 2
File 3
Kevin Polk, Ph.D., & Mary Burkhart, Ph.D.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Basics
Handout 1
Handout 2
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., The Wright Institute
Patricia Zurita Ona, Psy.D., The Wright Institute

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders from a Contextual Behavioral Viewpoint
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

1-Day June 18, 2014

Working with Acceptance, Mindfulness, and Values in Chronic Pain: An Introduction and Skills Building Seminar
Kevin Vowles, Ph.D., University of New Mexico

RFT for clinical use
Niklas Törneke, M.D., Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D., & Carmen Luciano, Ph.D.
 

Conference Symposia, Papers, Workshops, Invited Lectures, Panel Discussions, Ignites, etc.
(listed in order by session number)

1. Compassionate Guided Yoga to Increase Discrimination Skills and Flexibility: Learn While Practicing!
Graciela Rovner, Ph.D., Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden

2. Morning Mindfulness Workshop
Jan Martz, M.D., Private Practice

3. Welcome & Functional Contextual Approaches to Large-Scale Changes
Sonja Batten, Ph.D., Booz Allen Hamilton; ACBS President
Steven Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno
M. Joann Wright, Ph.D., Linden Oaks at Edward; conference program chair
Frank Bond, Ph.D., Goldsmiths, University of London
Ross White, University of Glasgow

4. Milk It: A Crash Course in Conceptualizing and Creating Defusion
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
Travis Sain, Southern Illinois University

5. The ProSocial Matrix: How to Quickly Teach Others the Psychological Flexibility Point of View
Handout 1
Handout 2
Kevin Polk, Ph.D.*, The Psychological Flexibility Group

6. Ignites #1
ACT on It: Mindfulness for Teens (Social Media and Smartphone App Project) - Reuben Lowe, Mindful Creation
Shall We Dance? - Nina Laurenzo, University of North Texas

7. A Contextual Behavioral Science Account of Gender
Chair:Laura Silberstein, Psy.D., The Center for Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy
Louise McHugh, Lecturer University College Dublin
M. Joann Wright, Linden Oaks at Edward
Steven Hayes, University of Nevada
David Gillanders, University of Edinburgh
Sonja Batten, Booz Allen Hamilton

8. Basal Exposure Therapy 24/7: From Poly-Pharmacy and Mechanical Restraints to Second Order Change and Empowerment
Didrik Heggdal, Clinical Psychologist, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust
Arne Lillelien, Psychiatric Nurse, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust
Trym Nordstrand Jacobsen*, The ACT&BET-Institute
Torstein Svergja, Clinical Psychologist, Molde University College

9. Appreciating Your ‘Stuckness’ and ‘Helplessness’ in the Face of Physical and Psychological Pain
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (SWPS), Warszawa, Poland
Graciela Rovner, Ph.D., Gothenburg University, Sweden

11. What Defines the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and Where Should We be in 10 Years?
Chair:Michael P. Twohig, Utah State University
Jason B. Luoma, Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center
Susan M. McCurry, University of Washington
Robyn D. Walser, University of California, Berkeley
Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi
Harold D. Green, Jr., Ph.D., RAND Corporation

12. ACT for OCD in Children or the Problem of Wrestling with a Gooey Monster: A Case-Based Practical Training for Pros
Koke Saavedra, Psy.D., Private Practice, Berkeley, CA
Amy Jenks, Psy.D., University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

13. Using ACT to Optimize Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
Colleen Ehrnstrom, Ph.D., ABPP, Department of Veterans Affairs
Scott Rower, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic

14. Building Therapist Flexibility Beyond Basics
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D.*, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Corey Porche, M.S., CI, Camelia House Counseling and Education

15. Thinking Fast and Slow: Recent Theoretical Developments in the Study of Implicit Cognition
Chair:Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)
Discussant:Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

• Holding on to our Functional Roots when Exploring New Intellectual Islands: A Voyage through Implicit Cognition Research
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

• Why the IRAP is NOT a Measure of Implicit Cognition
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

• Implicit Cognition: A functional-Cognitive Perspective
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University

16. RFT Bridges Waves with Pragmatism as Supports
Hank Robb, Ph.D., ABPP*, Private Practice

17. The Power of Therapeutic Relationship: an Approach to Why and How People Change in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
Chair:Daniel W. M. Maitland, Western Michigan University
Discussant:Jonathan Kanter, University of Washington

• How does FAP work? The differential effect of therapist behavior on client behaviors in and
Amanda M. Muñoz-Martínez, M.S., Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz (presented by Jonathan Kanter)
Natalia Esparza Lizarazo, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz

• What Kind of Talk Matters in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy? A Single-Case Experimental
Alessandra Villas-Boas, University of São Paulo
Sonia Beatriz Meyer, University of São Paulo
Jonathan Kanter, University of Washington

• Evaluating the Efficacy of FAP for Enhancing Social Connectedness in a Distressed College Student Population
Daniel W. M. Maitland, Western Michigan University
Rachel A. Petts, Western Michigan University
Christopher A. Briggs, Western Michigan University
Julissa A. Duenas, Western Michigan University
Justin A. Moore, Western Michigan University
Scott T. Gaynor, Western Michigan University

18. ACT for Parents
Chair:Meredith Rayner Ph.D., Parenting Research Centre and Murdoch Children's Research Insitute
Discussant:Louise Hayes, Ph.D., Univeristy of Melbourne

• ACT for Parents: An Open Trial with Parents Raising a Child with Severe Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Lisa Coyne Ph.D., Suffolk University/The New England ACT Institute
Mitch Abblett, Ph.D., The Manville School/Judge Baker Children’s Center at Harvard Medical School

• The role of social support and psychological flexibility in the transmission of depression from mother to child
Alysha D. Thompson, Ph.D, Suffolk University
Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University

• Take A Breath: Increasing psychological flexibility and reducing traumatic emotional response in parents of a child with a life threatening illness or injury
Meredith Rayner Ph.D., Parenting Research Centre and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Frank Muscara Ph.D., Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

• The Role of Emotion Regulation and Expression on Mental Health Outcomes for Racial-Ethnic Minority Mothers
Marie-Christine André, M.A., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology
Carlos Rivera, B.S., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology
Jadig Garcia, M.A., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology

19. PTSD: ACT, Mindful and Compassionate Approaches
Chair:Michael Skolnik Discussant:Olga Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi

• Immune-Spectrum Disease and Repetitive Thought in Female Veterans
Elizabeth A. Mullen-Houser, Ph.D., University of Iowa, Department of Psychology
Susan K. Lutgendorf, Ph.D., University of Iowa, Departments of Psychology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology
Anne G. Sadler, Ph.D., Iowa City VA Health Care System; University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry
Michelle A. Mengeling, Ph.D., Iowa City VA Health Care System; University of Iowa Department of Internal Medicine
James C. Torner, Ph.D., University of Iowa Departments of Epidemiology & Neurosurgery and Surgery
Brian L. Cook, D.O., University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry and VISN 23 Mental Health, Department of Veterans Affairs
Skylar Johnson, M.S., Iowa City VA Health Care System
Brenda M. Booth, Ph.D., Central Arkansas Healthcare System and University of Arkansas Department of Psychiatry

• Developing a Compassion-Based Therapy for Trauma-Related Shame and Posttraumatic Stress
Teresa Au, M.A., Boston University, VA Boston Healthcare System
Brett Litz, Ph.D., Boston University, VA Boston Healthcare System

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for improve the quality of life in people with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Nathalia Vargas Ph.D., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Michel Reyes Ph.D, Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Edgar Miranda Terres, Ph.D., National Institute of Psychiatry Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz (INPRFM)

20. Applying Network Science in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: An Evolving Perspective
Harold D. Green, Jr., Ph.D., RAND Corporation
Introduction by Sonja Batten, Ph.D., Booz Allen Hamilton

21. Timing and Clinical Decision-Making in ACT
Darrah Westrup, Ph.D.*, Private Practice
Robyn Walser, Ph.D.*, National Center for PTSD, VA PAHCS

22. The Art of Speaking in Soundbytes: How to Effectively Get Your Point Across with the Media
Sonja Batten, Ph.D.*, Booz Allen Hamilton
Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D.*, Pickslyde Consulting
M. Joann Wright, Ph.D., Linden Oaks at Edward

23. Introduction to Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): Using Behavioral Principles to Create Intense and Curative Therapeutic Relationships
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., Independent Practice and U. of Washington
Robert J. Kohlenberg, Ph.D., ABPP, U. of Washington

24. Preparing a New Work Force for Primary Care: FACT Teaching and Assessment Strategies - Sponsored by the Contextual Medicine SIG
Chair:Patricia J Robinson, Ph.D., Mountainview Consulting Group, Inc.
Jodi Polaha, Ph.D., East Tennessee State University, Psychology Dept.
Adrienne Lapidos, Ph.D., University of Michigan, School of Social Work
Melissa Baker, Ph.D., Health Point, Seattle (Bothell Clinic)
Patricia Robinson, Ph.D., Mountainview Consulting Group, Inc.

25. ACT Behind Bars: The Next Step in Promoting Values-Guided Living with Correctional and Forensic Clients
David Brillhart, Psy.D., Oregon State Hospital

26. ACT and Parent Training for Autism and PDD:Creating a Context to Move Toward What is Important
Giovanni Miselli, Ph.D., ACT-Italia, IESCUM, Center for Autism and PDD AUSL RE, Italy

27. Building Flexible Perspective Taking (FPT) in the Therapy Room: Distinguishing Between the Self and Experiences
Handout 2
Mary Sawyer, M.A.*, Private Practice Sydney Australia
Martin Brock*, Derby University UK

28. Perspectives on Ontology in Functional Contextualism
Chair:R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A.
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University
Sam Leigland, Ph.D., Gonzaga University
Tom Szabo, Ph.D., Easter Seals Southern California
T.V. Joe Layng, Ph.D., Generategy, LLC
Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., The Center for Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy
William Follette, Ph.D., University of Nevada

29. Promoting Exposure Therapy in Practice and Research: The Role of ACT and Citizen Science
Chair:Brooke M. Smith, Utah State University
Discussant:Brian Thompson, Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center

• The Impact of ACT versus CBT Rationale for Exposure Therapy
Joanna J. Arch, Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University
Brett J. Deacon, Ph.D., University of Wyoming
Lauren N. Landy, M.A., University of Colorado at Boulder
Ellen J. Bluett, M.S., Utah State University

• Does Exposure Framing Matter? Comparing Models of Exposure in a Brief Intervention for Social Anxiety
Ellen J. Bluett, M.S., Utah State University
Lauren N. Landy, M.A., University of Colorado at Boulder
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University
Joanna J. Arch, Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder

• Exposure Procedure Research within a Post-Tribal Practice-Research Network
Kelly Koerner, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute

30. Building Blocks for Valued-Living: Applying RFT Principles to Supercharge Your Clinical Practice
Jennifer Plumb Vilardaga, Ph.D., VA Puget Sound Medical Center, Seattle WA
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D.*, Evidence Based Practice Institute, Seattle WA

31. To Start Learning RFT
Niklas Törneke*, Private practice

32. Inside the Belly of the Beast: Does the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure Really Do What it’s Supposed to Do?
Chair:Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)
Discussant:Jan De Houwer, Ghent University

• Mirror Mirror on the Wall: is the IRAP Reliable, Relativistic and Fakeable at all?
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Ian Hussey, National University of Ireland Maynooth

• Back to Basics: Units of Analysis, RFT and the IRAP
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Ian Hussey, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

• The Many Faces of Reliability: Implications for the IRAP and other Implicit Measures
Maarten De Schryver, Ghent University
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

33. Perspective Taking, Empathy, and Self as Context: Empirical Investigations
Chair:Louise McHugh, University College Dublin
Discussant:Tim Weil, University of South Florida

• Training perspective taking and empathy in children diagnosed with ASD using wireless technology
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin
Corinne Ginty, University College Dublin
Aisling McGee, University college Dublin
Anita Munnelly, University College Dublin
Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland Galway

• Testing a self as context intervention for preventing the negative effects of cyber exclusion
Ann Zedginidze, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Anita Munnelly, University College Dublin

• Training Self-Flexibility in Young People
Orla Moran, University College Dublin
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

34. Shame Behind Labels: Conceptualization, Assessment and Treatment of Health Related Stigmatization
Chair:Emily Squyres, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Discussant:Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University

• Sticks & Stones: The Social Context for Learning Self-Stigma Amongst the Obese
Emily Squyres, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Using ACT to address HIV/AIDS Stigma in Ethnoracial Communities
Kenneth Fung, M.D., FRCPC, M.S., Toronto Western Hospital
Josephine Wong, Ph.D., Ryerson University

• Measuring Stigma: A Cultural Adaptation of the Substance Abuse and Self-Stigma Scale in the Latino Population
Coralee Pérez Pedrogo, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico
Sugeily Rivera- Suazo, MSW, University of Puerto Rico
Gabriela Román-Colón, B.A., University of Puerto Rico
Jason B. Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center
José Noel Caraballo, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico
Carmen E. Albizu-García, M.D., University of Puerto Rico

35. Community-Based Applications of Contextual Behavioral Sciences
Chair:Whitney Skold, M.A., The Chicago School
Discussant:J. Neil Mulholland, Ph.D., University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services

• Maximizing ABA-treatment outcomes for children with autism through an organization-wide adoption of ACT
Evelyn R. Gould, M.S. BCBA, Center for Autism and Related Disorder, Inc.
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D. BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorder, Inc.

• Enhancing Wellbeing Through Contextual Behavioral Science: What Actions Can ACBS Take to Advance This Goal?
Anthony Biglan, Oregon Research Institute

• How to show love and hope on a large scale? Whys and hows of ACT dissemination in Poland.
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (SWPS), Warszawa, Poland

• Can a Functional Contextual Analysis Improve Our Ability to Act in Light of the Future?
Anthony Biglan, Oregon Research Institute
Yvonne Barnes Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

36. How to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Insomnia (ACT-I)
Dr. Guy Meadows, The Sleep School

37. Progress Report on ProSocial, a Practical Framework for Improving the Efficacy of Groups
David Sloan Wilson, Ph.D., Evolution Institute and Binghamton University
Introduction by Tony Biglan, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute

38. Contextual Behavioral Interventions: Using Principle-Driven Case Conceptualizations to Develop Affective and Interpersonal Skills for Clients
Chair:Glenn M. Callaghan, Ph.D., San Jose State University
William C. Follette, Ph.D., University of Nevada
Joanne Steinwachs, LCSW, Private and community practice
J.T. Blackledge, Ph.D., Morehead State University

39. Technology-Based ACT Interventions to Support Large Scale Behavior Change
Chair:Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University
Discussant:Kelly Koerner, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute

• First randomized controlled trial of smartphone-delivered Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Jonathan Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center & University of Washington
Jaimee Heffner, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Julie Kientz, Ph.D., University of Washington

• ACT-Based Treatment of Anxiety Disorders via Videoconferencing
James D. Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University
Marina Gershkovich, Drexel University
Erica K. Yuen, Ph.D., University of Tampa
Elizabeth M. Goetter, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital
Evan M. Forman, Ph.D., Drexel University

• Using adjunctive web/mobile ACT technologies to augment clinical practice
Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University & Contextual Change LLC
Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno & Contextual Change LLC
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno & Contextual Change LLC
John Seeley, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute
Crissa Levin, M.A., Contextual Change LLC
Kristy Dalrymple, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University & Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital
Brandon Gaudiano, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University & Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital
Jack Haeger, Utah State University

40. Recent Data on ACT for the Treatment of Eating Disorders across Multiple Settings
Chair:Ellen J Bluett, M.S., Utah State University
Discussant:Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana, Lafayette

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Individuals with Problematic Emotional Eating: A Case-Series Study
Mary L. Hill, M.A, Georgia State University
Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Makeda Moore, Georgia State University

• Outcomes for an ACT-Based Family Intervention for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
Rhonda M. Merwin, Ph.D., Duke University Medical Center
C. Alix Timko, Ph.D., University of the Sciences
Nancy L. Zucker, Ph.D., Duke University Medical Center & Duke University

• Examining the Effectiveness of ACT for Eating Disorders in a Residential Setting
Ellen J. Bluett, M.S, Utah State University
Michael Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University
Tera Lensegrav-Bensen, Ph.D., Avalon Hills Residential Eating Facility
Benita Quakenbush-Roberts, Avalon Hills Residential Eating Facility

41. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Eating Disorders
Emmett Bishop, Jr., M.D., FAED, CEDS, Eating Recovery Center
Jennifer Lombardi, MFT, Eating Recovery Center of California

42. Embracing and Promoting Diversity within ACBS: Challenges Ahead
Chair:Niloo Afari. Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada -- Reno
Carmen Luciano Soriano, Ph.D., Universidad Almeria
Beate Ebert, Dipl.-Psych., Private Practice, Aschaffenburg
Jennifer Villatte, University of Washington at Harborview Medical Center

43. Balancing What’s Hot with What’s Not: Putting Mindfulness in Harmony with Commitment
D.J. Moran, MidAmerican Psychological Institute

44. Designing and Delivering ACT Interventions for Individuals with Medical Conditions: Transdiagnostic Principles and Key Processes of Change
Chair:Megan Oser, Ph.D., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Discussant:Joseph Ciarrochi, University of Western Sydney

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Diary Study of Treatment Process in relation to Reliable Change in Disability
Kevin E. Vowles, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Brandi Fink, University of New Mexico
Lindsey L. Cohen, Georgia State University

• Preliminary evaluation of an ACT group for patients with psychiatric and chronic medical conditions
Megan Oser, Ph.D., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Vanessa Alvarez, M.A., Suffolk University
Gabe Gruner, LICSW, Brigham and Women's Hospital

• Evaluation of an ACT Resilience Training Program (READY) for People with Diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis
Kenneth I. Pakenham, Ph.D., University of Queensland
Alyssa Ryan, B.A., University of Queensland
Matthew Mawdsley, B.A., University of Queensland
Felicity Brown, Ph.D., University of Queensland

45. ACT and Behavior Management for Adolescents within an Educational Context
Terry de Luca, M.Ed. Leadership, M.A. Counselling, Canberra, Australia, ACT Education Directorate and Training and the non-government school sector

46. Mindfulness-Based Sobriety
Handout 1
Handout 2
Nick Turner, LCSW, CADC, Gateway Foundation and University of Chicago
Phil Welches, Ph.D., Gateway Foundation

47. Experience the Experiential: Weaving the Adolescent "Story" in Group Based ACT
Sheri Turrell, Ph.D., Trillium Health Partners, Ontario, Canada
Marcia Gordeyko, M.S., Ontario Institute for Studies in Education / University of Toronto
Mary Bell, MSW, RSW, Trillium Health Partners
Tajinder Uppal Dhariwal, M.A., Ontario Institute for Studies in Education / University of Toronto
Erin Lipsitt, Trillium Health Partners, Ontario, Canada

48. Pain and Contextual Medicine Jointly Sponsored Symposium: When the Body Hurts: Pain's Many InterACTing Functions
Chair:Joel Guarna, Ph.D., Mercy Hospital, Eastern Maine Healthcare System
Discussant:Stephen Z. Hull, M.D., Mercy Hospital, Eastern Maine Healthcare System

• Pain matters! Implications for acceptance-based interventions with women with co-morbid chronic illnesses
Abbie O. Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA
Stacy Lorenz, M.A., Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA

• Is the quality of life of chronic pain patients impacted by the presence of psychiatric symptoms, gender and experiential avoidance?
Maria Stavrinaki, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Michaela Paraskeva-Siamata, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Vasilis Vasiliou, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Orestis Kasinopoulos, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Despina Hadjikyriacou, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study of Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
Staci Martin, Ph.D., Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Pam Wolters, Ph.D., Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Mary Anne Toledo-Tamula, M.A., Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Andrea Baldwin, PNP, Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Shawn Nelson Schmitt, Ph.D., Neuropsychology Resident, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Brigitte C. Widemann, M.D., Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

49. How Do Mindfulness Based Interventions Promote Adaptive Neural and Clinical Pathways of Emotion Regulation?
Zindel Segal, Ph.D., University of Toronto Scarborough

50. RFT 101: Demystifying Relational Frame Theory
Slides Part 1
Slides Part 2
Patty Bach, Ph.D.*, University of Central Florida
D.J. Moran*, Quality Safety Edge

51. ACTing on Your Values when Facing Struggles as a Therapist
Rikke Kjelgaard, M.S.*, ACT Danmark & Human ACT Sweden
Trym Nordstrand Jacobsen, M.S.*, ACTbet, Norway

52. Let's Talk About Sex ACBS!
Aisling Curtin, M.S., ACT Now Ireland

53. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science: What It is and Where It is Going
Chair: Michael P. Twohig, Utah State University
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Anthony Biglan, Oregon Research Institute
Joseph V. Ciarrochi, University of Western Sydney
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University
Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada
Gregory J. Madden, Utah State University

54. Mode Deactivation Therapy: A Contextual Treatment of Adolescents with Physical and Sexual Aggression and Trauma
Jack Apsche, Ed.D,. ABPP, Walden University/ North Spring Behavior Healthcare

55. Online Acceptance and Values-Based Brief Interventions for Well-Being: Results and Experiences
Chair:Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Discussant:Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno

• Preventing Mental Health Problems in College Students through Web-Based ACT
Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno
Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno
John Seeley, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute

• Internet-based guided self-help ACT intervention for enhancing the psychological well-being of university students: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Panajiota E. Rasanen, M.S., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Päivi Lappalainen, M.A., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä, Finland

• A randomized controlled trial of internet-delivered ACT in the treatment of depression: Efficacy and participant experiences
Päivi Lappalainen, M.A., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä, Finland

56. The Pain Makes Me Feel Alive!: Integrating ACT Core Processes into Every Session using the Matrix
Amanda Adcock, Ph.D., VA Maine Healthcare System
Julie Joy, LCSW, VA Maine Healthcare System
Amy Doughty, NP, VA Maine Healthcare System

57. Contextual Approaches to Compassion Across Methods and Disciplines: New Clinical Applications in CBS
Chair:Laura Silberstein, Psy.D., The Center for Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy
M. Joann Wright, Linden Oaks at Edward
Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., Weill Cornell Medical College
Russell Kolts Ph.D., Eastern Washington University
Josh Pritchard, Florida Institute of Technology
Benjamin Schoendorff, M.A., M.S., MPs, Université du Québec à Montréal
Zindel Segal, Ph.D., University of Toronto Scarborough

58. ACT for Spiritual Development: Accept, Choose, Teach Others
Hank Robb, Ph.D., ABPP*, Private Practice

59. Delivering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Community-Based Settings: Potential Applications and Preliminary Findings
Chair:Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Discussant:Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., National Center for PTSD, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

• Development and Pilot-Testing of an Acceptance-Based Partial Hospitalization Program
Theresa A. Morgan, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Catherine D'Avanzato, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
William D. Ellison, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Diedre Gale, M.A., Rhode Island Hospital
Sarah McCutcheon, B.A., Rhode Island Hospital

• One Day ACT Intervention Targeting Mental Health Risk Factors for Vascular Disease
Lilian Dindo, Ph.D., University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry
Jess Fiedorowicz, M.D., Ph.D., University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry

• Intensive Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with At-Risk Adolescents
Emily Kroska, B.A., University of Iowa, Department of Psychology
Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo, M.A. James Marchman, Ph.D., University of Iowa, Department of Psychology

60. Parent-Child ACT: A Practical Guide
Handout 1
Handout 2
Handout 3
Chris McCurry, Ph.D., Associates in Behavior and Child Development

61. Headstuck! How ACT is Being Used to Help People in Career Paralysis
Rob Archer, C.Psychol, The Career Psychologist

62. Contextual Behavioral Science and Social Work
Chair:Matthew S. Boone, LCSW, University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Social Work
Discussant:Julie Hamilton, LMSW, ACSW, CAADC, University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry/Private Practice

• Social Work and Functional Contextualism Are a Natural and Effective Match
Joanne Steinwachs, LCSW, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado

• Mindfulness for Millions: Promoting CBS Through the Practice of Social Work
Matthew S. Boone, LCSW*, University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Social Work

• Population-Based Health Care and Brief Intervention Competencies in Integrated Health Settings
Patricia J. Robinson, Ph.D., Mountainview Consulting Group, Inc, Zillah, WA
Brian Mundy, LCSW, Institute for Community Living, New York, NY

63. Refining Experiential Avoidance: Validity and Utility Across Concerns, Cohorts, and Cultures
Chair:Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Discussant:Victoria M. Follette, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

• Weight-Related Experiential Avoidance, Binge-Eating, and Food Addiction
Ashley A. Wiedemann, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

• Experiential Avoidance in Families: Factors Related to Resilience Post-Trauma
Meaghan Lewis, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

• Ethnic variation in emotion regulation: Implications for assessing internalizing and externalizing symptoms in culturally diverse populations
Joohyun Lee, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

64. Mind the Gap: Capitalizing on Values and Psychological Flexibility Principles to Reach Diverse Populations
Chair:Rebecca Hamblin, M.A., University of Mississippi
Discussant:Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University

• Lessons from the Field: Parenting and Grandparenting Mindfully Together in a Chinese Immigrant Population
Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University/New England ACT Institute
Grace Gu, B.A., Suffolk University/New England ACT Institute
Jessica Pan, B.A., Suffolk University/New England ACT Institute

• Connecting Cultures with ACT: An Eight Module Group Program for Refugee Survivors of Torture and Trauma
Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont/ New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma
Emily Mazzula, Ph.D., University of Vermont/Connecting Cultures
Diane Gotlieb, Ph.D., University of Vermont/Connecting Cultures

• Global Parenting Skills: Examination of an ACT Model of Parenting Practices to Address the Needs of Refugee Children and Families
Rebecca J. Hamblin, M.A., University of Mississippi
Anne E. Brassell, B.A., University of Vermont
Olga V. Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D, University of Vermont
Rex L. Forehand, Ph.D., University of Vermont

65. Addressing the Needs of the Hispanic Population: Examination of ACT Relevant Constructs
Chair:Olga Berkout, University of Mississippi
Discussant:Karen Fondacaro, University of Vermont

• Psychological flexibility and the generational trend toward worse health in U.S. Hispanics
Stephanie Caldas, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Rick Perkins, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Stephen J. Caldas, Manhattanville College

• Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in a Hispanic Sample
Olga V. Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Maureen K Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas – Pan American

• Examination of the Psychometric Properties of Weight-related Adaptations of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire in a Hispanic Sample
Maureen K. Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas – Pan American
Olga Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Louelynn Onato, University of Texas – Pan American

M. ACBS Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipients - Oral Presentations
Examining the Relation Between Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Flexibility in Female Bhutanese Refugees - Sheau-Yan Ho, B.A., University of Vermont
Mindful Parenting: Conscious Action, Acceptance, and Living Out of the Comfort Zone - Carlos E. Rivera Villegas, B.S., Suffolk University
In Search of a Behavioral Measure of Experiential Avoidance - Charles Hayes, Wichita State University

66. Riding the Waves: A Functional-Cognitive Perspective on the Relations among Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland at Maynooth
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D., National University of Ireland at Maynooth
Introducation by Dermot Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D., National University of Ireland at Maynooth

67. The ProSocial Protocol: Training in How to Help Groups Implement the Ostrom Principles
Steven Hayes, Ph.D.*, University of Nevada Reno
David Sloan Wilson, Ph.D., Binghamton University
Anthony Biglan, Oregon Research Institute
Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D.*, University of Western Sydney
Kevin Polk, Ph.D.*, The Psychological Flexibility Group

68. A Guide to Using RFT to Enhance Perspective Taking and a Flexible Self
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

69. Inside This Moment: Using the Present Moment to Promote Radical Change
Handout 1
Handout 2
Kirk Strosahl*, Central Washington Family Medicine
Patricia Robinson*, Mountainview Consulting Group

70. Anxiety and Valuing: Using Contextual Behavioral Science to Understand, Assess, and Increase Valued Living in Individuals with Anxiety
Chair:Gina Q. Boullion, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Pickslyde Consulting
Jennifer Plumb Vilardaga, Ph.D., VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle Division
Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., Brown University
Maureen K. Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas- Pan American
R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A.

71. Transitioning from CBT to ACT: Challenges and Triumphs
Jeff Szymanski, International OCD Foundation
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D.*, Suffolk University
Sean O'Connell, Trinity College

72. Helping Clients Be the Parents They Want To Be: Mindful and Acceptance-Based Parenting
Amanda Holly, Ph.D., Co-director, Chicago CBT Center
Seoka Salstrom, Ph.D., Co-director, Chicago CBT Center

73. Introducing and Integrating Cognitive Defusion Techniques in Therapy
John T. Blackledge, Ph.D.*, Morehead State University

74. The ACT-RFT relationship: Time to renew the vows?
Chair:Stephanie Caldas, University of Louisiana, Lafayette
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle.
Niklas Torneke, M.D., Private Practice, Sweden.
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D., University of Maynooth, Ireland.
Robyn Walser, Ph.D., National Center for PTSD, VA, Palo Alto.

75. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: How Rules and Instructions Influence Our Behavior for Better or Worse
Chair:Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)
Discussant:Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)

• Learning via Instructions and Rules: What We Know and Where We Need to Go…
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

• The Adaptive and Maladaptive Consequences of Rule-Following
Ama Kissi, Ghent University
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University
Geert Crombez, Ghent University

• Learning via instructions: A Functional-Cognitive Perspective
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University

76. Making Addiction Treatment Powerful: New Empirical Results on Contextual Processes in Treating Substance Use
Chair:Jonathan Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center & University of Washington
Discussant:

• Randomized Trial of Telephone-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Study
Jonathan B. Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center & University of Washington
Terry Bush, Ph.D., Alere Wellbeing
Susan M. Zbikowski, Ph.D.,, Alere Wellbeing
Laina D. Mercer, M.S., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Jaimee L. Heffner, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

• A Pilot Study of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Smoking Cessation Treatment for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Megan M. Kelly, Ph.D., Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA & University of Massachusetts
Hannah Sido, Psy.D., Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA
John Forsyth, Ph.D., University at Albany, State University of New York,
Douglas Ziedonis, M.D., M.P.H., University of Massachusetts Medical School
David Kalman, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Medical School
Judith Cooney, Ph.D., VA Connecticut Healthcare System & University of Connecticut School of Medicine

• Shame, Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Flexibility as Predictors of Drinking-Related Behavior
Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center
Paul Guinther, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

• A Process Analysis of Addictive Behaviors in Adults with Co-Occurring Disorders
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Emily Leickly, B.A., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Frank Angelo, M.A., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Jessica Lowe, B.A., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Richard Ries, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Michael McDonell, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

77. Extracting the ACT: Using ACT Themes in the Arts for Clinical Work
Melissa L. Connally, M.S., University of North Texas
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D.*, University of North Texas
Nina Laurenzo, University of North Texas
Ethan G. Lester, University of North Texas
Abigail S. Zandevakili, University of North Texas
Teresa C. Hulsey, B.A., University of North Texas
Erin M. Hogan, B.S., University of North Texas

78. A New Contextual Behavioral Model of Social Connection for Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Chair:Gareth Holman, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Discussant:Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

• Awareness, Courage, Love and Social Connection: A Draft FAP Model
Jonathan Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington
Gareth Holman, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Chad Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., University of Washington and private practice
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington

• Awareness, Courage, Love and Social Connection: A Brief Mindfulness Intervention
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington
Jianne Lo, University of Washington
Margo Derecktor, University of Washington
Elizabeth Lagbas, University of Washington
Jonathan Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington

• Awareness, Courage, Love and Social Connection: A Laboratory-Based Component Process Study
Adam Kuczynski, University of Washington
Jonathan Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington
Kevin Haworth, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., University of Washington and private practice
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington

79. Stepping out of the Diet Trap: Using ACT to End the Weight Loss Struggle
Jason Lillis, Ph.D.*, Brown Medical School

80. Using ACT to Train the Next Generation of ACT Clinicians
Chair:Daniel S. Steinberg, M.A., University of North Texas
Discussant:William D. Norwood, Ph.D., University of Houston-Clear Lake

• Showing Up for Class: Examining a Doctoral Level Course on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Danielle N. Moyer, M.S., University of North Texas
Daniel S. Steinberg, M.A., University of North Texas
Melissa L. Connally, M.S., University of North Texas
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas

• Growing Therapists 101: Psychological Flexibility and Relationship Skills in the Developing Clinician
Emmy LeBleu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Tracy Protti, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Bringing the Workshop to the Classroom – Mixed Method Training During Graduate School
Handout 1
Sandra Georgescu, Psy.D., The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

81. New Applications using ACT
Chair: Suzanne R. Gird

• The Effectiveness of Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Clinical Depression
Heidi Maria Kyllönen, M.S., University of Jyväskylä
Piia Astikainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Anne Puolakanaho, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä

• Making a Way - metaphor and language to provide a way for engagement in ACT therapy by Christians
Grant Dewar, The University of Adelaide

• Effectiveness of ACT Self-Help for Burnout: Preliminary Results from an Exclusively Online Randomized Controlled Trial
Andrew Gloster, Ph.D., University of Basel
Patrizia Hofer, B.S., University of Basel
Marina Milidou, University of Basel
Michael Waadt, Private Practice

82. For the Love of the Game: Applying the Third-Wave to Sports and Athletics
Chair:Emily Leeming, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno
Discussant:Emily Leeming, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

• Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC)
Mitch Plemmons, B.S., Appalachian State University
Joshua Broman-Fulks, Ph.D., Appalachian State University
Kurt Michael, Ph.D., Appalachian State University
James Denniston, Ph.D., Appalachian State University

• Psychological coaching of a floorball team with acceptance- and value –based group intervention
Raimo Lappalainen, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Vilhelmiina Välimäki, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Annika Kettunen, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Niilo Konttinen, Kihu - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland

• ACT for Athletes: an Randomized controlled trial and the AAQ for hockeyplayers: AAQ-H, a psychometric evaluation
Tobias Lundgren Ph.D., Stockholm University
Emil Jader, Stockholm University

• Game On: Towards Prediction and Influence of Mental Toughness
Emily Leeming, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

83. Sharing Space: RFT and ACT in Couples' Work
Chair:Jessica Auzenne, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Aaron P. Armelie, Ph.D., Tulane University School of Medicine
Corey Porche, M.S., C.I., Camelia House Counseling and Education
Ian Stewart, Ph.D., National University of Ireland Galway
Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., VA Palo Alto Health Care System

84. Selfing, Self States, & Multiplicity; A Trans-Theoretical Exploration of Self as Context and Other Flexible & Expansive Self-States
Chair:Mark Sisti, Ph.D., Suffolk Cognitive Behavioral, PLLC
Mark Sisti, Suffolk Cognitive Behavioral, PLLC
Jennifer Villatte, University of Washington at Harborview Medical Center
Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., Center for Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy
Lisa Lyons, Ph.D., Mitchell Center for Relational Psychoanalysis

85. ACT with LGBTQ clients
Patricia Bach, Ph.D.*, University of Central Florida
Emily Winch, M.A., LaSalle University

86. Tools for Clinical and Research Targets in the Areas of Interpersonal Functioning and Intimacy: Concepts and Measures from Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Chair:Chad T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Discussant:Frank Bond, Ph.D., Goldsmiths University of London

• The Functional Idiographic Assessment Template Questionnaire (FIAT-Q): Data for an Assessment used in Contextual Behavioral Interventions
Glenn M. Callaghan, Ph.D., San Jose State University
Chad T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Daniel Maitland, M.A., Western Michigan University
Angela Smith, M.A., University of Houston
Eric Lee, B.A., Houston OCD Program
Throstur Bjorgvinsson, Ph.D., Houston OCD Program & Mclean Hospital

• Exploring Behavior Analytic Constructs of Intimacy: The Development and Use of the Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Intimacy Scale
Chad T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Rachel C. Leonard, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Lindsey Knott, M.A., Houston OCD Program
Sonia Singh, M.A., Houston OCD Program
Eric Lee, B.A., Houston OCD Program
Jonathan W. Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington

• Social Connection as a Cross-Diagnostic Contextual Behavioral Treatment Target
Jonathan W. Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington
Chad. T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Gareth Holman, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Glenn M. Callaghan, Ph.D., San Jose State University
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., University of Washington
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington

87. Using Contextually-Based Approaches for Educational Training
Chair:Juha Nieminen, Ph.D., Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki
Discussant:Martin Brock, University of Derby

• The Transtheoretical Appeal of ACT in Graduate Psychology Training
Frank Masterpasqua, Ph.D., Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, Widener University

• RFT based training for learning disabilities: an exploratory study
Margherita Gurrieri, IESCUM, Italy
Melissa Scagnelli, IULM University, Milan, Italy
Davide Carnevali, IULM University, Milan, Italy
Giovambattista Presti, University Kore, Enna, Italy
Paolo Moderato, IULM University, Milan, Italy

88. Aspects of Adolescents
Chair:Mary Bell, MSW, Trillium Health Partners
Discussant:Sheri Turrell, Ph.D., Trillium Health Partners, Ontario, Canada

• The Pearl in the Oyster: An exploratory study about correlations between anxiety, depression, somatization, dissociation and the main ACT concepts in Adolescence
Emanuele Rossi, Private Practice, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Private Practice, AISCC

• What came first - emotional awareness or good relationships? Exploring the connection between emotional awareness and social wellbeing during adolescence
Claire Rowsell, Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology, University of Wollongong
Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., University of Western Sydney
Frank Deane, Ph.D., Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong
Patrick Heaven, Ph.D., Australian Catholic University

• Constructing an Interdisciplinary ACT Team: Lessons learned from a 3 year process to build inpatient services for adolescents.
James Hill, OTR/L, Rush University Medical Center
PowerPoint

89. Using ACT to Transform Culture in an Intensive Behavioral Treatment Program for Children with ADHD
Michael Manos, Ph.D., Cleveland Clinic
Hilary Parsons, M.A., M.Ed., Cleveland Clinic

90. Creating Your Own Peer-Led ACT Consultation Group
Paul Guinther, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy
Brian Thompson, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy
Jenna LeJeune, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy
Christeine Terry, Ph.D., Seattle Psychology
Hank Robb, Ph.D.*, Private Practice
Sandy Bushberg, Ph.D., Private Practice; Mid-Columbia Medical Center
Scott Rower, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy
Shadee Hardy, MSW, Portland Psychotherapy
Anne Shankar, MSW, Lifequal LLC, Anxiety Disorders Clinic

91. The Science of Consequences: From Nature-Nurture Systems to Large Scale Behavior Change
Susan M. Schneider, Ph.D., University of the Pacific
Introduction by Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center

92. ACTive Parenting: Increasing Parental Involvement Using ACT
Chair:Anne Brassell, University of Vermont
Discussant:Meredith Rayner, Ph.D., Parenting Research Centre and Murdoch Children's Research Insitute

• An Exploration of Parenting Styles Impact on the Development of Values
Kristi A. Mannon, M.S., University of North Texas
Erin K.M. Hogan, B.S., University of North Texas
Teresa C. Hulsey, B.A., University of North Texas
Rawya M. Al-Jabari, M.S., University of North Texas
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas

• ACT enhanced parenting intervention to promote at-risk adolescents’ school engagement
Larry Dumka, Ph.D., Arizona State University - Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics

93. The Behavioral Economics of Impulsive Choice, Drug Taking, and Dietary Decision-Making
Gregory J. Madden, Utah State University
Introduction by Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

94. Using Our Work to Create Social and Policy Change
Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D., Duke University
Introduction by Steven Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno

95. Seeing It and Feeling It: Making ACT Metaphors Visual and Physical for Young People
Power Point
Timothy Bowden, Postgrad Dip Psych, NSW Dept of Education
Sandra Debbie Bowden, M.Ed. Couns Psych, NSW Dept of Education/Inside Out Psychology

96. ACT for Chronic Pain: Delivering Effective Multidisciplinary Treatment to Any Community
Stephen Hull, M.D., Mercy Hospital, Eastern Maine Healthcare System
Joel Guarna, Ph.D., Mercy Hospital, Eastern Maine Healthcare System

97. Lights, Camera, ACTion!
Jennifer Patterson, Psy.D., MidAmerican Psychological Institute
Greg Oswald, Psy.D., MidAmerican Psychological Institute
Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D.*, MidAmerican Psychological Institute

98. Worth Its Weight in Gold: How Psychological Flexibility Could Change the Lives of the Obese
Chair:Emily Squyres, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., University of Western Sydney
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center
Giovambattista Presti, Ph.D., Kore University, Enna
Kelly D. Brownell, Ph.D., Duke University

99. The RFT of the Matrix (Made Simple)
Benjamin Schoendorff, M.A., M.S., MPs*, Contextual Psychology Institute, IUSMM, Montreal

100. Connecting to Your Clients, Connecting to Your Community: Psychological Flexibility and Social Work Values
Matthew S. Boone, LCSW*, University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Social Work

101. From Skinner's Three Term Contingency To ACT Values: Functions of Context and Motivation
Giovanni Zucchi, Psy.D., ACT-Italia, IESCUM, Villa Maria Luigia Hospital Parma, Italy
Giovanni Miselli, Ph.D., ACT-Italia, IESCUM, Center for Autism and PDD AUSL RE, Italy

102. Language, Cognition, and Evolution Science: Exploring the Connection
Chair:Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada
Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada
David Sloan Wilson, Binghamton University
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland - Maynooth
Susan M. Schneider, University of the Pacific

103. Bypassing the Traps of Language with Experiential Practice
Chair:Niloofar Afari, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System; University of California San Diego
Jill Stoddard, Ph.D., Center for Stress & Anxiety Management; Alliant International University
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle
David Gillanders, DClinPsy, University of Edinburgh

104. Exposure & Contextually-Based Models and Health: New Approaches
Chair:Amy Houston Discussant:Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

• Exposure and acceptance based therapy for irritable bowel syndrome – theory and treatment.
Brjánn Ljótsson, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Erik Hedman, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

• Weighing-in on BMI: psychological flexibility and impulsivity
Lauren Ostarello, Eastern Michigan University
Thomas Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Cory Stanton, Eastern Michigan University
Keith Davis, Eastern Michigan University

• ACT - MOH (Medication Overuse Headache): an observational study
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Fabio Marchioretto, Neurology Unit, Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
Vittoria Pasetti, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Claudio Bianconi, Neurology Unit, Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy

• Towards a physically active lifestyle based on one's own values: The results of a randomized controlled trial among physically inactive adults
Anu Kangasniemi, LIKES Research center for Sport and Health Sciences, Finland
Lappalainen raimo, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

105. Ignites #2
Why Groups are Not Built for Tollerance, and Why We as Contextual Scientists Might Care - Jonathan Rhodes, Psy.D., Linden Oaks Hospital
Creating Your Own ACT Metaphors with a Little Help from RFT and a Chessboard - Jonathan Weinstein, Ph.D., James J. Peters VA Medical Center

106. Supercharging Contextual Behavioral Couple Therapy
Margaret McKelvie, Ph.D., Denver VA; Private Practice
Jaimie Lusk, LPC, Denver VA

107. A Group-Based ACT Training for Problematic Anger: A New Functional Contextual Solution to Anger-Related Problems
Koke Saavedra, Psy.D., Private Practice, Berkeley, CA
Katherine Plambeck, M.A., The Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA

108. Multicultural Research within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Chair:Beate Ebert, Private Practice in Aschaffenburg, Germany
Discussant:Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University

• Reaching a Diverse Refugee Population: Treatment Engagement Among Individuals Receiving ACT Informed Interventions
Olga V. Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Rebecca J. Hamblin, M.A., University of Mississippi
N. Doran Capuzzi, University of Vermont
Valerie Harder, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont

• Applying ACT in Sierra Leone: Examining the impact of ACT training on health professionals
Corinna Stewart, National University of Ireland
Dr. Ross White, University of Glasgow
Beate Ebert, Private Practice in Aschaffenburg, Germany
Iain Mays, University of Glasgow
Jennifer Nardozzi, Private Practice in Miami, Florida
Hannah Bockarie, commit and act, Bo, Sierra Leone

• The Role of Psychological Inflexibility and Mindfulness in Somatization, Depression, and Anxiety among Non-clinical Asian Americans
Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Erin C. Tully, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Amar Mandavia, B.S., Georgia State University

109. Applications of RFT and ACT to Children with Autism and Their Families
Chair:Angela Persicke, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

• An RFT Approach to Teaching Children with Autism to Understand Non-Literal Language
Angela Persicke, M.A., BCBA, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

• Just Tell Me What You Really Want: Teaching Children with Autism to Infer What People Want When they Don’t Say it
Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Ryan Bergstrom, M.A., BCBA, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

• Topography of autism spectrum disorders and parent dysfunction: The mediational role of parents’ experiential avoidance
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Kirstin Brown Birtwell, M.A., Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School

110. The Role of Psychological Flexibility and Its Application to College Students
Chair:Colin Stromberg, B.A., Utah State University
Discussant:Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

• Being flexible academically: The application of the ACT model to the understanding and treatment of procrastination
Frédérick Dionne, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Noémie Carbonneau, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Joel Gagnon, B.A., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Alexandre Marseille, B.A., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Charles Bélanger, B.A., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

• Letting Go of Putting Off: Flexibility-Based Intervention for Procrastination
Ashlyne Mullen, B.S., University of Louisiana, Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana, Lafayette

• “Studyaholism” in College Students: The Role of Psychological Flexibility and Values Motivation
Jose Arauz, M.A., Suffolk University
Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

111. The intentional use of language to promote multi-level change
Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D., Booz Allen Hamilton
Introduction by Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., University of Western Sydney

112. Live Demonstrations with Difficult Cases
Russ Harris*, Private Practice

113. Creating a Context to Provide ACT-Based Contextual Behavioral supervision: Fundamentals and Practice
Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.*, Booz Allen Hamilton
Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D.*, National Center for PTSD

114. FAP: Using Awareness, Courage, and Therapeutic Love in Practice
Handout 1
Handout 2
Aisling Curtin, M.S., ACT Now Ireland
Jonathan Kanter, Ph.D., U of Washington
Robert J. Kohlenberg, Ph.D., ABPP, U of Washington
Benjamin Schoendorff, M.A., M.S., MPs*, Université de Sherbrooke à Montréal
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., Independent Practice and U. of Washington

115. ACT on Bullying: Using Contextual Behavioral Science with Bullying in Youth
Chair:Emmie Hebert, University of Mississippi
Tony Biglan, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas
Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Louise Hayes, Ph.D., University of Melbourne

116. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Compassionate Treatment for Underserved Groups
Chair:Victoria Follette, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno
Discussant:Akihiko Masuda, Georgia State University

• Pilot Implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in sign language: Training counselors to apply ACT using sign language
Raimo Lappalainen, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Psychology, Finland
Leena Hassinen, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Psychology, Finland

• Utilizing Functional Contextualism in the Implementation of Trauma-Informed Care in Homeless Shelters
Brian Mundy LCSW, Institute of Community Living NYC

• Lessons from the front line: Using ACT with a Latino population in a community health care setting
Frances R. Gonzalez, University of Nevada Reno
Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

117. On Motivation and Activation: Exploring New Self-Report Measures of Values
Chair:Anke Lehnert, B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Discussant:Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D., MidAmerican Psychological Institute

• Exploring the Psychometrics of a Committed Action Measure with an Undergraduate Sample
Chelsea K. VanderWoude, Southern Illinois University
Katherine Cooper, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Exploring Cultural Differences in Distress, Experiential Avoidance, and Committed Action.
Sam Kramer, M.A., Southern Illinois University
Lindsay Blankenship, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
David Dalsky, Ph.D., Kyoto University
Takashi Muto, Ph.D., Doshisha University
Takashi Mitamura, Ph.D., Kyoto-Bunkyo University

• The Perceived Life Significance Scale as an Experientially-Based Measure of Valued Living
Handout 1
Rachel Hibberd, Ph.D., Durham VA Medical Center
Kaylin Jones, M.A., University of Missouri - St. Louis
Brian Vandenberg, Ph.D., University of Missouri - St. Louis

118. A New ACT Protocol for Treating Couples
Avigail Lev, Psy.D., Palo Alto University
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., The Wright Institute

119. What Does RFT have to Contribute to Mainstream Cognitive Science, and Vice Versa?
Chair:Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada
Jan DeHouwer, Ghent University
Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada
Sam Leigland, Gonzaga University
Sean Hughes, Ghent University

120. The Contextual Science of Compassion in ACTion
File 1
File 2
Dennis Tirch Ph.D., Weill Cornell Medical College
Russell Kolts Ph.D., Eastern Washington University

121. Mindfulness and Behavior Change at Work: New directions
Chair:Paul Atkins, Australian National University

• Mindfulness Training Enhances Wellbeing, Work Engagement and Performance of University Staff
Paul Atkins, Australian National University

• Perspective-taking skills and forms of identity predict wellbeing and positive relations at work
Robert Styles, Australian National University
Paul Atkins, Australian National University

• Feeding Two Birds with One Seed: Evaluation of a Psychological Flexibility and Group Sustainability Intervention in the Workplace
Thomas G. Szabo, , and Adrienne Kessler, Easter Seals Southern California
Heidi Eilers, Easter Seals Southern California
Adrienne Kessler, Easter Seals Southern California

122. An ACT of Compassion: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronically Self-Critical and Shame Prone Clients
Handout 1
Handout 2
Jason Luoma, Ph.D.*, Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center
Jenna LeJeune, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center

123. Experiential Work without Exercises: Using RFT to Move Beyond Manuals
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D.*, Evidence Based Practice Institute, Seattle

124. Toward a Broader Context: Understanding and Distinguishing between Emotions and Emotional Behavior
T. V. Joe Layng, Ph.D., Generategy, LLC

125. Precision Teaching and Contextual Science: Ground Level Applications of RFT to Improve Reading Comprehension
Chair:Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Discussant:Claudia Drossel, University of Michigan

• A Contextualist Lens for Understanding Reading Comprehension
Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Donny Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno

• How Curriculum Designers are Putting ‘The Purple Book’ to Work
Donny Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Staheli Meyer, Fit Learning, Reno

• Fresh Data and Discoveries: Relational Fluency, Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension.
Donny Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
J.J. Billet, Fit Learning, Reno
Staheli Meyer, Fit Learning, Reno

126. Perspective Taking: A Conceptual Analysis and Applications
Chair:John O'Neill, M.A., BCBA, Southern Illinois University
Discussant:Timothy M. Weil, University of South Florida

• The Flexible Connectedness Model: A Contextual Behavioral Framework for Effective Human Interaction.
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno
Michael Levin, Ph.D, Utah State University

• Examining Deictic Relational Responding and Social Skills in Autism.
Samantha Broderick, B.A., University of South Florida
Timothy M. Weil, Ph.D., BCBA-D, University of South Florida

• A Profile of Perspective Taking in Older Adults
John O'Neill, M.A., BCBA, Southern Illinois University
Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Southern Illinois University

127. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion within University Settings: Application, Exploration, and Methodology
Chair:Matthew Williams, University of Mississippi
Discussant:Maureen Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas Pan American

• Mindfulness Soup for the Inattentive College Student Soul
Ethan G. Lester, University of North Texas
Daniel S. Steinberg, M.A., University of North Texas
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas

• Investigating the Relation Between Self-Compassion and Values-Based Action in a Sample of College Students
Emily Jacobson, B.A., University of Mississippi
Emmie Hebert, B.S., University of Mississippi
A. Solomon Kurz, M.A., University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Karen Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

• Mindfulness Meditation: Daily Diary Methods and the Single Case
A. Solomon Kurz, M.A., University of Mississippi
Karen Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

128. Measuring ACT/FAP Process and Outcome in Clinical Practice Settings: Some Contemporary Thinking (and a Little Bit of Data)
Chair:R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A.
Glenn M. Callaghan, Ph.D., San Jose State University
Chad Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Gareth Holman, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Nanni Presti, M.D., Ph.D., Kore University
Joanne Steinwachs, LCSW, Joanne Steinwachs, LCSW, PC

129. Cultural Consideration in Acceptance- and Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Functional and Contextual Approach to Sociocultural Diversity
Chair:Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Discussant:Jennifer L. Villatte, Ph.D., NIMH Clinical Research Fellow, University of Washington

• Functional Fidelity and Cultural Competence
Claudia Drossel, Ph.D., University of Michigan Health System Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Division of Rehabilitation Psychology & Neuropsychology
Claudia McCausland, Ph.D., Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center

• Religious and Spiritual Concerns in Acceptance- and Mindfulness- Based Intervention
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas
Jonathan E. Schmalz, University of North Texas
Aditi Sinha, University of North Texas

• Cultural competent use of ACT in Asian communities and Portuguese-speaking immigrant communities
Kenneth Fung, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Monica Z. Scalco, Toronto Western Hospital

130. Impulsive Decision Making: Connecting Behavioral Economics and Contextual Behavior Science
Chair:Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Discussant:John T. Blackledge, Ph.D., Morehead State University

• Understanding the Behavioral Processes Underlying Acceptance and Mindfulness: The Example of Discounting
Thomas J. Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

• Effects of Mindful Eating Training on Food and Money Discounting in Obese and Healthy-Weight Adults
Kelsie L. Hendrickson, M.S., Idaho State University
Erin B. Rasmussen, Ph.D., Idaho State University

• Altering Impulsive Decision Making with an Acceptance-Based Procedure
Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Gregory J. Madden, Ph.D., Utah State University
Amy L. Odum, Ph.D., Utah State University
Jonathan E. Friedel, M.S., Utah State University
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

131. ACT in Primary Care Medicine: Large Scale Change through Research, Teaching, and Training - Sponsored by the Contextual Medicine SIG
Chair:Patricia Robinson, Ph.D., Mountainview Consulting Group
Patricia Robinson, Ph.D., Mountainview Consulting Group
Daniel C. Rosen, Ph.D., Bastyr University
Debra A. Gould, M.D., MPH, Central Washington Family Medicine (CWFM) Residency Program
David E Bauman, M.A., The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute
Bridget R. Beachy, M.A., The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute
Melissa D. Baker, Ph.D, HealthPoint, Bothell, WA

132. Digging Deep into Relational Frame Theory
Chair:Timothy R. Ritzert, B. A., University at Albany
Discussant:Patricia Bach, Ph.D., University of Central Florida

• Derived transformation of functions through hierarchical relational networks: Uni-directional or Bi-directional?
Christopher Wilson, Ph.D., Teesside University
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D, NUI Maynooth

• An experimental analysis of matching-to-sample and respondent-type training as methods for producing False Memory phenomena.
Luis Jorge Ruiz Sánchez, Universidad de Almería
Carmen Luciano, Ph.D, Universidad de Almería
Adrián Barbero Rubio, Universidad de Almería

• Derived thought suppression: Extending the paradigm
Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Nic Hooper, University of Warwick, United Kingdom
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

133. Contextual Behavioral Science at Work
Chair:Louise McHugh, University College Dublin
Discussant:Daniel J. Moran, Quality Safety Edge

• Open, Aware and Active: Designing the flexible organisation
Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London

• An empirical investigation of the impact of ACT on new graduate employability
Jonathan Dowling, University College Dublin
Frank Bond, Goldsmith, University College
Aisling Curtin, ACT Now Ireland
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

• The effect of ACT on charismatic behaviour in entry level employees
Jonathan Dowling, University College Dublin
Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London
Aisling Curtin, Act Now Ireland
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

134. Relevance of ACT Processes in Promoting Health Behaviors: Assessment and Intervention
Chair:Robert D. Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University
Discussant:Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Brown Alpert Medical School

• Accepting, believing, and striving: Identifying the distinctive psychological flexibility profiles of underweight, overweight, and obese people in a large American sample
Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Baljinder Sahdra, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Sarah Marshall, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Philip Parker, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Caroline Horwath, Ph.D., University of Otago

• Development and Validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Exercise
Sarah Staats, M. A., Wichita State University

• Building Wellbeing in Diverse Populations: An Examination of ACT for Healthy Living in a Hispanic Sample
Maureen K. Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas – Pan American
Olga Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi

135. What's Old is New: Using Matching to Sample Paradigms to Explore Psychological Flexibility
Chair:Trinity Isaac, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Discussant:Jonathan Tarbox, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

• Investigating the Reinforcing Properties of Coherence
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Karen Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

• Fusion with self-referential stimuli: Examining a behavioral measure
Lindsay W. Schnetzer, University of Mississippi
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Karen Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

• Seeing is Believing: Behavioral Measure of Psychological Flexibility
Jessica Auzenne, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Gina Quebedeaux Boullion, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emmie Hebert, University of Mississippi
Shelley Greene, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Emily Kennison Sandoz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

136. Mind and Emotions: A Universal Treatment Protocol for Emotional Disorders
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., The Wright Institute
Patricia Zurita Ona, Psy.D.

137. Increasing Precision in Therapeutic Connection: Harnessing the Power of Attachment Theory, Primary-Process Emotional Systems, and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Tien Mandell, M.S., The Thinking Space Psychology Service
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., Independent Practice & U. of Washington

138. Help Save a Life: The Deeper Meaning of Smoking Cessation
Jonathan B. Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center & University of Washington
Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

139. Let’s Not Rest on Our Laurels… How Can We Improve ACT?
Chair:Danielle Moyer, M.S., University of North Texas
Darrah Westrup, Ph.D., Private Practice, Durango
Brandon Gaudiano, Ph.D., Brown Medical School
Steven Hayes, Ph.D., University of Reno, Nevada
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle

140. How to Implement a Shared Contextual Behavioral Approach in and across Mental Health Care Settings and Systems: From Inpatient Units to First-Line Providers
Trym Nordstrand Jacobsen*, ACT&BET Instituttet
Torstein Svergja, Molde University College
Didrik Heggdal, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust
Arne Lillelien, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust

141. ACTing with Technology: Theory and Practice
Chair:Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada
Discussant:Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., University of Western Sydney

• The promise of mobile technologies and single case designs for the study of individuals in their natural environment.
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington
Jonathan Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Michael McDonell, Ph.D., University of Washington

• Using mobile technology to test the immediate effect of cognitive defusion in a clinical sample.
Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Brandon A. Gaudiano, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Lia Rosenstein, B.A., Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Emily Walsh, B.A, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Mark Zimmerman, M.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University

• Mobile technology fostering ACT-practice in daily life.
Tim Batink, Ph.D. Cand., Maastricht University
Marieke Wichers, Ph.D., Maastricht University
Inez Myin-Germeys, Ph.D., Maastricht University
Jim van Os, M.D. Ph.D., Maastricht University

142. Values-Based Leadership: An Application of ACT Principles to the Practices of Leadership
Handout 1
Melvin D. Dowdy, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame, Stayer Executive Education

143. The Report from the Compassion Focused SIG: The State of Affairs of the Science of Compassion in CBS, from the Ground Up
Chair:Dennis Tirch Ph.D., Weill Cornell Medical College
Jason Luoma Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Benjamin Schoendorff, M.A., M.S., MPs, Université du Québec à Montréal
Paul Atkins Ph.D., ANU College of Asia and the Pacific
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

144. ACT with Clients Who Struggle with Depression
Rob Zettle, Ph.D.*, Wichita State University
Sarah Staats, M.A., Wichita State University

145. Building Within our World: The Influence Psychological Flexibility has on Well-Being in the Community
Chair:Shiloh Eastin, University Louisiana at Lafayette

• A new perspective: Psychological Flexibility, Attitudes About Sexual Violence, and Bystander Behaviors
Shiloh Eastin, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Audra Jensen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Amy Brown, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Find Mickey: The Impact of Community Tragedy on Valued and Avoidant Behaviors
Owen Rachal, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Gina Q Boullion, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Michelle Jeanis, M.S., University of South Florida
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Straying from the Straight and Narrow: Psychological Inflexibility and Recidivism among Criminal Offenders
Trinity Isaac, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Russell Anderson, University of Louisiana at lafayette
Madison Gamble, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Michelle Jeanis, M.S., University of South Florida
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at lafayette

146. Helping Young People (12 to 24) to Thrive and Succeed through Values Work
Louise Hayes, Ph.D.*, The University of Melbourne, Orygen Youth Health

147. The ACT of Self Forgiveness: 7 steps to unburdening yourself and engaging with life
Handout 2
Handout 3
Handout 4
Grant Dewar, University of Adelaide

148. Recent Research on Applications of RFT to Teaching Perspective Taking to Children with Autism
Chair:Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Discussant:Emily Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Improving perspective-taking repertoires in children with high-functioning autism: An RFT-based approach
Thomas G. Szabo, Ph.D., Easter Seals Southern California
Lisa Stedman-Falls, California State University at Northridge
Ashley Jensen, California State University at Northridge
Ellie Kazemi, California State University at Northridge

• Using RFT to Train Complex Emotion Recognition Skills
Kerry C. Whiteman, M.A., University of Mississippi
Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center

• Establishing a Generalized Repertoire of Predicting the Cause of Others’ Emotions
Angela Persicke, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

149. There's No I on the Road to Graduate School: The Development and Implementation of Undergraduate Research Labs in Contextual Behavioral Science
Chair:Jade Genga, University of Mississippi
Discussant:Lindsay Martin, M.A., Drexel University

• Making a New Home: The Ongoing Development of a Contextual Behavioral Science Research Lab in South Texas
Maureen K. Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas - Pan American

• Making a Significant Difference: Creating a Context for the Development of Student Researchers in Psychology
Jessica Auzenne, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emmie Hebert, University of Mississippi
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• But Wait! There's More!: The Utility and Efficacy of an Undergraduate Research Lab at Ole Miss
Emmie Hebert, University of Mississippi
Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

150. Disordered Eating: New Findings
Chair:Sarah Potts, Utah State University
Discussant:James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University

• ACT and FAP in the assessment and treatment of a teen client with disordered eating problems
Katia Manduchi PH.D., Iescum, private practice, ACT Italia
Robert Allegri PH.D., Iescum Alumni, private practice
Sara Pezzola Ph.D, iescum alumni, Private practice
Andrea Compiani Ph.D., Iescum alumni, Private practice
Paolo Moderato Ph.D, Ordinary professor, Iescum, Iulm, ACBS, ABA

• Body image flexibility as a protective factor against disordered eating behavior for women with lower body mass index
Mary L. Hill, M.A., Georgia State University
Akhiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Robert D. Latzman, Ph.D., Georgia State University

• Does Experiential Avoidance Carry Weight? A Review of Four Studies
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Ashley A. Wiedemann, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Thomas J. Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

151. ACT and…: Blending Functional Contextual Models for Emotion Regulation.
Chair:Kristin Whelan, M.A., UCSD Eating Disorders Clinic, Alliant International University
Discussant:Sandra Georgescu, Psy.D., The Chicago School

• Emotion Regulation Group Therapy for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: A Swedish Nationwide Effectiveness Study.
Hanna Sahlin Berg, M.S., Karolinska Institutet
Johan Bjureberg, M.S., Karolinska Institutet
Erik Hedman, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Jussi Jokinen, Associate Professor, Karolinska Institutet
Matthew T Tull, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Kim L Gratz, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Brjánn Ljótsson, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Clara Hellner Gumpert, Karolinska Institutet

• Functional Contextualist theory of Borderline Personality Disorder. Implications and challenges for a brief ACT+FAP intervention.
Michel André Reyes Ortega, Ph.D., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
María de Lourdes García Anaya, M.D./Ph.D., National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz
Angélica Nathalia Vargas Salinas, M.A., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Edgar Miranda Terrés, M.A., National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz

• ACT+FAP treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder, description, preliminary data and challenges.
Michel André Reyes Ortega, Ph.D., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Nathalia Vaargas Salinas, M.A., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Edgar Miranda Terrés, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz
Iván Arango de Montis, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz
María de Lourdes García Anaya, M.D./Ph.D., National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz

• Emotion Regulation as a Mechanism of Change in the Treatment of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Johan Bjureberg, M.S., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Hanna Sahlin Berg, M.S., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Matthew T. Tull, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
Kim L. Gratz, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
Erik Hedman, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Jussi Jokinen, Associate professor, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Clara Hellner Gumpert, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Brjánn Ljótsson, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

152. Can the CBS Community Benefit from (and Extend) Goldiamond's Prolific Thinking?
Chair:R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A.
T.V. Joe Layng, Ph.D., Generategy, LLC
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas
Thomas J. Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

153. Mind Full or Mindful?: Exploring and Facilitating Mindfulness and Present Moment Processes
Chair:Emily Allen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Discussant:Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., The Center For Mindfulness & Compassion Focused Therapy

• The Practice of Presence: Mindfulness Meanings, Methods and Models
Owen Rachal, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Jada Horton, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• Sharing More Than Presents: The Identification of Present Moment Behaviors and the Impact of Shared Presence on Communication
Ryan Albarado, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Stephanie Caldas, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Ashlyne Mullen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Nick Mollere, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

• You Can’t Fly Without Wings: The Relationship between Present Moment and Valued Living
Emily Allen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Ashlyne Mullen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

154. To Do ACT…or Not to Do ACT: All the ACT Questions You Never Dared to Ask…
Chair:Martin Brock, University of Derby
Patty Bach, University of Central Florida
Darrah Westrup, Private Practice
Hank Robb, Private Practice
Mary Sawyer, Private Practice
Martin Brock, University of Derby

155. The Integrative Contribution of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Chair:Luc Vandenberghe, Ph.D., Pontifical Catholic University of Goias - Brazil
Discussant:Jonathan W. Kanter, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

• Functional Analytic Psychotherapy enhanced Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy.
Jaimie Lusk, University of Denver
Margaret McKelvie PH.D., Private Practice, Denver, VA

• The effectiveness of the integration of ACT and Fap in the treatment for depression: a case studyKat
Katia Manduchi Ph.D., Private Practice; Affiliated with Iescum
Robert Allegri Ph.D., Private Practice; Affiliated Iescum alumni
Sara Pezzola Ph.D., Private Practice; Affiliated Iescum alumni
Andrea Compiani, Private Practice; Affiliated Iescum alumni
Paulo Moderato Ph.D., Affiliated IULM, Iescum

• Functional Analytic Group Therapy for depression in a Latin American Community Setting.
Luc Vandenberghe, Ph.D., Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás

156. OCD and Similar Disorders: Evaluating Theoretical and Empirical Support for the Use of ACT
Chair:Colin Stromberg, B.A., Utah State University
Discussant:Jeff Szymanski, Ph.D., International OCD Foundation

• The Role of Cognitive Fusion and Emotion Suppression • in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Marie-Christine André, M.A., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Suffolk University
Brittany Mathes, B.A., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute
Jesse Crosby, Ph.D., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Harvard Medical School
Jason Elias, Ph.D., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Harvard Medical School

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Treatment for Misophonia in an Adult Female
R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A.
Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescent Trichotillomania
Kendra Homan, M.A., Utah State University
Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Jesse Crosby, Ph.D., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Harvard Medical School
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

157. I Rap, You Rap, We All Love the IRAP: Manipulations of Sample Stimuli and Instructions
Chair:Kail Seymour, Southern Illinois University
Discussant:Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi

• Seeing Versus Reading Is Believing: A Reliability Study of Sample Manipulations
Travis Sain, Southern Illinois University
Rachel Swiatek, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D, Southern Illinois University

• The Hitler You Know and Love: Piloting an Idiographic IRAP
Anke Lehnert, Southern Illinois University
Kelsey Schuler, Southern Illinois University
Travis Sain, Southern Illinois University
Sam Kramer, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D, Southern Illinois University

• Love/Hate Faked: Manipulating IRAP Performance with Instructions
Kail Seymour, Southern Illinois University
Christine Ryder, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D, Southern Illinois University

158. Mindfulness in ACT: Theoretical and Practical Implications
Chair:Devika Fiorillo, Duke University Medical Center/University of Nevada
Discussant:Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

• Evaluation of a web based intervention for trauma: Mindfulness and acceptance measures
Devika Fiorillo, Duke University Medical Center
Caitlin McLean, University of Nevada Reno
Jacqueline Pistorello, University of Nevada Reno
Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

• Assessing construct validity in mindfulness
Sungjin Im, University of Nevada Reno
Gideon Caplovitz Ph.D., Univeristy of Nevada Reno
Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

• A Mindful Path to Decrease Trauma Intrusions: Utility and Implications of Present Moment Awareness
Andrew M. Sherrill, M.A, Northern Illinois University
Christine E. Valdez, M.A, Northern Illinois University
Michelle M. Lilly, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

159. ACT Applications for Cancer Treatment
Chair:Jonathan Rhodes, PsyD, Linden Oaks Hospital
Discussant:Jennifer Gregg, Ph.D., San Jose State University

• ACT-EAT Brief: a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for weight loss in cancer patients.
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Chiara Anselmi, U.O. of Ditology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Stefania Gori, 2U.O. Oncology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy

• The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for increase the psychological flexibility of cancer patients in palliative care
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Women with Breast Cancer
Bahare Dehghani Najvani, graduate student, University of Isfahan, Iran
Mohamad Reza Abedi, University of Isfahan, Iran

*Indicates ACT Peer-Reviewed Trainers

Thursday, June 19
Friday, June 20
Saturday, June 21
Sunday, June 22

 

Thursday, June 19

15. Thinking Fast and Slow: Recent Theoretical Developments in the Study of Implicit Cognition
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: Theory & Philo., Related FC approaches, RFT, Relational Elaboration and Coherence (REC) Model; Propositional Model
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Excelsior Bay & Lafayette Bay

Chair: Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)
Discussant: Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Over the past twenty years, researchers from nearly every corner of psychological science have devoted considerable time and energy to the study of a phenomenon known as implicit cognition. Much of this work has centered on the finding that people can think, feel and behave in ways that are beyond their control, outside of their awareness, that defy their intention and that occur in the blink of an eye. Perhaps more importantly, these ‘automatic cognitions’ influence the way we subsequently behave: they shape our decisions, warp our judgments and bias the way we respond to both ourselves and others. In this session we reflect on a number of functional/cognitive theories and methods that are currently shaping our understanding of thinking fast and slow. Hughes will begin with an overview of this research area and offer the Relational Elaboration and Coherence (REC) model as a new RFT-inspired account that contextual behavior scientists can use to further our understanding of this class of behaviors. Barnes-Holmes will then consider an RFT-inspired measure known as the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) and discuss just what it does and does not measure. Finally, De Houwer will close the session by drawing attention to the fact that (under certain conditions) developments at the cognitive (propositional) level may feed into and drive developments at the functional (RFT) level and vice-versa.

• Holding on to our Functional Roots when Exploring New Intellectual Islands: A Voyage through Implicit Cognition Research
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

Over the last twenty years contextual behavioral scientists have focused their attention on a whole host of complex psychological phenomena. This voyage into uncharted waters has brought with it exciting new developments at the methodological and theoretical levels as well as increased contact with different traditions occupying foreign intellectual islands. One such (cognitive) tradition living on a foreign island (mentalism) has discovered an exciting new class of behaviors typically referred to as ‘implicit’ or ‘automatic’ cognition. In the current talk I provide a brief overview of this research literature as well as the conceptual, theoretical and methodological tools that have typically been used to understand this phenomenon. Thereafter, I offer the Relational Elaboration and Coherence (REC) model as a RFT inspired means for contextual behavioral scientists to explore this domain from a purely functional perspective.

• Why the IRAP is NOT a Measure of Implicit Cognition
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

The phrase “implicit cognition” simply serves to orient behavior-analytic researchers towards a particular domain in psychological research and thus neither word can be considered a technical term. Technically speaking, therefore, the IRAP is not a measure of implicit cognition. Rather the IRAP is more appropriately considered a measure of the probabilities in previously established patterns of brief and immediate arbitrarily applicable relational responding. The current paper will reflect upon the possible pros and cons of using a popular or “trendy” verbal stimulus to label a new functional-analytic procedure or measure.

• Implicit Cognition: A functional-Cognitive Perspective
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University

Whereas most cognitive psychologists subscribe to the position that automatic (implicit) behavior is mediated by the automatic spreading of activation along associations in memory, I put forward the idea that automatic behavior is mediated by propositional knowledge. Unlike associations, propositions contain information about how events are related (e.g., A causes B, A is an effect of B, …). I review several studies showing that automatic responses can be moderated by relations cues, at least under certain conditions. At the cognitive level, these findings support propositional theories of implicit cognition. At the functional level, these findings show that relational responding can be automatic and reveal the need for the further development of measures such as the IRAP that can capture automatic relational responding.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the current state-of-the-art in implicit cognition research. 2. Outline a new RFT inspired (REC) model and procedure (IRAP). 3. Discuss the relation between the functional and cognitive traditions in this research area.

 

17. The Power of Therapeutic Relationship: an Approach to Why and How People Change in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Performance-enhancing interventions, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Daniel W. M. Maitland, Western Michigan University
Discussant: Jonathan Kanter, University of Washington

One of the biggest questions in the mainstream of clinical psychology is the role of therapeutic relationship in client outcomes. This symposium provides three data-based examples of the Functional Analytic Psychotherapy approach to this topic. We present four research studies exploring how the interaction between the therapist and the client can be maximized to produce client improvements both in and out of the session. Specifically, we discuss the importance of: (a) the therapist’s active vs. passive role, (b) different therapeutic actions throughout the therapeutic process, and (C) the use of several forms of verbal behavior to shape clinically relevant behavior. Results suggest explanations for the mechanism of the therapeutic relationship from a contextual behavioral perspective and provide support for FAP in particular.

• How does FAP work? The differential effect of therapist behavior on client behaviors in and
Amanda M. Muñoz-Martínez, M.S., Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz (presented by Jonathan Kanter)
Natalia Esparza Lizarazo, Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy’s mechanism of therapeutic action has been described in terms of behavioral principles such as reinforcement, discriminative control, and functional equivalence. This talk presents two experimental single-case research designs in which these principles were differentially emphasized. The first study involved a crossover design that demonstrated variation in the frequency of client problems and improvements when the therapist focused solely on evoking behavior (Rule 2 in FAP) versus evoking and reinforcing behavior (Rules 2 and 3 in FAP). The second study used a simple A-B design with follow-up. Results showed parallel changes in the behavior of the clients in and out of session only after application of Rule 2 and Rule 3. We will discuss methodological issues, the importance of increased research on mechanisms of change in FAP, and the relevance of the therapeutic relationship. Educational Objective: Plan researches in FAP which integrate coherently methodological and theoretical issues from a contextual science.

• What Kind of Talk Matters in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy? A Single-Case Experimental
Alessandra Villas-Boas, University of São Paulo
Sonia Beatriz Meyer, University of São Paulo
Jonathan Kanter, University of Washington

All psychotherapeutic interventions involve relational transformations of function at a fundamental level. FAP focuses on two processes within this verbal framework. First, Rules 1-4 involve verbal behavior to shape improvements in clinically relevant behavior. Then, Rule 5 helps the client develop effective rules to describe the shaping process that previously occurred. One question in FAP is if Rule 5 is necessary. A single-case experimental design, A-B1-BC1-B2-BC2 is being conducted with two clients: A is baseline; B represents FAP shaping strategies (Rules 1–4); and BC represents FAP shaping strategies plus verbal descriptions of the contingencies (Rule 5). An increase in the frequency of in session improved behavior was observed in Phase B, suggesting a positive impact of Rules 1–4. In Phase BC, the frequency of the clients’ descriptions of contingencies increased, but there is not enough data to conclude that Rule 5 impacted behavior out-of-session.

• Evaluating the Efficacy of FAP for Enhancing Social Connectedness in a Distressed College Student Population
Daniel W. M. Maitland, Western Michigan University
Rachel A. Petts, Western Michigan University
Christopher A. Briggs, Western Michigan University
Julissa A. Duenas, Western Michigan University
Justin A. Moore, Western Michigan University
Scott T. Gaynor, Western Michigan University

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a radical behavior form of therapy. This therapy focuses on contingently responding to clinically relevant behavior as it occurs in the room. To date, little research been conducted exploring the differential impact of FAP compared to other therapeutic conditions. The current study investigates the differences between FAP and a watchful waiting condition in a distressed population recruited from a large Midwestern university. Participants in this study scored one standard deviation below the mean on a measure of social intimacy and met diagnostic criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, a Major Depressive Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder, or Dependent Personality Disorder. Participants were then given 6 sessions of FAP or 6 sessions of a watchful waiting condition. Data presented will highlight the impact of FAP on measures of social intimacy and the differential impact compared to the watchful waiting condition. Currently 13 participants are enrolled in the study, it is expected that 20-30 will be available for the presentation at the conference

Educational Objectives:
1. Analyze the research process and the use of different methodological approaches to exploring FAP process and outcomes. 2. Discuss the importance of the therapeutic relationship to create client changes, and how to assess this mechanism. 3. Plan research in FAP which integrates methodological and theoretical issues from a contextual behavioral science perspective.

 

18. ACT for Parents
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Clin. Interven. & Interests, parents
Target Audience: Beg., Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Meredith Rayner Ph.D., Parenting Research Centre and Murdoch Children's Research Insitute
Discussant: Louise Hayes, Ph.D., Univeristy of Melbourne

ACT and parenting is a growing area of research and clinical interest. Current research from several aspects of parenting are presented including evaluations of parent interventions, emotional regulation and expression, psychological flexibility, and maternal mental health. The first paper presents data from a pilot of a five-session ACT parenting workshop with parents of children with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties in a day-treatment school setting. The second paper presents a model of the proposed relationships between maternal and child depressive symptomatology by assessing psychological flexibility, perceived parental social support, and family environment in mother-child dyads. The third paper presents preliminary data from a group intervention to reduce the long term traumatic emotional responses to the child’s illness in parents of children diagnosed with a life threatening illness or injury. The final paper explores the relationship between emotion regulation, expression, and mental health outcomes in a sample of low-income mothers.

• ACT for Parents: An Open Trial with Parents Raising a Child with Severe Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Lisa Coyne Ph.D., Suffolk University/The New England ACT Institute
Mitch Abblett, Ph.D., The Manville School/Judge Baker Children’s Center at Harvard Medical School

The present study presents the pilot a five-session ACT parenting workshop with parents of children aged 5-17 with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties in a day-treatment school setting. We expected that parents would find the program acceptable and feasible. Further we anticipated that those who reported post-program increases in acceptance and mindfulness would also report reduced parenting stress, distress, improved quality of life, improved parenting efficacy, and increased reliance on positive, rather than maladaptive, parenting strategies. We also explored the relationship between improvements in parent functioning and their relationship to parent and teacher-reported child behavioral and emotional functioning. The first wave (n=7) is completed and the second wave (N = 8) is underway. Data includes parent stress/distress, quality of life, perceptions of parenting and child behavior problems, ACT processes and treatment feasibility and acceptability (baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up). Study strengths and weaknesses, as well as implications for future work, will be discussed.

• The role of social support and psychological flexibility in the transmission of depression from mother to child
Alysha D. Thompson, Ph.D, Suffolk University
Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University

This research examines the contribution of parental emotion coping and social support to child depression. Participants were 348 mother-child dyads (children ages 11-14). Child self-report measures assessed depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, and perceived parental and peer social support. Mother self-report measures assessed, depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, and family environment. This study aimed to create a comprehensive model of the proposed relationships and to assess the influence of psychological flexibility, perceived parental social support, and maternal depressive symptomatology on child depressive symptomatology. Structural equation modeling was utilized to test the goodness of fit of the proposed model. Results indicated maternal depression significantly predicted maternal experiential avoidance, parent social support, and child depression. In addition, maternal psychological flexibility mediated the relationship between maternal symptoms of depression and parent support, parent support mediated the relationships between maternal and child symptoms of depression and maternal and child psychological flexibility.

• Take A Breath: Increasing psychological flexibility and reducing traumatic emotional response in parents of a child with a life threatening illness or injury
Meredith Rayner Ph.D., Parenting Research Centre and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Frank Muscara Ph.D., Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

The diagnosis of a child with a life threatening injury or illness places severe stresses on parents and has been linked to high parental risk of Acute Stress Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress symptoms. This paper presents preliminary data from an RCT of an ACT group intervention to increase parental flexibility and reduce the long term traumatic emotional responses to the child’s illness in parents of children diagnosed with a life threatening illness or injury. The groups are delivered online using web-conferencing to increase accessibility for this population of parents who have illness and treatment related barriers to attendance. Quantative data are presented along with data from semi structured interviews.

• The Role of Emotion Regulation and Expression on Mental Health Outcomes for Racial-Ethnic Minority Mothers
Marie-Christine André, M.A., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology
Carlos Rivera, B.S., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology
Jadig Garcia, M.A., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University, Department of Psychology

Although emotion regulation and expression are hypothesized as important in psychopathology, studies examining these processes in diverse populations are scarce. Thus, this study aimed at exploring the relationship between emotion regulation, expression, and mental health outcomes in a diverse sample of low-income mothers. Mothers completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale. Mothers and children's teachers completed the Emotion Regulation Checklist about the children's regulatory skills. Although no significant difference in emotion expression was observed between the groups, Latina mothers were significantly more likely to use suppression as a strategy compared to African-American mothers (p <.01). Expression of negative emotions and depressive symptoms were positively correlated for the African-American mothers (p<.01), but not for the other two groups. Expression of positive emotions and the use of cognitive reappraisal were positively correlated for the whole sample (p <.01). Additional results and implications for acceptance-based interventions will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the role of social support and psychological flexibility in the transmission of depression from mother to child. 2. Utilize outcomes/implications of current pilot studies to design and implement similar programs in your own institution/facility. 3. Discuss how emotional regulation and expression relates to mental health outcomes for racial-ethnic minority mothers.

 

19. PTSD: ACT, Mindful and Compassionate Approaches
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data, Didactic presentation, Case presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Performance-enhancing interventions, Beh. med., Theory & Philo., Repetitive Thought, PTSD, shame, compassion, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Target Audience: Beg., Interm. Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Michael Skolnik Discussant: Olga Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi

With a growing focus on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to an alarming growth in our returning veterans, we are wise to turn our efforts toward increasing our knowledge in this area. 3 researchers focused on using ACT, mindfulness, and compassion-focused approaches when examining new approaches for alleviating the suffering in PTSD individuals will discuss their studies and findings.

• Immune-Spectrum Disease and Repetitive Thought in Female Veterans
Elizabeth A. Mullen-Houser, Ph.D., University of Iowa, Department of Psychology
Susan K. Lutgendorf, Ph.D., University of Iowa, Departments of Psychology, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology
Anne G. Sadler, Ph.D., Iowa City VA Health Care System; University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry
Michelle A. Mengeling, Ph.D., Iowa City VA Health Care System; University of Iowa Department of Internal Medicine
James C. Torner, Ph.D., University of Iowa Departments of Epidemiology & Neurosurgery and Surgery
Brian L. Cook, D.O., University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry and VISN 23 Mental Health, Department of Veterans Affairs
Skylar Johnson, M.S., Iowa City VA Health Care System
Brenda M. Booth, Ph.D., Central Arkansas Healthcare System and University of Arkansas Department of Psychiatry

Female veterans are at risk for stress-related physical disorders given high rates of trauma exposure and a heightened physiologic stress response. Identification of modifiable risk factors for stress disorders is necessary to develop evidence-based interventions that help minimize the emergence and impact of veteran illness. The present study used structural equation modeling to investigate the contributions of maladaptive repetitive thought (RT), posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, childhood trauma and health behaviors to immune-spectrum disease and functional disability. Female Reserve or National Guard veterans (N = 643) completed a computer-assisted telephone interview through the Iowa City VA. Results indicated that physical disease was associated with greater depression and childhood trauma after accounting for covariates. Unexpectedly, higher maladaptive RT was associated with less physical disease, although only when depression was included as a covariate. Maladaptive RT parsed for negative affect associated with depression may conceptually resemble adaptive RT. Adaptive RT has previously been found to be protective of physiologic disease response. Interventions which promote adaptive RT, such as mindfulness and values clarification, may protect female veteran health.

• Developing a Compassion-Based Therapy for Trauma-Related Shame and Posttraumatic Stress
Teresa Au, M.A., Boston University, VA Boston Healthcare System
Brett Litz, Ph.D., Boston University, VA Boston Healthcare System

Interpersonal trauma survivors often suffer from shame and self-blame, which heighten the sense of internal threat that maintains PTSD. However, current evidence-based treatments for PTSD primarily target fear responses arising from life-threat trauma and fail to directly address shame. We will describe a compassion-based therapy that we have developed to reduce trauma-related shame and PTSD symptoms. For six weekly individual therapy sessions, participants engage in experiential exercises designed to promote self-compassion in response to shame in everyday contexts as well as shame directly related to a traumatic experience. We will report preliminary results from our multiple baseline study evaluating the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of this therapy for individuals struggling with shame and posttraumatic stress after a potentially traumatic event. We will also provide details on the study’s multiple baseline design as a time- and cost-effective method for evaluating novel treatments.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for improve the quality of life in people with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Nathalia Vargas Ph.D., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Michel Reyes Ph.D, Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a group treatment model based on acceptance and commitment therapy for improve the quality of life of the participants with complex PTSD. The sample is 30 patients randomized at two groups of 15 patients each one; they were assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), the posttraumatic Stress Disorder Check list (PCL-V) and Quality of Life WHOQOL- Bref. It is a clinical trial with measurements pretest -test -posttest with follow up over six months with a control group. This study is in progress and preliminary results will be presented

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe both maladaptive and adaptive repetitive thought, including ACT-related interventions that are associated with increasing adaptive repetitive thought. 2. Discuss the association of repetitive thought with physical disease, especially in the female veteran population and the theoretical rationale for using compassion-based therapy to reduce trauma-related shame and posttraumatic stress. 3. Implement experiential exercises to promote self-compassion in traumatized individuals and describe the ACT characteristics and benefits for the improve the quality of life, compare and assess with the usual treatment (Prolonged Exposure Therapy).

 

29. Promoting Exposure Therapy in Practice and Research: The Role of ACT and Citizen Science
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Superv., Train. & Dissem., Exposure Therapy
Target Audience: Beg., Interm. Location: St. Croix I

Chair: Brooke M. Smith, Utah State University
Discussant: Brian Thompson, Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center

Exposure therapy is widely recognized as a highly effective and empirically supported treatment for a number of anxiety disorders. However, negative beliefs about exposure therapy, both in the professional and lay communities, may lead to its underutilization in many treatment settings (Olatunji, Deacon, & Abramowitz, 2009). In addition, researchers have begun to investigate the various processes through which exposure may impact client outcomes (Twohig, Whittal, & Cox, 2010) and methods of promoting exposure therapy in both clinical and research contexts. The papers presented in this symposium discuss empirical work addressing the impact of treatment rationale on treatment utilization, as well as a research protocol designed to promote investigation into the various processes of change underlying exposure therapy.

• The Impact of ACT versus CBT Rationale for Exposure Therapy
Joanna J. Arch, Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University
Brett J. Deacon, Ph.D., University of Wyoming
Lauren N. Landy, M.A., University of Colorado at Boulder
Ellen J. Bluett, M.S., Utah State University

Exposure provides a potent treatment for anxiety disorders. Yet exposure therapy suffers from a “serious public relations problem” (p. 172, Olatunji, Deacon & Abramowitz, 2009) and is highly underutilized in most treatment settings. Further, exposure has been employed recently within mindfulness and acceptance based treatments such as ACT, shifting how the process and aims of exposure are framed. As evidenced within the behavior change and treatment credibility literatures, differences in framing and rationale can impact whether people are willing to engage in an intervention. No research to date, however, has examined how different ways of framing exposure – that is, different treatment rationale for exposure – may impact willingness to engage in it. In this study, we explore how systematically varying the treatment rationale for exposure, based on components of ACT and CBT such as fear reduction versus fear acceptance, testing thoughts versus defusing from thoughts, and so forth, impacts willingness to consider exposure therapy and treatment credibility. This internet based study will recruit a large (n = 964) adult sample randomized to receive different exposure therapy rationale. Our goal is to inform whether framing exposure in more ACT versus CBT terms impacts ratings of treatment willingness and credibility. We will also examine baseline moderators of these ratings, including anxiety and depression symptoms, trait acceptance, and anxiety sensitivity, to explore the possibility of treatment matching. Our findings will inform practical considerations of how different rationale for exposure therapy impact willingness to engage in this powerful yet underused treatment for anxiety.

• Does Exposure Framing Matter? Comparing Models of Exposure in a Brief Intervention for Social Anxiety
Ellen J. Bluett, M.S., Utah State University
Lauren N. Landy, M.A., University of Colorado at Boulder
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University
Joanna J. Arch, Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder

Exposure therapy is considered a first line treatment for various anxiety disorders, but only a subset of anxious individuals are treated with exposure. One potential target for narrowing this gap is the framing of exposure therapy. Exposure is typically presented from a fear-reduction perspective. This study investigates how alternative perspectives based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy might impact engagement in and effectiveness of exposure. A brief exposure intervention was presented from one of four perspectives: (a) fear reduction (b) psychological flexibility (c) personal values, and (d) active control. 53 socially anxious individuals from Utah State University and the University of Colorado at Boulder participated. Results revealed that all active conditions evidenced significantly more improvement in self-reported social anxiety (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale-Self Report; Liebowitz, 1987) pre-post than did control condition, b = -2.23, t(73) = -2.50, p = .02. Psychological flexibility or values frameworks are viable options for framing exposure.

• Exposure Procedure Research within a Post-Tribal Practice-Research Network
Kelly Koerner, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute

Various change processes are hypothesized to distinctly produce the improvements seen as a result of undergoing exposure procedures. For example, Twohig et al (2010) found that processes of change in exposure treatments for OCD were at least somewhat distinct from each other, but treatment packages impacted multiple processes. This line of research highlights how single-case experimental design may offer important insights into how therapist behaviors impact client change processes. In this presentation, Koerner describes a research protocol in which a distributed network of therapists and clients can use experimental multiple baseline design to understand how specific session level therapist interventions move client change processes in exposure therapy. "Citizen science" projects such as this tackle scientific problems by recruiting volunteers to make a meaningful contribution to research.

Educational Objectives:
1. Explain the results of a study on rationales for exposure therapy. 2. Discuss the effects of rationales for exposure from an ACT model. 3. Describe how a distributed network of therapists and clients using single case designs study change processes in exposure therapy.

 

32. Inside the Belly of the Beast: Does the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure Really Do What it’s Supposed to Do?
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: RFT, Related FC approaches, IRAP
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Excelsior Bay & Lafayette Bay

Chair: Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)
Discussant: Jan De Houwer, Ghent University

Since its inception, the IRAP has stimulated a rapidly growing body of work on implicit cognition, or from an RFT perspective, relational responses that are low in derivation and complexity. We now know that this procedure captures a wide range of behaviors that self-report measures fail to pick up on and predicts meaningful real-world outcomes such as substance abuse, clinical fears and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Given the rising popularity of the measure it seems important to take a step back and consider a host of questions that determine our confidence in the above outcomes. For instance, is it possible to fake how one responds on the IRAP? What does it mean to say that the IRAP effect is reliable and what influence do contextual factors (such as the specific stimulus relations assessed) play on the outcomes obtained? In this session we ‘lift the lid’ on the IRAP and explore a number of conceptual and methodological issues that any researcher who uses this tool needs to know. Topics will include recent studies on “fakeability” and reliability, a functional analysis of the IRAP effect, and the challenges and pitfalls of the traditional psychometric concept of reliability from a functional contextual perspective.

• Mirror Mirror on the Wall: is the IRAP Reliable, Relativistic and Fakeable at all?
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Ian Hussey, National University of Ireland Maynooth

Since its inception, the IRAP has stimulated a rapidly growing body of empirical work on implicit cognition - or from an RFT perspective - relational responses that are low in derivation and complexity. We now know that the procedure captures a wide range of behaviors that self-report methodologies fail to pick up on and predicts meaningful real-world outcomes such as substance abuse, clinical fears and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Given the rising popularity of the measure it seems important to take a step back and consider a host of questions that determine our confidence in the above outcomes. For instance, is it possible to fake how one responds on the IRAP? What does it mean to say that the IRAP effect is reliable and what influence do contextual factors (such as the specific stimulus relations assessed) play on the outcomes obtained? In this talk we take a closer look at these three questions and discuss their potential impact on past, present and future IRAP research.

• Back to Basics: Units of Analysis, RFT and the IRAP
Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Ian Hussey, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

The IRAP was developed in response to the question “How do we catch relational frames in flight”. As such, it was originally conceptualized, programmed and developed by relational frame theorists to capture the strength or probability of previously established patterns of relational framing. On balance, it appears from informal discussions with both students and colleagues that the relationship between the IRAP and RFT remains somewhat unclear. The current paper aims to clarify this relationship and to describe more precisely than hitherto exactly how the IRAP provides a measure of what it was designed to measure – relational framing in flight.

• The Many Faces of Reliability: Implications for the IRAP and other Implicit Measures
Maarten De Schryver, Ghent University
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

Within mainstream psychology, reliability refers to a family of statistics that determine just how precise we are when measuring behavior in specific situations. Many of these statistics are based on the assumption that if people complete the same test under the exact same conditions (e.g., if they were ‘brainwashed’) the amount of variance that they share would reflect our measurement precision. Researchers use these reliability measures to make claims about behavior and this is particularly the case with regard to procedures like the IRAP and IAT. Upon closer inspection, however, many of the underlying assumptions of reliability statistics fail to hold true - and perhaps more importantly - are incompatible with the philosophical foundations of contextual behavior science. With this in mind, we will discuss the notion of reliability as it applies to the IRAP and other implicit measures from a traditional psychometric and then functional contextual perspective. The challenges and pitfalls in confounding these two approaches will be highlighted and effective strategies for future work outlined.

Educational Objectives:
1. Discuss methodological issues like the fakeability, reliability and relativity of the IRAP effect. 2. Describe what the IRAP measures from a functional contextual point of view. 3. Outline issues and challenges when using the notion of reliability to evaluate outcomes like the IRAP effect.

 

33. Perspective Taking, Empathy, and Self as Context: Empirical Investigations
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: RFT, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Children, Adolescents
Target Audience: Interm., Adv.
Location: Spring Park Bay

Chair: Louise McHugh, University College Dublin
Discussant: Tim Weil, University of South Florida

Arguably, nothing in human psychology is as important as the abilities to understand oneself and to take the perspective of others. The current symposium comprises of three papers on the training of deictic relational responding. The first paper presents a multiple baseline design on a deictic training protocol with three children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder using wireless app technology. The second paper discusses an analogue model of the effects of cyber exclusion and the preventative impact that self as context training has on cyber exclusion. The final paper covers a deictic training intervention with adolescents. The adolescents were trained in deictics, emotional deictics, and self as context, respectively. The impact of the training on well-being was tested at pre, post, and three week follow-up. Together the findings from the three papers support the utility of training perspective taking, empathy, and self as context across different populations.

• Training perspective taking and empathy in children diagnosed with ASD using wireless technology
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin
Corinne Ginty, University College Dublin
Aisling McGee, University college Dublin
Anita Munnelly, University College Dublin
Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland Galway

Children learn to relationally frame their own behaviour as different from that of others by learning three key deictic relations: “I versus YOU”, “HERE versus THERE” and “NOW versus THEN”. They learn to respond appropriately to questions such as ‘What are YOU doing HERE?’, ‘What am I doing NOW?’, ‘What was I doing THEN?’ etc. As they learn to respond to these questions they see that whenever they are asked about their own behavior they always answer from the point of view of ‘I’, ‘HERE’ and ‘NOW’ and that this perspective is consistent and different from that of other people. For example, if you ask me about my behavior, I will always answer from the position of ‘I’, ‘HERE’ and ‘NOW’ in response to your question asked by YOU, THERE (where you are) and THEN (when you asked – a few seconds ago). The current paper presents data from a multiple baseline design deictic wireless app intervention that trained three children diagnosed with ASD in deictic relational responding. The findings indicated that the deictic training generalized to (1) theory of mind tests and (2) perspective taking questions about cartoon characters that had not been directly trained.

• Testing a self as context intervention for preventing the negative effects of cyber exclusion
Ann Zedginidze, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Anita Munnelly, University College Dublin

Previous studies have found that social exclusion can cause distress to those excluded. One method used to study social exclusion is through a virtual ball-toss game known as Cyberball. In this game, participants may be excluded from or included in the ball-toss game and typically report lower feelings of self-esteem, control, belonging and meaningful existence following exclusion. The current experiment sought to explore the effect of a self as context intervention on cyber exclusion. 30 participants were randomly assigned to either a self as context induction or a relaxation control. Post intervention all participants played cyberball. Changes in mood and self-esteem were measured from pre to post cyberball game. The findings indicate the find the while the cyberball game had a negative impact on the mood and self esteem of the participants in the relaxation group, the negative impact of cyberball did not emerge post self as context intervention.

• Training Self-Flexibility in Young People
Orla Moran, University College Dublin
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

Recent data indicates that three quarters of all mental health problems in Ireland emerge before 25 years of age and the emergence of these problems can be linked to a dysfunctional sense of self. Widespread empirical evidence indicates the importance of self-development during adolescence (12-25 years). With this in mind, the present study aimed to develop and implement a Flexible Self Intervention, specifically for adolescents. 150 participants (M= 16 years) were recruited from Irish secondary schools. The Flexible Self Intervention involved three interactive sessions with short video clips and audio recordings. Session one involved training perspective relational frames (I-YOU, HERE-THERE, NOW-THEN). Session two involved empathy training via the transformation of emotional functions using deictic relational frames. Session three involved deictic Self-as-Context training. Process measures of mindfulness and cognitive avoidance, and outcome measures of self-esteem, self-compassion, anxiety, well-being, emotional acceptance, empathy and reaction to ostracism, were examined at pre, post and 3 week follow-up. The findings indicated that the intervention had positive outcomes in terms of general well being and self esteem for the adolescents from pre intervention to follow up.

Educational Objectives:
1. List new research in the area of deictics 2. Design better deictic interventions 3. Demonstrate the ability to apply RFT principles within ACT

 

34. Shame Behind Labels: Conceptualization, Assessment and Treatment of Health Related Stigmatization
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Psychological Flexibility, Deictic Relational Responding
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Emily Squyres, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Discussant: Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University

Health-related outcomes are often complicated and even threatened by the stigma that accompanies diagnosis. Papers in this symposium will explore applications of the CBS perspective to the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of health-related stigmatization. The first paper will consider the role that social categorization and deictic relational responding play in self-stigma among the obese. The second paper will discuss the results of an ACT intervention on stigma among those with HIV. The third paper will discuss the cultural adaptation of the Substance Abuse and Self-Stigma Scale in Puerto Rico, using a Latino population living with HIV.

• Sticks & Stones: The Social Context for Learning Self-Stigma Amongst the Obese
Emily Squyres, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Humans readily engage in social categorization on the basis of both physical and arbitrary features of the individual. Once these categories, or stimulus classes, are formed, functions are easily transformed among members of the classes. Preliminary research has shown, for example, that arbitrary stimuli can easily acquire stigma functions when derived as equivalent to obese. The most basic form of social categorization is the distinction of “I” from “you” and, by extension, “us” from “them.” It is commonly assumed that functions of outgroup and ingroup members diverge in such as way as to protect the self from taking on aversive functions. This is not the case, however, for obese individuals, who demonstrate explicit and implicit weight bias. This conceptual paper will explore the learning history that might contribute to self-stigma among the obese. Particular attention will be paid to the transformation of function across deictic relations that might result in such self-stigmatization, and the social context that might control it.

• Using ACT to address HIV/AIDS Stigma in Ethnoracial Communities
Kenneth Fung, M.D., FRCPC, M.S., Toronto Western Hospital
Josephine Wong, Ph.D., Ryerson University

HIV stigma impedes HIV prevention, testing, and care, and leads to discrimination and suffering. This is an especially important issue in ethnoracial communities who face intersectional marginalizations. The Community Champions HIV/AIDS Advocates Mobilization Project (CHAMP) is a community-based research project by CAAT* which evaluated the use of ACT and Social Justice Capacity Building (SJCB) to decrease HIV/AIDS stigma among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) and non-PHAs Community Leaders (CL) from ethnoracial communities. 35 participants received SJCB only and 31 received ACT+SJCB. Participants had significantly decreased stigma; increased valued living; and increased readiness to engage in HIV championship post-intervention and at 9-month follow-up. There were no group differences by participant type (PHA vs CL) or by intervention (SJCB vs ACT+SJCB) based on quantitative data. Qualitative data documented different impact of the two interventions. Activity logs captured personal and collective meaningful activities that included improvements in self-care, resilience, and HIV championship. (* Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment)

• Measuring Stigma: A Cultural Adaptation of the Substance Abuse and Self-Stigma Scale in the Latino Population
Coralee Pérez Pedrogo, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico
Sugeily Rivera- Suazo, MSW, University of Puerto Rico
Gabriela Román-Colón, B.A., University of Puerto Rico
Jason B. Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center
José Noel Caraballo, Ph.D., University of Puerto Rico
Carmen E. Albizu-García, M.D., University of Puerto Rico

Self-stigma refers to the effects of social stigma on the individual with the stigmatized attribute, which may include self-devaluation, and fear of being identified as part of a socially stigmatized group. It is a barrier to treatment access and adherence for substance use disorders and HIV/AIDS. The experiences of self-stigma among incarcerated Latinos with SUD and HIV, a population in which both conditions are over-represented, and its impact on treatment entry, retention, and outcomes are not well understood. A first step in our research agenda involves the cultural adaptation of the Substance Abuse and Self-Stigma Scale in Puerto Rico. Through an iterative process that included literature review, translation and back-translation, bilingual assessment panel, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, changes were made to the measure. We present results from individual interviews and focus groups with 20 participants recruited at a community treatment center for drug users with and without HIV/AIDS. Using qualitative methods with emphasis on content and semantic equivalence we obtained a culturally adapted measure which is relevant and responsive to our context. We will present methodological challenges for adaptation and measurement of the construct as well as suggestions assesses convergent validity. This study aspires to contribute to the progress of research on self-stigma among Latinos with HIV and a SUD given the absence of appropriate measures for the construct. 1 University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
2 Portland

Educational Objectives:
1. Create a culturally sensitive self-stigma measure 2. Describe the use of ACT strategies to address HIV/AIDS stigma in PHAs and non-PHAs in the service of personal values and HIV championship 3. Discuss the systematic process of translating and a self-stigma measure focusing on conceptual and cross-cultural equivalence

 

35. Community-Based Applications of Contextual Behavioral Sciences
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Didactic presentation
Categories: Prevention & Comm.-Based, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Org. Beh. Management, Superv., Train. & Dissem., Theory & Philo., RFT, Autism, Intentional Cultural Change, dissemination, Future oriented behavior
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Whitney Skold, M.A., The Chicago School
Discussant: J. Neil Mulholland, Ph.D., University of Alberta, Alberta Health Services

This symposium emphasizes the theme of this year’s conference; disseminating contextually-based sciences to large groups. The participants of this symposium have specialized in community-based outreach, and will discuss their work and possible future directions for ACBS as an organization. A broad variety of areas for community outreach will be discussed, including, autism, ACBS and advocacy, functional contextualism and future oriented behavior, and environmental issues related to mental health. The panelists will share their views on each topic, and bring their prolific knowledge regarding community-based work to the discussion.

• Maximizing ABA-treatment outcomes for children with autism through an organization-wide adoption of ACT
Evelyn R. Gould, M.S. BCBA, Center for Autism and Related Disorder, Inc.
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D. BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorder, Inc.

Rapid increase in prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has resulted in an increasing demand for evidence – based treatment. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is currently the treatment of choice for ASD. This paper will discuss how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) might be implemented at various different levels within the context of ABA treatment services, in the service of achieving best outcomes for every child. At the practitioner level, ACT training might improve staff well-being and productivity, decrease burn-out and increase retention, and foster stronger, more empathetic parent-practitioner partnerships. At the parent level, ACT might improve behavioral parent training outcomes, and the well-being and mental health of parents. At the client level, ACT might improve client outcomes were verbal processes play a role in problematic patterns of behavior. Implications will be discussed in relation to current and future research and practice.

• Enhancing Wellbeing Through Contextual Behavioral Science: What Actions Can ACBS Take to Advance This Goal?
Anthony Biglan, Oregon Research Institute

This paper examines the role of advocacy organizations in bringing about cultural change. Intentional cultural change requires well organized, well-funded, organizations that can articulate the need for specific cultural changes, organize a constituency that favors the change, and influence policies and practices that bring about the changes. This paper will explore the question of whether ACBS should engage in advocacy relevant to its mission. Specifically, it has been suggested that “…the ultimate purpose of behavioral science is to change the world in a positive and intentional way.” (Hayes, Barnes-Holmes, & Wilson, 2012). This paper will describe advocacy actions that ACBS could take that could advance this goal. They include: (a) articulation and media advocacy about the value of societies promoting psychological flexibility; (b) identification of policies that would foster psychological flexibility and the nurturance of human wellbeing; (c) advocacy for policies that would leverage cultural change (d) joining and/or creating coalitions of organizations that are working for societal change that is consistent with our vision; (e) training members and organizations in increasing their advocacy skills.

• How to show love and hope on a large scale? Whys and hows of ACT dissemination in Poland.
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities (SWPS), Warszawa, Poland

Although traditional, bio-medical model of psychiatry affirms the influence of the environment on mental health, it sets an individual apart from the environment and draws relations between the two. Contextualism, in turn, sees the individual as a part of the environment and the environment as a part of the individual. The two constitute a basic and inseparable unit of analysis. This view gains special importance in light of the culturally mediated role of language in maintaining psychological suffering and promoting mental health. The paper describes a strategy for promoting mental health on a large scale in Poland. The strategy is based on the “act-in-context” model of mental health and focuses on creating social contexts that promote psychological flexibility and connectedness instead of treating individuals as those who “have” problems. The core of the strategy is building of a network of self-help groups run on the basis of unified model, which are focused on compassion/self-compassion and connectedness as the context of change.

• Can a Functional Contextual Analysis Improve Our Ability to Act in Light of the Future?
Anthony Biglan, Oregon Research Institute
Yvonne Barnes Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

Despite extensive knowledge about diseases, natural disasters, environmental degradation, and a wide range of other problems, we often fail to take action that that would prevent or mitigate these problems. This paper will argue that our current scientific understanding of how to act in light of the future is limited. It will offer a theoretical analysis of future-oriented behavior at both individual and organizational levels. Specifically, the paper draws on a functional contextualist account of human language and cognition, Relational Frame Theory (RFT), and its integrated therapeutic approach, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and extends this framework to analyzing the evolution of the practices of groups and organizations. This framework can provide an understanding of how human behavior may be modified in the present to improve human wellbeing in the future at individual, organizational, and even national levels.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe components of an ACT-based approach to improving outcomes for children with autism, through intervention at the practitioner, parent and child level. 2. Identify areas of future research related to improving outcomes of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment for children with autism, through ACT-based intervention. 3. Enumerate the role of advocacy organizations in achieving cultural change.

 

39. Technology-Based ACT Interventions to Support Large Scale Behavior Change

Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Edu. settings, Superv., Train. & Dissem., Technology, Web/mobile app-based interventions
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Elk Lake

Chair: Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University
Discussant: Kelly Koerner, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute

Providing psychosocial interventions through web/mobile technologies is a powerful method for supporting behavior change at a public health level. The benefits are numerous, including enhanced cost effectiveness for reaching and treating people in need at the population level, reducing training and fidelity concerns, and reaching those who may not otherwise seek treatment (i.e., due to access, cost, stigma). An increasing number of researchers, providers and organizations have been working on developing such technology-based interventions and this area has recently been growing rapidly in the ACBS community. This symposium will present research from three contextual behavioral science laboratories on delivering ACT through technologies including websites, mobile apps and video conferencing. Dr. Bricker will present on a pilot RCT which compared an ACT mobile app for smoking cessation to another evidence-based app. Dr. Herbert will then present on a series of studies testing ACT-based treatment for anxiety disorders delivered through videoconferencing. Next, Dr. Levin will present recent projects developing and implementing web and mobile-based ACT as an adjunct to face-to-face therapy. Dr. Koerner will lead a discussion of issues and future directions regarding the development, testing and use of technology-based ACT interventions.

• First randomized controlled trial of smartphone-delivered Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Jonathan Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center & University of Washington
Jaimee Heffner, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Julie Kientz, Ph.D., University of Washington

Introduction: Smartphone apps for changing behavior are ubiquitous. But to date, there are no trials of smartphone-delivered ACT for any behavior outcome. And despite the fact that there are over 400 smartphone applications (“apps”) for quitting smoking, no outcome studies for a general population of adults have been reported on this rapidly growing intervention technology. To address this urgent need, this pilot trial compared an app based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the National Cancer Institute’s Quit Guide app which is based on US Clinical Practice Guidelines. Methods: We nationally recruited 196 adult smokers (at least 5 cigarettes/day) wanting to quit within the next 30 days and had iPhone access. Participants were randomized to either an ACT or QuitGuide app. Results: ACT participants opened their app an average of 37 times (vs. 15 for QuitGuide; p = .0001). Regarding receptivity, 86% of ACT participants reported their app was organized (vs. 67% for QuitGuide; p =.003) and 54% reported it was useful for quitting (vs. 38% for Quit Guide; p =.070). ACT participants, but not Quit Guide participants, increased their acceptance of cravings from baseline to follow-up (p =.039 for ACT vs. p = .154 for Quit Guide). The quit smoking outcomes will be presented. Conclusion: This first RCT of smartphone-delivered ACT showed that the ACT app was well-utilized, well-received, and operated consistent with theory.

• ACT-Based Treatment of Anxiety Disorders via Videoconferencing
James D. Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University
Marina Gershkovich, Drexel University
Erica K. Yuen, Ph.D., University of Tampa
Elizabeth M. Goetter, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital
Evan M. Forman, Ph.D., Drexel University

Despite the effectiveness of exposure-based treatments for anxiety disorders, only a minority of those with anxiety disorders receive any treatment at all, and only a small percentage of those who receive treatment receive a scientifically-supported psychotherapy. Remote treatments, in which interventions are delivered using technologies to patients located at a physical distance from the therapist, hold promise in bridging the gap between patient needs and evidence-based treatment. Videoconferencing is a particularly promising method of remote treatment delivery. We adapted ACT-oriented, exposure-based interventions for anxiety disorders for delivery in a videoconferencing and web-based formats. Pilot studies of social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder demonstrated that the programs were well received by patients, and resulted in large within-group effect sizes that met or exceeded those of published trials of traditional face-to-face treatment. We provide an overview of these trials, including lessons learned regarding clinical applications, and discuss directions for future research.

• Using adjunctive web/mobile ACT technologies to augment clinical practice
Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University & Contextual Change LLC
Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno & Contextual Change LLC
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno & Contextual Change LLC
John Seeley, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute
Crissa Levin, M.A., Contextual Change LLC
Kristy Dalrymple, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University & Department of Psychiatry, Rhode Island Hospital
Brandon Gaudiano, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University & Psychosocial Research Program, Butler Hospital
Jack Haeger, Utah State University

One promising direction for implementing web/mobile-based ACT interventions is to integrate them as an adjunct to other face-to-face services. This may simultaneously enhance web/mobile intervention effects by providing guidance and support for program usage while improving face-to-face services. This presentation will describe a series of projects seeking to develop and test adjunctive ACT web/mobile app programs integrated within other clinical services. The primary project to be discussed is a guided self-help prototype ACT website designed for college counselors to use with their student clients. Results from an open trial will be presented in which 30 CCC counselors and 82 of their student clients used the ACT program. Results indicated high program satisfaction for both counselors and students and significant improvements in process and outcome measures among students. Two earlier stage projects will also be discussed: a values-focused adjunctive website for depressed/anxious clients being treated by a psychiatrist and an adjunctive mobile app to support clients’ use of ACT skills learned in therapy. These projects will be discussed in relation to issues in developing and implementing web/mobile-based ACT programs as well as how these technologies can advance contextual behavioral science.

Educational Objectives:
1. Discuss the utilization of smartphone-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and its application to smoking cessation. 2. Assess the effectiveness of ACT-based treatments for anxiety disorders delivered via videoconferencing, and will appreciate common clinical issues that arise with such applications. 3. Describe innovative ways to develop and integrate web/mobile-based ACT with other face-to-face treatment services.

 

40. Recent Data on ACT for the Treatment of Eating Disorders across Multiple Settings
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Eating Disorders, treatment outcome
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Crystal Lake

Chair: Ellen J Bluett, M.S., Utah State University
Discussant: Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana, Lafayette

Eating Disorders are notoriously difficult to treat. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is gaining popularity as a promising treatment. While varied treatment settings across the world are beginning to utilize ACT for eating disorders, empirical evidence is at inception. This symposium offers a first look at outcome data on the use of ACT across a variety of settings and eating disorder diagnoses. Specifically, this symposium highlights findings from a small treatment trial on ACT for college students with problematic emotional eating, treatment outcomes of ACT in a family therapy context for individuals with anorexia nervosa, as well as the results of an effectiveness trial on ACT as part of a larger treatment program in a residential treatment facility. Attending this symposium will inform individuals of the current state of the research on ACT for eating disorders.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Individuals with Problematic Emotional Eating: A Case-Series Study
Mary L. Hill, M.A, Georgia State University
Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Makeda Moore, Georgia State University

Emotional eating (EE) is an often problematic eating behavior characterized by eating when not hungry in response to difficult emotions. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown promise in treating a variety of disordered eating concerns. This case-series design presents a description of ACT for EE and the outcomes from two adults with problematic EE who voluntarily participated in 10 weekly sessions of ACT. The average number of EE episodes per week across both participants at pre-treatment was 9, which decreased to 2 per week at follow-up. Both participants also showed improvement in body image flexibility, a theoretically consistent process of change, and these improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. The results are discussed as well as implications for clinical practice and future research.

• Outcomes for an ACT-Based Family Intervention for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
Rhonda M. Merwin, Ph.D., Duke University Medical Center
C. Alix Timko, Ph.D., University of the Sciences
Nancy L. Zucker, Ph.D., Duke University Medical Center & Duke University

Anorexia nervosa (AN) often emerges in adolescence and may have devastating consequences for growth velocity and bone health. Intervention must occur quickly and often before the adolescent is ready for change. Recently, empirical support for inclusion of the family in treatment has emerged; however, there is only one model of intervention (“Maudsley”), and thus a need for treatment alternatives. We conducted an open trial of an ACT-based family treatment for adolescent AN. Treatment consisted of 20 sessions over 6 months. Fifty-one adolescents were enrolled at 2 sites with 47 completing baseline assessment. Of these, 23 (48.9%) met criteria for full recovery at treatment end, 14 (29.8%) met criteria for partial recovery, and 10 (21.3%) did not recover. On average, adolescents achieved 97.19% (SD=4.60) of their ideal body weight with a range of 82%-100%. All subscales of the Eating Disorder Examination were significantly improved, with corresponding increases in adolescent and parent acceptance (all ps<.05).

• Examining the Effectiveness of ACT for Eating Disorders in a Residential Setting
Ellen J. Bluett, M.S, Utah State University
Michael Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University
Tera Lensegrav-Bensen, Ph.D., Avalon Hills Residential Eating Facility
Benita Quakenbush-Roberts, Avalon Hills Residential Eating Facility

Some individuals are nonresponsive to outpatient treatment for eating disorders, making residential treatment a viable option. A longitudinal effectiveness study was conducted at a multi-disciplinary residential treatment setting whose primary modality is ACT. Data was collected over a ~7 year period on adult and adolescent females diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (46.6%) bulimia nervosa (17.4%), or eating disorder not otherwise specified (36.0%). Two-hundred and sixty four patients completed measures on eating disorder severity, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Analysis show significant improvements on all measures. Results for eating disorder showed that 68% with AN were responders, 47% with BN were responders, and 58% of those with ED-NOS were responders. Across disorders 69.49% were classified as responders on the BDI-II and 29% on the EDQOL. Further analyses are underway.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe ACT as a treatment for eating disorders. 2. Present the most recent data on ACT for eating disorders in a variety of settings. 3. Discuss future research for ACT and eating disorders.

 

44. Designing and Delivering ACT Interventions for Individuals with Medical Conditions: Transdiagnostic Principles and Key Processes of Change
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Beh. med., Clin. Interven. & Interests, psychological and physical distress tolerance; resilience
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Excelsior Bay & Lafayette Bay

Chair: Megan Oser, Ph.D., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Discussant: Joseph Ciarrochi, University of Western Syndey

The purpose of this symposium is to conceptually, empirically, and pragmatically explore ACT interventions for chronic medical conditions with the goal of identifying key change processes, relevant methodological approaches, and necessary modifications to treatment delivery. The impact of ACT group formats will be investigated in three different medical populations: multiple sclerosis, diabetes, chronic pain, and in a heterogeneous group of patients with both psychiatric and medical conditions. Collectively, data from these studies show promise that ACT can be readily modified to fit the needs of medical patient populations and that willingness to allow physical or psychological distress is a key change process. First, Vowles et al will discuss how relinquishing attempts to control pain while increasing values-based activities reduces pain-related disability. Pakenham et al will discuss change processes and outcomes from two intervention studies evaluating an ACT-based resilience program modified for multiple sclerosis and diabetes. Lastly, Oser et al will discuss preliminary data from an ACT group for individuals with medical and psychiatric comorbities highlighting proximal changes and optimizing ACT for multi-problem medically ill populations. Dr. Joseph Ciarriochi, an expert in promoting resilience using ACT processes, will serve as discussant to tie together the presented studies, highlight key areas for future inquiry, and discuss implications of implementing ACT for those struggling to live with chronic medical conditions.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Diary Study of Treatment Process in relation to Reliable Change in Disability
Kevin E. Vowles, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Brandi Fink, University of New Mexico
Lindsey L. Cohen, Georgia State University

Often, it is assumed that pain reduction is a necessary precursor to disability reduction in those with chronic pain. Conversely, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) posits that pain reduction is not necessary – rather, it is hypothesized that pain responses must change, including reducing unsuccessful struggles for pain control and increasing valued activities (Vowles et al., 2014). To test this hypothesis, we examined how weekly ratings of struggles for pain control and valued activity, in a clinical sample of pain patients (n = 21) completing an interdisciplinary course of ACT, related to the presence or absence of reliable disability change three months after treatment. Overall, 48% of patients evidenced reliable disability reduction. Further, 81% showed the expected change pattern – when pain control attempts decreased and valued activities increased, reliably reduced disability typically occurred, while the absence of this pattern was associated with no reliable change. Pain intensity change was unrelated to reliable change. Results suggest possible requirements for treatment success. Vowles, K. E., Witkiewitz, K., Sowden, G., & Ashworth, J. (2014). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for chronic pain: Evidence of mediation and clinically significant change following an abbreviated interdisciplinary program of rehabilitation. Journal of Pain, 15, 101-113.

• Preliminary evaluation of an ACT group for patients with psychiatric and chronic medical conditions
Megan Oser, Ph.D., Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Vanessa Alvarez, M.A., Suffolk University
Gabe Gruner, LICSW, Brigham and Women's Hospital

Given the transdiagnostic nature of ACT(1,2), we evaluated an ACT group intervention for a heterogeneous group of individuals with medical and psychiatric conditions (N = 20). Treatment completers (n=10) did not differ from non-completers on baseline measures of depression, experiential avoidance, anxiety sensitivity, and distress tolerance. Distress tolerance significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment (t(9) = -2.32; p = .05). Experiential avoidance decreased by 3.4 points, on average, as measured by the AAQ-II (t(9) = .78; p = .46) and sensitivity to anxiety decreased an average of 3.3 points (t(9) = .71; p = .49). Patients screening positive for depression decreased from pre (80%) to post-treatment (60%) (Z = 0.98; p = .16). Improvements were observed on all measures; however, only distress tolerance significantly improved from pre- to post-treatment. Findings will be discussed in terms of clinically significant change, suggestions for refining ACT for medical patients with psychiatric comorbidities, and the incubation period of capturing improvements(2). 1. Levin, M.; Hildebrandt, M.; Lillis, J; Hayes, S. (2012). The Impact of Treatment Components Suggested by the Psychological Flexibility Model: A Meta-Analysis of Laboratory-Based Component Studies. Behavior Therapy 43(4), 741–56. 2. Clarke, S., Kingston, J., Wilson, K.,Bolderston, H., & Remington, B. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for a heterogeneous group of treatment-resistant clients: A treatment development study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice 19(4), 560-72.

• Evaluation of an ACT Resilience Training Program (READY) for People with Diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis
Kenneth I. Pakenham, Ph.D., University of Queensland
Alyssa Ryan, B.A., University of Queensland
Matthew Mawdsley, B.A., University of Queensland
Felicity Brown, Ph.D., University of Queensland

This presentation reports on two intervention studies that evaluate a group ACT resilience training program called READY with two illness populations: diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS). READY incorporates ACT processes to target empirically identified resilience protective factors (Burton et al, 2010). ACT processes, protective factors and the corresponding domains of human functioning are incorporated into a READY resilience framework. In view of specific illness characteristics, the full 11 x 2 hour weekly session program was used with the diabetes sample (n=20), and a modified program was used with the MS sample (n=30). Both studies had pre- and post-intervention and follow-up assessments, and a single intervention condition design. Preliminary analyses on the diabetes data showed pre- to post-intervention improvements in resilience t(19)=-3.00, p<.01, quality of life t(19)=-4.33, p<.01, anxiety t(19)=2.19, p<.01, depression t(19)=3.57, p<.01 and stress t(19)=3.26, p<.01, which were maintained at follow-up. Scores on measures of ACT processes significantly increased: psychological flexibility t(19)=0.65, p<.01, mindfulness t(19)=0.51, p<.05, values t(19)=0.56, p<.05. Results of final analyses will be reported. Burton, N.W., Pakenham, K.I., & Brown, W.J. (2010). Feasibility and effectiveness of psychosocial resilience training: A pilot study of the READY program. Psychology, Health and Medicine, 15, 266-277.

Educational Objectives:
1. Utilize ACT processes to target resilience, tolerance of distress, and psychological flexibility in the context of chronic illness. 2. Design ACT interventions to manage unique challenges of medical patient populations. 3. Identify two key processes in the treatment of chronic pain and identify how patterns of change in these processes relate to change in disability.

 

48. Pain and Contextual Medicine Jointly Sponsored Symposium: When the Body Hurts: Pain's Many InterACTing Functions
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Beh. med., Pain and Contextual Medicine
Target Audience: Beg., Interm.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Joel Guarna, Ph.D., Mercy Hospital, Eastern Maine Healthcare System
Discussant: Stephen Z. Hull, M.D., Mercy Hospital, Eastern Maine Healthcare System

Chronic pain is a global problem. A systematic review (19 included studies) of published cross-sectional surveys (65 surveys, 34 countries, 182,019 respondents) authored by Elzahaf RA, et al. (Curr Med Res Opin. 2012 Jul;28(7):1221-9) places the prevalence of chronic pain worldwide at 30.3% ± 11.7%. The human and economic cost of chronic pain is enormous. In the United States alone the economic cost of chronic pain was estimated in 2010 at $560-635 billion dollars. The three studies presented in this symposium, co-sponsored by the Pain SIG and the Contextual Medicine SIG represent a spectrum of the relationship between pain and the role of contextual behavioral science in the alleviation of the suffering of patients with chronic pain, addressing the impact of pain on chronic illness; elucidating the relationship between gender, affective disturbance, pain, experiential avoidance, and quality of life; and demonstrating the benefits of ACT on symptom severity and pain interference.

• Pain matters! Implications for acceptance-based interventions with women with co-morbid chronic illnesses
Abbie O. Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA
Stacy Lorenz, M.A., Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, USA

Chronic pain and chronic illnesses are among the most prevalent and costly in health care. Effective behavioral interventions are vital for medical/functional outcomes. Perceived illness-related disability and life satisfaction along with acceptance-based factors are associated with positive outcomes. Less understood are women with co-morbid chronic illness (CI) symptoms including pain. We compared women in online CI groups with “chronic/recurring pain a primary concern” (CIp; n=281; Mean age=51.53) with those without (CIn; n=109; Mean age=54.89). Women were primarily married/partnered (64.8%), white/non-Hispanic (90.5%) and well educated (Mean years=15.2). Mean number CI’s was CIp=2.71 (SD=1.46) versus CIn=1.55 (SD=0.85). Pain Mean= 5.46/10 (SD=1.91). CIp’s were more overweight/obese (p=.013), smoked more, exercised less, “drank more alcohol because of illness” than CIn (10% versus 5%); higher Disability, Negative Affect and Experiential Avoidance; lower Satisfaction, CI Acceptance, Mindfulness and Positive Affect [F(6,205)=6.89; p<.001]. CI interventions should differentiate between those with versus those without pain to enhance outcomes.

• Is the quality of life of chronic pain patients impacted by the presence of psychiatric symptoms, gender and experiential avoidance?
Maria Stavrinaki, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Michaela Paraskeva-Siamata, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Vasilis Vasiliou, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Orestis Kasinopoulos, M.S., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Despina Hadjikyriacou, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus

Several individual difference risk factors, including comorbid psychiatric problem, and gender have been linked with chronic pain patients diminished QOL. Experiential avoidance was found to moderate symptom presentation in pain patients; however its relation to QOL has not yet been examined. The present study explored differences between 3 levels of anxiety and depression (non-clinical, sub-clinical and clinical levels) on physical and mental QOL in 74 chronic pain patients. Individuals with clinical anxiety levels had significantly lower physical and mental QOL compared to the other two levels. Individuals with clinical depression presented with significantly lower physical and mental QOL but did not differ from sub-clinical levels. There was no significant interaction between gender and anxiety or depression on QOL. EA was found to be a significant moderator only of depression levels on QOL. Implications of the results in regards to the treatment of individuals with chronic pain will be discussed.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study of Adolescents with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)
Staci Martin, Ph.D., Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Pam Wolters, Ph.D., Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Mary Anne Toledo-Tamula, M.A., Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Andrea Baldwin, PNP, Neurobehavioral Group, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
Shawn Nelson Schmitt, Ph.D., Neuropsychology Resident, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Brigitte C. Widemann, M.D., Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

Research supports ACT’s effectiveness among adolescents with chronic pain in weekly sessions (Wicksell et al., 2009). This study extends that work through a brief ACT workshop in the NF1 population. Participants included adolescents (12-21 years) with NF1 and chronic pain that interfered with functioning, and their parents. Adolescents and parents completed baseline measures of pain interference, pain intensity, functional disability, pain acceptance, depression, and anxiety, then participated in a 2-day workshop (three 2-hour sessions). A telephone session occurred one month post-intervention; measures were completed again three months post-treatment. Ten adolescents and six parents have provided 3-month data to date. Pre-post comparisons showed lower patient-reported pain intensity and less parent-reported pain interference (ps<.05) and marginally greater acceptance of their child’s pain (p=.06). No changes emerged in functional ability or mood. Findings suggest that a brief ACT intervention may be effective for helping adolescents with NF1 and chronic pain and their parents.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the features distinguishing women with chronic illness AND pain from those where pain is not a primary concern. 2. Describe the relationships between gender, affective disturbance, pain, experiential avoidance, and quality of life. 3. Assess the effectiveness of brief ACT intervention on pain and acceptance in a population of adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1.

 

Friday, June 20

55. Online Acceptance and Values-Based Brief Interventions for Well-Being: Results and Experiences
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, acceptance and commitment therapy; web interventions; university students, wellbeing, stress, depression
Target Audience: Beg.
Location: Crystal Lake

Chair: Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Discussant: Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno

This symposium will present four randomized controlled studies investigating the effectiveness and acceptability of iACT-based interventions. Two presentations will report results of trials with college students and two with people from the general population. In the first study, a brief ACT-web based intervention was compared to web-based psycho-education and a waiting-list control group for preventing mental health problems in students and increasing wellbeing. In the second study, a web-based iACT intervention included two face-to-face meetings and written feedback from coaches and was compared to a waiting-list control group. The third trial compared the effects of a six weeks iACT with weekly contact via internet with a six sessions ACT face-to-face treatment for participants reporting depression symptoms. The fourth study compared a six weeks iACT with weekly contact via internet, but without face-to-face contact, with a waiting list control group. We will discuss results, and our experiences while also pointing out possible pitfalls in delivering web-based interventions.

• Preventing Mental Health Problems in College Students through Web-Based ACT
Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno
Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno
John Seeley, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute

Mental health problems are prevalent among college students and innovative approaches are needed that can help prevent the incidence/worsening of these problems. Promising results were found with initial feasibility research testing a web-based ACT prototype consisting of two sessions targeting values and acceptance. This presentation will report the results of a larger randomized trial with 228 college students comparing the web-based ACT prototype to a psychoeducation website for preventing mental health problems. Results indicated significantly lower user engagement and satisfaction ratings with ACT in this trial and that ACT did not outperform the psychoeducation website on outcome or process measures. However, changes in ACT processes were predictive of improvements in outcome irrespective of condition. Furthermore, ACT program usage variables were predictive of improvements in psychological flexibility processes. Results will be discussed in relation to lessons learned with ACT program development and implementation as well as future directions in this area.

• Internet-based guided self-help ACT intervention for enhancing the psychological well-being of university students: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Panajiota E. Rasanen, M.S., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Päivi Lappalainen, M.A., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä, Finland

University students often experience psychological distress. A web-based psychological intervention, aiming at enhancing the wellbeing of university students could be an effective and practical alternative in reaching the needs of the university population. Finnish university students (N = 68; 19-32 years old) were randomized to receive either a blended 7-week web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention, named The Student Compass or to a waiting list control condition. Participants were offered two face-to-face meetings, completed exercises online in the course of five weeks and received personal weekly written feedback via the website from their randomly assigned trained student coaches. The results showed that the iACT coach-guided self-help intervention was well-accepted by the participants, it was significantly effective in promoting the general well-being of the students and life satisfaction while it also significantly reduced their self-reported stress and depression compared to the participants in the control group.

• A randomized controlled trial of internet-delivered ACT in the treatment of depression: Efficacy and participant experiences
Päivi Lappalainen, M.A., University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä, Finland

We developed a 6- week web-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program for depression with weekly contact via internet. The impact of the program was investigated in two randomized controlled trials. The first trial compared a 6- week face-to-face ACT-treatment to an ACT-based Internet program (iACT) including two assessment sessions (pre and post). The second trial compared iACT without face-to-face contact to a waiting-list control condition. Outpatients reporting mild to moderate depression symptoms (n=38 study 1; n=39 study 2) were randomized to either approach. In the iACT interventions the results showed a clear reduction in most measures at post-treatment as well as at 18-month follow-up (study 1). Clients were satisfied with treatment and would recommend the treatment to others. The Internet-delivered iACT treatment was well-accepted by the clients. Internet-delivered ACT with or without face-to-face sessions but combined with weekly contact via Internet is possibly an alternative for self-referred mild-to-moderate depression clients.

Educational Objectives:
1. Explain how ACT can be adapted to a web-based intervention. 2. Describe and discuss how to promote wellbeing and alleviate psychological problems in student and other populations through ACT web-based interventions. 3. Discuss potential pitfalls in developing and implementing online ACT interventions based on recent randomized trials.

 

59. Delivering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Community-Based Settings: Potential Applications and Preliminary Findings
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Literature review, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Short-term interventions
Target Audience: Beg., Interm.
Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Discussant: Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., National Center for PTSD, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System

Although several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ACT, more research is needed to examine its effectiveness in community-based settings. To do so, modifications may be necessary to enhance its feasibility/acceptability in such settings. One modification is brief and/or intensive applications, which if found to be effective, have the potential to broaden the reach of ACT due to their short duration. The development and preliminary findings of short/intensive applications of ACT in three different community-based settings will be presented. The first presentation will discuss the development and initial outcomes of an ACT-based partial hospitalization program with a heterogeneous patient population. The second will present results from a one-day application of ACT to address depression and anxiety in patients at risk for vascular disease in a primary care setting. The third will discuss results from a one-school-day ACT intervention for adolescents at risk for drop-out, substance abuse, and depression/anxiety at an alternative high school.

• Development and Pilot-Testing of an Acceptance-Based Partial Hospitalization Program
Theresa A. Morgan, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Catherine D'Avanzato, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
William D. Ellison, Ph.D., Rhode Island Hospital and the Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Diedre Gale, M.A., Rhode Island Hospital
Sarah McCutcheon, B.A., Rhode Island Hospital

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be particularly efficacious for comorbid and more severe populations (e.g., Dalrymple et al., in press; Wolitzky-Taylor et al., 2012). However, more research is needed to examine the application and effectiveness of ACT in routine clinical settings. Several challenges exist in applying ACT to partial hospitalization programs, where treatment is brief (5 days on average), group composition changes frequently, and patients are receiving concurrent medication treatment. This presentation will discuss the development and pilot-testing of the Acceptance- and Mindfulness-Based Partial Hospital Program at Rhode Island Hospital. Preliminary data from 58 patients show that 92% were very to extremely satisfied with the program, with another 5.8% moderately satisfied. Depression, anxiety, and anger significantly decreased from pre- to post-treatment (all ps < 0.01). Data collection is ongoing; other findings will be presented, including changes in psychological flexibility, valuing, and mindfulness. Limitations and future directions will be discussed.

• One Day ACT Intervention Targeting Mental Health Risk Factors for Vascular Disease
Lilian Dindo, Ph.D., University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry
Jess Fiedorowicz, M.D., Ph.D., University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dept of Psychiatry

Depression and anxiety are commonly present in those at risk for vascular disease, and independently contribute to risk of vascular events and mortality. Effective and accessible treatments that target these clinical symptoms and address related health behaviors are needed for this group. Patients at risk of vascular disease with clinically significant anxiety or depression were randomly assigned to a 1-day Acceptance and Commitment Training plus Illness Management (ACT-IM; N= 26) or to Treatment as Usual (TAU; N= 14). Assessments of quality of life, depression, and anxiety were completed at baseline and over a 6-month follow-up period. At 6-month follow up, participants in the 1-day ACT-IM condition exhibited significantly greater improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms than patients in TAU. Results suggest that a 1-day ACT-IM workshop is a promising approach for the treatment of depression and anxiety in those at risk for vascular disease.

• Intensive Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with At-Risk Adolescents
Emily Kroska, B.A., University of Iowa, Department of Psychology
Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo, M.A. James Marchman, Ph.D., University of Iowa, Department of Psychology

Given the success of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions across multiple mental and physical health conditions, community-based and prevention research is increasingly indicated. Emerging research suggests ACT may be particularly effective in younger age groups (e.g., Horowitz & Garber, 2006; Metzler et al., 2000), which are common targets for primary and secondary interventions. The present study reports on the effectiveness of intensive group intervention with at-risk adolescents. Participants include approximately 120 students aged 14-18 identified as at-risk by the school district and sent to an alternative high school. Subsequently, participants will engage in a one-school-day intervention consisting of ACT-based experiential activities and discussion. Multi-method outcome assessment will include self-report, teacher report, and objective secondary data. Longitudinal follow-up at four intervals (1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-months) will assess changes in a wide variety of health behaviors, psychiatric symptoms, and academic performance. Preliminary results (1- and 3- month follow-ups) will be presented. Implications of the study findings for the use of ACT with at-risk adolescents will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the application and initial effectiveness of ACT in a partial hospital setting. 2. Report how a one-day ACT intervention can be effectively implemented in a primary care setting. 3. Discuss the effectiveness of a one-school-day ACT intervention for at-risk adolescents in a school setting.

 

62. Contextual Behavioral Science and Social Work
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Didactic presentation
Categories: Related FC approaches, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Beh. med., Theory & Philo., Social Work
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Spring Park Bay

Chair: Matthew S. Boone, LCSW, University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Social Work
Discussant: Julie Hamilton, LMSW, ACSW, CAADC, University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry/Private Practice

Social work and Contextual Behavioral Science (CBS) have a lot to offer one another. Though CBS has historically focused on direct interventions with individuals and groups, there is an emerging trend within CBS towards larger scale interventions. Social work has always focused on interventions at the individual and group levels (i.e., "micro" and "mezzo" practice, in social work parlance) as well as the organizational, community, and societal levels (i.e., "macro" practice). CBS offers the profession of social work a coherent and comprehensive model of intervention development, with a clearly articulated philosophy of science as its foundation, a focus on grounding interventions in basic principles, and a growing emphasis on identifying evidence-based processes of change. The profession of social work offers CBS a discipline which is firmly grounded in a contextual understanding of human suffering; to social workers, problems never exist solely within the individual, but rather emerge in the dynamic interaction between individuals and their historical, environmental, and cultural contexts. In social work, this is called the "person-in-environment" perspective. This symposium will explore the intersection of CBS and social work at multiple levels: philosophy, theory, and intervention.

• Social Work and Functional Contextualism Are a Natural and Effective Match
Joanne Steinwachs, LCSW, Private Practice, Denver, Colorado

Social work as a profession has struggled to find a theory that works effectively to inform all levels of practice, micro, mezzo and macro. Although in the past, social workers were regularly trained in radical behaviorism, the limits of Skinner's approach perhaps narrowed its applicability to all social work areas of practice. This presentation makes the argument that functional contextualism is a more effective fit for social work practice and values.

• Mindfulness for Millions: Promoting CBS Through the Practice of Social Work
Matthew S. Boone, LCSW*, University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Social Work

Though social workers make up the largest group of mental health providers in the US, social workers also serve as case managers, program developers, advocates, community organizers, educators, and policymakers. These diverse roles create a demand for effective interventions which are scalable across multiple levels and contexts. ACT has proven effective and flexible at the individual level. But when behavior change processes are understood as individual-level evolutionary processes, and when ACT is framed as a method of generating better selection criteria (i.e. values) for more adaptive behavior, then the psychological flexibility model can be understood as just one way of harnessing processes of change that also occur at the genetic, cellular, group, and cultural levels. In the face of this scalability, social work would do well to adopt a CBS approach to research and intervention, and the profession of social work would be a perfect fit for the dissemination of CBS interventions.

• Population-Based Health Care and Brief Intervention Competencies in Integrated Health Settings
Patricia J. Robinson, Ph.D., Mountainview Consulting Group, Inc, Zillah, WA
Brian Mundy, LCSW, Institute for Community Living, New York, NY

Population-based health care suggests that much is to be gained in clinical and cost outcomes when resources are focused on helping all people maintain optimal health as long as possible, rather than attending exclusively to people in acute need of services. The emergence of integrated health care in new delivery systems offers behavioral health workers opportunities to effectively serve large and diverse populations via brief intervention models supporting behavior change. The Brief Intervention Competency Assessment Tool, or BI-CAT, is a tool for enhancing understanding and developing a broad range of skills supportive of excellence in brief practice. Presenters will discuss the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model and the four skill domains and 20 fundamental competencies that support working briefly with clients.

Educational Objectives:
1. Identify the commonalities between contextual behavioral science and the theory and practice of social work. 2. Assess the viability of drawing on functional contextualism and contextual behavioral science to guide the progress and practice of social work. 3. Describe contextual behavioral science-informed interventions which are a good fit for social work practice.

 

63. Refining Experiential Avoidance: Validity and Utility Across Concerns, Cohorts, and Cultures
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Theory & Philo., Experiential Avoidance
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Discussant: Victoria M. Follette, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Difficulties in emotion regulation are of great interest to health professionals who are invested in preventing and changing a wide range of related problematic behaviors and consequences. The 3 diverse studies that are the focus of this presentation utilized multiple measures of Experiential Avoidance (EA) and found important differences in the strength of its relationships with meaningful clinical outcomes depending on how it was measured. Samples include 738 college students, 60 adult child-parent dyads, and 115 Asian and Majority college students. Parents and their adult children and people of different ethnicities appeared to utilize EA differently. While EA appeared useful in better understanding weight, trauma, and acculturative stress and dissonance-related difficulties, there are nuances to the measurement of the construct, and how it relates to other emotion regulation variables and excessive behaviors, that are important to improving emotion regulation research and clinical intervention.

• Weight-Related Experiential Avoidance, Binge-Eating, and Food Addiction
Ashley A. Wiedemann, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

It has been suggested that binge eating may be a form of experiential avoidance (EA). However, few studies have examined the relationship between EA, and binge eating, and none have compared the primary EA measures in the context of overweight. The purpose of this investigation therefore is to explore the role of EA in weight status and disordered eating behavior. Undergraduate students (n=738) complete an online survey that included the following measures: MEAQ, AAQ-II, AAQW, a measure of binge eating and disordered eating, and the Power of Food Scale (PFS). Contrary to our expectations, EA displayed a low correlation with binge eating and BMI. Weight-related EA displayed the strongest (though moderate) correlations with disordered eating habits, binge eating, and the PFS. Relationships among EA measures and eating behavior and implications for research and treatment will be discussed.

• Experiential Avoidance in Families: Factors Related to Resilience Post-Trauma
Meaghan Lewis, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

Experiential avoidance is receiving increasing conceptual and empirical review in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and appears to underlie engagement in topographically dissimilar problem behaviors (Kingston, Clark & Remington, 2010; Kumpula et al., 2011). The present study sought to test a conceptual model in which parent experiential avoidance, PTSD symptom severity, and problem behaviors predicted exacerbated excessive behaviors in their adult children. Overall, in 60 dyads, parents and adult children evidenced relations between levels of problem behaviors, PTSD symptom severity, and experiential avoidance measured by the AAQ-II. Interestingly, experiential avoidance assessed using the recently validated MEAQ was not associated between dyadic members. Findings suggest experiential avoidance appears linked in parents and children, but given differences in measures, the form of experiential avoidance (e.g., behavioral avoidance, suppression) may be an individual difference characteristic. Conceptual and measurement implications will be discussed.

• Ethnic variation in emotion regulation: Implications for assessing internalizing and externalizing symptoms in culturally diverse populations
Joohyun Lee, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

Emotion regulation has become an important construct in clinical psychology due to its perceived link to various mental health outcomes. However, a small but growing literature suggests there are ethnic differences in how different facets of emotion regulation affect functioning. This study evaluates the role of emotion regulation deficits in internalizing/externalizing problems among individuals of Asian (N = 67) and non-Asian (N = 48) descent. Emotion regulation deficits were found to be concomitants of psychological maladjustment for both groups even after accounting for culture-specific risk factors. However, comparative results revealed that Asian-American participants were more likely to report emotional non-acceptance than their non-Asian counterparts. Furthermore, the relationship of Experiential Avoidance (EA) with the study’s outcome variables differed as a function of ethnicity. Implications for research and intervention will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the experiential avoidance construct and its factors. 2. Compare experiential avoidance outcomes as a result of conceptual and measurement variance. 3. Utilize advances in experiential avoidance to improve research in the domains of PTSD, overweight and acculturative stress.

 

64. Mind the Gap: Capitalizing on Values and Psychological Flexibility Principles to Reach Diverse Populations
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Multicultural/Diversity, Parenting, Children, PTSD Target Audience: Beg.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Rebecca Hamblin, M.A., University of Mississippi
Discussant: Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University

The foundation of ACT on nomothetic principles (i.e. Behavior Analysis and RFT), in combination with a strong emphasis on context, lends itself to flexible idiographic application across individuals, organizations, and cultures. The United States is home to millions of immigrants and refugees from countries all over the world, many of whom have experienced significant trauma and psychosocial stressors such as war, disaster, and persecution. During the resettlement process, separation from family and culture, discrimination, and acculturative stress all serve to exacerbate the already high risk of emotional distress for these groups. Ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged persons in the U.S. have historically been underserved in mental health care and may have attenuated treatment gains compared to their majority peers. Refugee and immigrant families face even greater barriers to access and effectiveness of treatment, including non-fluency in English and discrepancies in cultural values and practices that threaten acceptability of traditional psychotherapy programs. This symposium will explore programs using ACT principles to reach groups of individuals and families from around the world in partnership with community organizations. Implications for large-scale implementation and policy will be discussed.

• Lessons from the Field: Parenting and Grandparenting Mindfully Together in a Chinese Immigrant Population
Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University/New England ACT Institute
Grace Gu, B.A., Suffolk University/New England ACT Institute
Jessica Pan, B.A., Suffolk University/New England ACT Institute

Chinese immigrant families of young children have unique issues that may negatively impact, and should certainly shape both program development and service delivery. It is especially important that any mental health services developed for young children of Chinese immigrants must be mindfully culture-specific. The current program evaluation project had the goals of incorporating ACT principles into an evidence-based parenting program and adapting this program to a Chinese immigrant and Chinese-American population. We have developed a 5-session protocol called “Parenting and Grandparenting Mindfully Together,” and are in our second wave of an open trial of this approach. We evaluated: 1) effectiveness of a culturally adapted comprehensive treatment package in an open trial; and 2) child and family progress and outcome for referred children. Project strengths and limitations, as well as issues around cultural adaptation (e.g., cultural equivalence, issues of assessment, contextual factors), service utilization and delivery, and implications for future work will be discussed.

• Connecting Cultures with ACT: An Eight Module Group Program for Refugee Survivors of Torture and Trauma
Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont/ New England Survivors of Torture and Trauma
Emily Mazzula, Ph.D., University of Vermont/Connecting Cultures
Diane Gotlieb, Ph.D., University of Vermont/Connecting Cultures

This group intervention for refugee survivors of torture utilizes an ACT framework to target post-traumatic suffering. The value-driven and strength-based nature of ACT, allows for a respectful collaboration using mindfulness, metaphors and strategies that easily transcend cultural bounds. Within the ACT framework, this culturally sensitive intervention focuses on eight modules: 1) Safety/ Present Moment; 2) Values /Definition of Torture and Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress; 3) Coping & Committed Action; 4) Cognitive Fusion; 5) Observing Self–Life line; 6) Acceptance; 7) Narrative Exposure to the Traumatic Events; and 8) Good-bye Celebration. Pre-post intervention data collected from refugee torture and trauma survivors from Bhutan and Somalia (N=40) will be presented. Relationships among trauma and torture types, PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptomology, and psychological flexibility will also be presented. Lessons from the field and implications for large-scale implementation will be discussed.

• Global Parenting Skills: Examination of an ACT Model of Parenting Practices to Address the Needs of Refugee Children and Families
Rebecca J. Hamblin, M.A., University of Mississippi
Anne E. Brassell, B.A., University of Vermont
Olga V. Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D, University of Vermont
Rex L. Forehand, Ph.D., University of Vermont

Behavioral parenting programs in immigrant (non-refugee) populations have shown attenuated treatment gains for parents with high levels of distress despite inclusion of cognitive restructuring techniques to address parental psychopathology. Given the unique psychosocial histories of refugee families, high levels of distress, and cultural variability in values and parenting practices, modification and examination of parenting programs for refugees is warranted. This paper describes such a parenting curriculum delivered to Bhutanese refugee parents. Global Parenting Skills is based on an empirically supported behavioral curriculum and is enhanced with checks for cultural acceptability, values-driven committed action and mindfulness, a module addressing parental psychopathology using ACT principles, and a module addressing children’s internalizing symptoms within an acceptance-based framework. This paper presents pre- to post treatment changes and three-month maintenance in parenting practices and child psychopathology, as well as predictors and moderators of treatment response including parental psychological flexibility and use of acceptance strategies in the context of parenting.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe unique needs and challenges for immigrant and refugee populations in need of mental health care in the United States. 2. Apply values-based principles to interventions with multicultural populations. 3. Discuss strengths and limitations of using the ACT model with diverse populations with high psychosocial needs.

 

65. Addressing the Needs of the Hispanic Population: Examination of ACT Relevant Constructs
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Hispanic, AAQ
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Olga Berkout, University of Mississippi
Discussant: Karen Fondacaro, University of Vermont

The Hispanic population represents a growing proportion of the United States. Despite this, a number of our empirically supported intervention and assessment strategies have been examined primarily within Caucasian samples. The speakers in this symposium strive to add to the literature by examining ACT relevant constructs among Hispanic participants. Hispanic individuals within the U.S. face a number of stressors related to acculturation and often present with unmet mental health needs (Chavez, Shrout, Alegria, Lapatin, & Canino, 2010). Adding to the ACT literature among this population will help bridge the gap in reaching underserved individuals. In line with this effort, we present an examination of the psychometric properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II; Bond et al., 2011), the psychometric properties of AAQ health domain variations, and a discussion of psychological dysfunction and acculturation among Hispanic individuals.

• Psychological flexibility and the generational trend toward worse health in U.S. Hispanics
Stephanie Caldas, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Rick Perkins, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Stephen J. Caldas, Manhattanville College

Research shows a generational trend towards increased risk for mental disorders in the U.S. immigrant Hispanic population. This phenomenon is known as the Hispanic Paradox, because Hispanic immigrants, despite being at a higher risk for the development of mental disorders, fare better than U.S.-born Latinos and even non-Hispanic Whites in many aspects (Alegría et al., 2008). However, this advantage weakens with time spent in the United States. Given this information, there is an opportunity for preventive public health. An account of the components of Hispanic culture, the process of immigration, and acculturation will be given from the perspective of psychological flexibility. Based on preliminary data, this paper offers a functional interpretation of the existing research regarding the Hispanic community and mental health in order to both explain the inherent strengths found in Hispanic culture.

• Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II in a Hispanic Sample
Olga V. Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Maureen K Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas – Pan American

Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II (AAQ-II; Bond et al., 2011) is a widely utilized measure of avoidance and psychological flexibility. AAQ-II has received psychometric support among primarily Caucasian participants (Bond et al., 2011; Fledderus et al., 2012). However, the psychometric properties of this measure have not been examined among a Hispanic sample. Given the cultural differences within this population, validation of psychological measurement instruments would ensure that constructs are adequately assessed (Dura-Vila & Hodes, 2012). The current study examines the psychometric properties of the AAQ-II within this population. Factor structure of the AAQ-II, internal consistency reliability, and relations to measures of cognitive fusion, acceptance, and present moment awareness will be examined. Multiple indices of model fit will be used to assess the appropriateness of the single factor structure found among Caucasian participants (Bond et al., 2011). Gender differences and comparison to extant norms within Caucasian samples will also be discussed.

• Examination of the Psychometric Properties of Weight-related Adaptations of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire in a Hispanic Sample
Maureen K. Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas – Pan American
Olga Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Louelynn Onato, University of Texas – Pan American

Treatment development research in ACT focuses on both outcomes and mechanisms of action. The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ; Hayes et al., 2004; Bond et al., 2011) has widely been used to demonstrate treatment outcome mediation by psychological flexibility. There are several domain specific variations of the AAQ (e.g., diabetes). In some studies, the AAQ did not mediate outcomes but the domain specific AAQ did (e.g., Gregg et al., 2007). AAQ adaptations assessing psychological flexibility in relation to weight-related issues have utilized primarily Caucasian participants. The aim of the current study was to explore the psychometric properties of these measures in a Hispanic sample. The following questionnaires were examined: Food Craving Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight-related Difficulties, Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – Exercise, and Physical Activity Acceptance and Action Questionnaire.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the role of psychological flexibility in the Hispanic/Latino population, as it relates to factors such as generation status, ethnic identity, and perceived discrimination. 2. Discuss the utility of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II within a Hispanic population 3. Describe the psychometric properties of weight-related ACT measures in a Hispanic sample.

 

75. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: How Rules and Instructions Influence Our Behavior for Better or Worse
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: Theory & Philo., Related FC approaches, RFT, Functional-Cognitive Perspective
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: St. Croix I

Chair: Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)
Discussant: Dermot Barnes-Holmes, National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM)

Learning via instruction is a fundamental avenue through which humans adapt to the world around them. Rules and instructions allow us to set and achieve goals, respond to consequences that are extremely abstract in nature as well as profit from other people’s experiences. But this ability comes at a very real cost: rules have a dark side. They can cause us to become stuck in problematic ways of behaving and may to play a role in psychopathologies such as addiction (“I need to smoke in order to feel good”), self-harm (“I always cut myself when I do poorly at school”) and suicide (“My pain will stop after I kill myself”). This collection of talks will introduce the functional and cognitive approaches to learning via instructions, and in doing so, tackle issues that are currently occupying attention in both of these areas. Hughes will open with an emphasis on the functional (RFT) level and consider some of the empirical and conceptual controversies that have shaped our understanding of this phenomenon to date. Kissi will then explore recent work on the adaptive and maladaptive consequences of rule-following while De Houwer will close by examining how recent advances at the cognitive level may accelerate development at the functional level and vice-versa.

• Learning via Instructions and Rules: What We Know and Where We Need to Go…
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth

The capacity for rules (or instructions) to influence how we think, feel and behave is a widely accepted although poorly understood phenomenon. While the positive and negative consequences of rule-following are relatively well-established, remarkably little is known about the origins of this behavior or the basic functional processes that underlie its operation. In the current talk we take the audience on a journey through the functional literature – weaving our way through the empirical and conceptual controversies that have shaped our understanding of this phenomenon to date. We stop and consider the origins of socially or self-generated rules and demonstrate how they can come to exert a significant influence on normal and abnormal behavior. We conclude our talk by equipping the audience with a map for the road ahead – identifying key directions for future work in this area.

• The Adaptive and Maladaptive Consequences of Rule-Following
Ama Kissi, Ghent University
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University
Geert Crombez, Ghent University

Rules enable humans to efficiently adapt to the world around them. They allow us to set and obtain (abstract) goals, delay responding and cope with events before they occur. Research also indicates that rule-following can have detrimental effects: it can prohibit us from contacting important changes in the way the world is organized. This rule-based insensitivity effect appears to be moderated by the type of rules involved and plays an important role in various psychological problems. Yet existing work on the maladaptive consequences of rule-following in healthy versus non-healthy participants has yielded mixed results. In this talk we explore how the type of rule (pliance and tracking), its accuracy and prior effectiveness guide adaptation to the environment and offer several recommendations for future research in this area.

• Learning via instructions: A Functional-Cognitive Perspective
Jan De Houwer, Ghent University

Learning can be defined functionally as changes in behavior that are due to relations between events in the environment (De Houwer et al., 2013). Based on a cognitive propositional theory of learning, one can predict that learning via instructions about events can be functionally similar to learning via the experience of those events. I review studies on mere exposure, evaluative conditioning, fear conditioning, and operant conditioning via instructions that confirmed this prediction. In some cases, however, differences were observed. Although cognitive propositional theories have thus led to interesting novel findings, progress at the cognitive and functional level is hampered by a lack of understanding of how instructions and experience relate at the functional level.

Educational Objectives:
1. Identify current issues and future directions in the study of rule governed behavior. 2. Discuss the impact of rule-type, accuracy and prior efficacy on adaptation to the environment. 3. Assess the utility of the functional-cognitive framework for stimulating empirical and theoretical development in this area.

 

76. Making Addiction Treatment Powerful: New Empirical Results on Contextual Processes in Treating Substance Use
Symposium (2:45-4:30pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, RFT, Addiction, Clinical Trials, Contextual Processes
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Jonathan Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center & University of Washington
Discussant: Gregory Madden, Ph.D., Utah State University

Treating addiction is challenging. Patient engagement waxes and wanes. Relapse rates are high. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the majority of patients with substance use have co-occurring mental disorders, including depression, PTSD, and psychoses. To address these challenges, contextual behavior theory now focuses on the potential power of avoidance as a clinically changeable process leading to successful cessation and reduction of addictive substances. Our focus will be on the two most common substances of abuse: tobacco and alcohol. First, Dr. Bricker will present results from the first randomized trial of telephone-delivered ACT for smoking. Second, Dr. Kelly will present results from an open trial of ACT for smoking cessation among veterans with PTSD. Turning to alcohol outcomes, Dr. Luoma will show the role of shame and avoidance in alcohol use from an observational study of community adults. Finally, Dr. Vilardaga will share results from an observational study on the role of overt and relational avoidance in alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use among patients with serious mental illness (e.g., psychoses). Tying the talks together will be Dr. Hayes, who will highlight their common empirical thread of avoidance and related contextual processes in making treatments for addictions more potent, powerful, and enduring.

• Randomized Trial of Telephone-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Smoking Cessation: A Pilot Study
Jonathan B. Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center & University of Washington
Terry Bush, Ph.D., Alere Wellbeing
Susan M. Zbikowski, Ph.D.,, Alere Wellbeing
Laina D. Mercer, M.S., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Jaimee L. Heffner, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Objective: Randomized trial of telephone-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) versus Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for smoking cessation. Method: Participants were: (1) 121 uninsured South Carolina State Quitline callers who were adult smokers (at least 10 cigarettes/day) wanting to quit within the next 30 days; (2) randomized to five sessions of either ACT or CBT telephone counseling; and (3) offered two weeks of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Results: 100% of ACT participants reported their treatment was useful for quitting smoking (vs. 87% for CBT; p =.03). At the three-month follow-up, ACT participants had significantly higher levels of acceptance of cravings to smoke than CBT participants (M = 2.41 for ACT vs. 2.13 for CBT; on a scale of 1 to 5; p = .046). In turn, higher levels of acceptance of cravings to smoke at the three-month follow-up predicted a 4.6 times higher odds of quitting at the six-month follow-up (OR = 4.6; 95% CI = 1.5-14.2; p = .009). Cessation outcomes overall, and among those depressed at baseline, will be presented. Conclusions: ACT is feasible to deliver by phone, highly acceptable to quitline callers, and impacts avoidance processes that contribute to successful smoking cessation.

• A Pilot Study of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Smoking Cessation Treatment for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Megan M. Kelly, Ph.D., Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA & University of Massachusetts
Hannah Sido, Psy.D., Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA
John Forsyth, Ph.D., University at Albany, State University of New York,
Douglas Ziedonis, M.D., M.P.H., University of Massachusetts Medical School
David Kalman, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Medical School
Judith Cooney, Ph.D., VA Connecticut Healthcare System & University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have low smoking quit rates, often related to their PTSD symptoms. The present study evaluated Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Veterans with PTSD and Tobacco Use (ACT-PT), which focuses on helping Veterans overcome emotional challenges to quitting smoking. Nineteen Veterans with PTSD who smoke participated in an uncontrolled trial of ACT-PT and received eight weeks of the nicotine patch. At the end of treatment, 37% of participants were abstinent from smoking and 16% were abstinent at the three-month follow-up. Participants had a 62% reduction in smoking at the end of treatment (p<.001) and a 43% reduction at the three-month follow-up (p=.002). PTSD symptoms significantly decreased from baseline to the end of treatment (p<.001) and the three-month follow-up (p=.025). The retention rate (74%) was good and client satisfaction ratings were high. ACT-PT appears to be a promising smoking cessation treatment for Veterans with PTSD.

• Shame, Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Psychological Flexibility as Predictors of Drinking-Related Behavior
Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center
Paul Guinther, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Research has shown that shame is associated with alcohol-related problems. However, the extent to which shame serves as a close temporal antecedent of drinking is not well established and factors which moderate the relationship between shame and drinking have received little attention. This paper will present data from a larger observational study aimed at extracting ecologically valid (real-world) information about drinkers’ daily drinking patterns as they relate to dispositional factors (e.g., demographics, drinking history, global tendency to endorse or express emotions, etc.), contextual factors (e.g., daily negative events and moods), and ongoing experiences of shame. The purpose of gathering this information is to help identify causal variables that lead to increased drinking among the naturallyoccurring range of low- to high-risk drinkers in a community setting, with the hope that the identification of these variables will be useful in the development of drinking interventions. The study sample consists of 88 community adults who had consumed alcohol within the past two weeks. Participants completed a baseline assessment and interview followed by a 21 day online daily diary assessing daytime and evening drinking, mood, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion. Data analyses to be presented will focus on predictors of drinking with a focus on the relationship between shame, self-criticism and drinking and negative drinking-related consequences. Potential moderators of these relationships, including self-compassion and psychological flexibility, will also be explored.

• A Process Analysis of Addictive Behaviors in Adults with Co-Occurring Disorders
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Emily Leickly, B.A., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Frank Angelo, M.A., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Jessica Lowe, B.A., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Richard Ries, M.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Michael McDonell, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine & Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Addictive behaviors are highly prevalent among individuals with severe psychopathology (i.e. schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar, or recurrent major depressive disorders). At least 50% percent of these individuals have an alcohol use disorder, 30% an illicit drug use disorder, and up to 90% a nicotine use disorder. Co-occurring psychological disorders and addictive behaviors have dramatic costs for individuals and society. However, from a contextual behavioral perspective, there is little research examining the psychological processes underlying addictive behavior in this population. This paper will present baseline and longitudinal observational data from the 1-month induction period of a randomized controlled trial testing a contingency management intervention to treat alcohol dependence. The data comes from 63 adults recruited from a community mental health clinic in the Pacific Northwest. Consistent with prior ACT research in this population (e.g., Vilardaga et al, 2013) and with the role of overt and relational avoidance in the maintenance of addictive behavior, we expect that higher levels of experiential avoidance will be associated with higher levels of drug, alcohol or tobacco use. This paper will examine the degree in which the results provide support (or not) to our hypothesis, and will discuss its implications for future CBS research.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the research evidence on the impact of ACT on acceptance processes and smoking cessation. 2. Learn about new research on the role of avoidance and shame processes underlying alcohol and other substances. 3. Consider ways newest research on acceptance processes can be applied in the treatment of addictions.

 

78. A New Contextual Behavioral Model of Social Connection for Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Theory & Philo., FAP
Target Audience: Beg.
Location: Excelsior Bay & Lafayette Bay

Chair: Gareth Holman, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Discussant: Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

Over the years, FAP has been seen as a fellow contextual behavioral traveler along with ACT, sharing a common set of values, principles and philosophy. However, FAP, perhaps because of its purely functional and idiographic approach, remains an enigma to many, particularly with respect to what the treatment approach is and how to research it. Over the last several years, we have been developing a FAP approach to social connection, a common FAP treatment target, which retains FAP’s emphasis on functional flexibility but may provide clinicians and researchers with a more concrete operationalization. In this symposium, this model will be presented. Then, two clinical-research instantiations will be presented, the first in which the social connection model was used to enhance a brief mindfulness intervention, and the second in the context of a laboratory-based process study to explore components of the model. Kelly Wilson will discuss implications.

• Awareness, Courage, Love and Social Connection: A Draft FAP Model
Jonathan Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington
Gareth Holman, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Chad Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., University of Washington and private practice
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington

In this talk, Jonathan Kanter will describe the working model of social connection that forms the basis of the subsequent research studies. This model integrates information from evolutionary science and neurobiology, basic contextual behavioral principles and philosophy, the logic of FAP’s 5 rules as the basis for intervention, and the rich clinical experiences of FAP’s developers to produce a working framework. Both the underlying science and the clinical instantiation of this model in terms of awareness, courage, and love will be described.

• Awareness, Courage, Love and Social Connection: A Brief Mindfulness Intervention
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington
Jianne Lo, University of Washington
Margo Derecktor, University of Washington
Elizabeth Lagbas, University of Washington
Jonathan Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington

In this pilot randomized trial, 122 undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to receive either a standard intra-personal mindfulness intervention (involving relaxation and other components) or the mindfulness intervention enhanced with an awareness, courage, and love intervention designed to increase social connection. This intervention asked participants, after the intra-personal mindfulness component, to contemplate a significant person in their lives and what steps they might take to move closer to that person (awareness), to optionally share their contemplations in a group (courage), and to optionally give authentic feedback to each other about the sharing (love). A third group was randomly assigned to a no-intervention control. Both groups demonstrated increased mindfulness compared to the control intervention but only the enhanced intervention demonstrated improvements with respect to social connection.

• Awareness, Courage, Love and Social Connection: A Laboratory-Based Component Process Study
Adam Kuczynski, University of Washington
Jonathan Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington
Kevin Haworth, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., University of Washington and private practice
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington

This talk reports on two studies that attempted to isolate the impact of courage and love on social connection with undergraduates, using a laboratory-based research methodology. In both studies, participants interacted with a trained research assistant who asked the participant a series of questions requiring personal self-disclosure designed to increase closeness. In the first study, 77 participants were randomly assigned either to a no-intervention control or to the experimental condition in which they were asked to courageously respond to each question, and then received loving feedback from the research assistant. In the second study, 98 undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to either a no-intervention control, a condition in which only the questions were asked but no feedback was provided, or a condition in which the questions were asked and feedback was provided. Both courage and love components demonstrated an impact on social connection and amount of self-disclosure.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the developing conceptual model underlying FAP research and clinical training. 2. Describe and critically assess emerging research in light of this model. 3. Discuss the application of this research and the conceptual model to clinical situations.

 

80. Using ACT to Train the Next Generation of ACT Clinicians
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Superv., Train. & Dissem., Edu. settings, Prof. Dev., Clinician Development
Target Audience: Beg., Interm.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Daniel S. Steinberg, M.A., University of North Texas
Discussant: William D. Norwood, Ph.D., University of Houston-Clear Lake

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) research has often included investigation of mechanism and attention to ideographic processes; however, with growing mainstream acceptance and, now, over 75 randomized controlled trials firmly establishing efficacy, even more specific research questions are being asked. One particularly important area of research concerns the training of future ACT clinicians - more precisely, what ways can ACT itself can be used to facilitate this training? This symposium intends to explore several avenues for training graduate students in ACT using the very principles embodied in its philosophy. Three papers will examine: a course on ACT for doctoral students, the impact of a two-week ACT workshop prior to a master’s level practicum, and a conceptual analysis exploring mixed methods approaches to advanced graduate training. Relevant outcome data, benefits/obstacles, and implications for future graduate student training will be discussed.

• Showing Up for Class: Examining a Doctoral Level Course on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Danielle N. Moyer, M.S., University of North Texas
Daniel S. Steinberg, M.A., University of North Texas
Melissa L. Connally, M.S., University of North Texas
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas

Empirical support and clinician interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has grown tremendously (Smout, Hayes, Atkins, Klausen, & Duguid, 2012), increasing the need for quality training. Evidence suggests training workshops based on experiential exercises successfully increase clinician knowledge (Richards et al., 2011), while also improving psychological flexibility and decreasing burnout-related stress (Luoma & Vilardaga, 2013). Although research on the effectiveness of ACT-based workshops is growing, little is known about the effects of graduate level training. Doctoral psychology students completed measures of psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and perceived stress throughout an elective psychotherapy course on ACT; Reliable Change Index scores suggest some positive changes over time. This paper will explore these results, with particular attention paid to the advantages and obstacles of a graduate course on ACT, such as balancing didactic training and experiential learning, and the challenge of covering philosophical and theoretical foundations during the course of a semester.

• Growing Therapists 101: Psychological Flexibility and Relationship Skills in the Developing Clinician
Emmy LeBleu, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Tracy Protti, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Quality of the therapeutic relationship is absolutely critical in predicting psychotherapeutic effectiveness. The ACT therapist attempts to create a context in which behavior change can occur, but in the therapy room much of that context is the relationship itself. This study examined skills relevant to the therapeutic relationship in the context of evaluating a therapist training program. Participants were training clinicians who were undertaking their first field placement. Participants’ training focused on building a repertoire relevant to developing a therapeutic relationship. They completed an assessment of empathy, therapist beliefs, psychological flexibility, and relationship flexibility before and after the training, as well as after their field experiences. Measures, and changes in the measures of psychological flexibility, relationship flexibility, and empathy, were examined, and compared with trainee evaluations. Results suggest that psychological flexibility contributes to empathy, with inconsistent impact on therapist skills. Implications for training targets and methods will be discussed.

• Bringing the Workshop to the Classroom – Mixed Method Training During Graduate School
Sandra Georgescu, Psy.D., The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Including experiential (workshop like) training alongside traditional didactic approaches in a graduate academic setting comes with the typical advantages associated with experiential training and some contextual/procedural considerations. This paper will present the rationale for and procedure used to integrate theory, research and in vivo experiential practice in a 15 week graduate Advanced Intervention: CBT Group course. Conceptual and methodological issues will be addressed including the ethics of experiential training in academia, feasibility and site-specific challenges. Participants will also be directed to the preliminary (dissertation) outcome data on impact of this mixed method training approach [Spyrka, S., (2013, July). The Effects of Experiential versus Didactic Training on Stigma, Thought Suppression, and Experiential Avoidance in Graduate Students. Poster presented at the Annual ACBS World Conference, Sydney, AU].

Educational Objectives:
1. Assess the relationships between psychological flexibility, relationship flexibility, empathy, and clinician development. 2. Describe useful strategies, obstacles, and potential benefits of conducting a one-semester course on ACT for doctoral students. 3. Articulate three possible areas of consideration for the inclusion of experiential training in an academic setting.

 

81. New Applications using ACT
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Theory & Philo., Depression, Christianity and Psychology, Metaphor, Burnout, Stress, Self-Help, On-line Study
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Suzanne R. Gird

As research using the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy model is increasing, newer applications emerge rapidly. During this symposium, 3 outcome studies exploring new uses of the model are shared and discussed. The research covers a broad base of applications (brief ACT for depressive symptoms, experiential exercises for Christians, and self-help burnout), and those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn about some of the newer technologies being used in the field.

• The Effectiveness of Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Clinical Depression
Heidi Maria Kyllönen, M.S., University of Jyväskylä
Piia Astikainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Anne Puolakanaho, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä

Objective: As Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is suggested as efficacious treatment for depression, a study to evaluate the impact of brief ACT on clinical depression was made. Methods: 119 depressed individuals were randomly assigned either to treatment or to waitlist control condition (WLC) group. The treatment outcomes were based on criteria for diagnosing depressive conditions by ICD-10 and on the multiple self-report questionnaires. The group differences were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling with Mplus version 6 (Muthén and Muthén, 2012). Results: The participants in ACT group showed significant improvement in depression and larger changes than WLC, each of p < 0.001. Moreover, the diagnostic manifestation of depression in ACT-group showed favorable course with remission rate of 60.3%. In addition, clinically significant recovering rates using Jacobson methodology indicated 62.1% at post treatment, 60.3% at 6 - and 56.9% at 12 months follow-up. Conclusions: The findings indicate applicableness of brief ACT on clinical depression.

• Making a Way - metaphor and language to provide a way for engagement in ACT therapy by Christians
Grant Dewar, The University of Adelaide

ACT provides an open door to all to take effective action to enrich their lives. However we have seen a recent spate of literature regarding the accessibility of psychology to those with a Christian faith. Much work has been done by Worthington (2010), Johnson et al (2010) and Tan (2011) to open pathways for engagement by individual Christians, Christian leaders, counselors and psychologists in discussing the use of evidence based psychological interventions by Christians. This paper will present a discussion of the use of metaphor and language to provide a way for engagement in ACT therapy by Christians and those who are engaged in providing therapy to Christians. The presentation will discuss the six elements of ACT utilising the richness of Christian metaphorical representations available to teach the psychological skills needed to accept that which is out of our control, get unstuck, be willing to take perspective, get in touch with the here and now, confirm valued approaches to life and take effective action.

• Effectiveness of ACT Self-Help for Burnout: Preliminary Results from an Exclusively Online Randomized Controlled Trial
Andrew Gloster, Ph.D., University of Basel
Patrizia Hofer, B.S., University of Basel
Marina Milidou, University of Basel
Michael Waadt, Private Practice

Burnout symptoms are prevalent, associated with mental health difficulties, as well as decreased job performance and turnover. Several ACT studies targeting work-related burnout have documented positive results. Unfortunately, individual therapy – especially ACT – is not always feasible, available, or accessible. Self-help books may be viable alternatives, either as stepped-care or in their own right. These require rigorous testing, however, before they can be utilized as part of a wider health-care framework. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to examine the effectiveness of an ACT Self-Help book without any therapist or staff contact by using an exclusively online assessment platform. Uniquely, participants of this RCT were randomized to either: a) immediate treatment via the self-help book (n =64); b) a 6-week delayed treatment, but with weekly assessments about psychological flexibility (n=32); and c) a 6-week delayed treatment, but without any assessments (n=32). Preliminary post-treatment analyses indicate significant and clinically meaningful reductions in burnout symptoms and increases in psychological flexibility. Three-month follow-up results and differential timing of change across groups will be presented. Conditions that facilitate change (e.g., sensitizing participants to change processes via pointed weekly assessments before receiving the self-help book) and public health implications will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Conduct a semi-structured and videotaped ACT protocol with clients and describe the effectiveness and maintenance of gains following brief ACT for clinical depression. 2. Provide skills in identifying metaphor and language to provide a way for engagement in ACT therapy by Christians and describe Self-Help ACT for Burnout. 3. Explain conditions that facilitate and don't facilitate change and discuss health-care implications of self-help and online assessment.

 

82. For the Love of the Game: Applying the Third-Wave to Sports and Athletics
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Performance-enhancing interventions, Sport
Target Audience: Beg., Interm. Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Emily Leeming, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno
Discussant: Emily Leeming, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

Behavior science has a long-standing history within sports and athletics. Beyond applications to improve technical proficiency, there is now a growing interest in psychological skills applied to sports. Third-wave behavioral approaches to athletic are a natural fit. Athletes, looking for a competitive edge are coming to recognize the benefits of incorporating psychology into training. This symposium will offer conceptual directions for the integration of contextual behavior science to areas of sports and fitness. Recent empirical investigations will present the applicability of ACT and MAC approaches to competitive and recreational sport. As well, psychological flexibility component analyses on athletic populations will be included in this symposium.

• Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC)
Mitch Plemmons, B.S., Appalachian State University
Joshua Broman-Fulks, Ph.D., Appalachian State University
Kurt Michael, Ph.D., Appalachian State University
James Denniston, Ph.D., Appalachian State University

The Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach is a program designed to enhance sport performance through mindfulness and acceptance-based techniques. Although gaining popularity in the field of applied sport psychology, there is little empirical support behind the MAC approach, with only four case studies, two open trials, and one randomized controlled trial examining its efficacy. Moreover, none of these studies have examined the effectiveness of the MAC approach when applied to recreational athletes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of the MAC approach on recreational golfers. Twenty amateur golfers were randomly assigned to the MAC group intervention or a non-intervention control group. Baseline and post-intervention measures of golf performance and mindfulness were administered. Results indicated that the individuals who underwent the MAC approach improved in golf performance and mindfulness levels over the course of the study, but did not differ significantly from the control group. Several potential explanations for these findings are discussed, as well as directions for future research.

• Psychological coaching of a floorball team with acceptance- and value –based group intervention
Raimo Lappalainen, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Vilhelmiina Välimäki, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Annika Kettunen, Department of Psychology, University of Jyväskylä, Finland
Niilo Konttinen, Kihu - Research Institute for Olympic Sports, Jyväskylä, Finland

Acceptance, mindfulness and value –based approaches provides a useful perspective to sport psychology. On the bases of clinical studies it could be expected that athletic performance enhancement may be achieved by developing a mindful, non-judging, state of mind. These processes in combination with a clarification of valued goals and enhanced attention to external cues may have a positive impact in athletic performance. More studies are needed to investigate the effect of acceptance and value approaches within sports. A women’s Floorball team (n = 25; age m = 23.52; sd = 1.08, floorball experience m = 9.24 years, sd = 0.80) was offered an ACT-based group intervention. Intervention lasted over six weeks (one session/week), and included about 30 experiential exercises adjusted to sports, and home practice. The players were instructed to apply ACT methods both during the training hours and matches. During the training the coaches were instructed to cue the players to use the methods. The effects of the intervention were measured at Pre, Post and at 10 week Follow-up using both questionnaires and observations from the coaches. The players were also interviewed individually after the intervention. Another team playing at the same league was used as a comparison group (n = 25; age m = 19.48; sd = 0.46, floorball experience m = 9.40 years, sd = 0.60). The presentation will describe results and experiences of the project.

• ACT for Athletes: an Randomized controlled trial and the AAQ for hockeyplayers: AAQ-H, a psychometric evaluation
Tobias Lundgren Ph.D., Stockholm University
Emil Jader, Stockholm University

The research interest on acceptance, mindfulness and values based skills training for athletes has been growing during the last 10 years but there is a lack of well-designed outcome studies available in the literature (Gardner & Moore, 2009). The aim of the study presented in this symposium was to develop and evaluate a brief 4-session skills training ACT intervention for hockeyplayers. The study employed a randomized controlled two group design with an ACT group and waitlist control. Outcome measures were goals, assists on ice and an expert group rating of performance. The preliminary results show a significant interaction effect on all outcome measures in favor of the ACT group. Final results and follow up will be presented at the conference. Experiential avoidance and psychological flexibility is at the core of psychopathology and has shown to correlate with behavior effectiveness. In this study the AAQ was adjusted to hockey-players and the psychometric properties of the instruments was evaluated. The preliminary results show that AAQ-H predicts outcomes on ice and has good criterion related validity. Results will be presented at the conference.

• Game On: Towards Prediction and Influence of Mental Toughness
Emily Leeming, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

“Mental toughness,” is said to be a distinguishing feature between good athletes and great athletic champions but this concept has yet to be studies with scientific rigor in athletics and performance. This symposium paper will discuss how advancements within contextual behavior science, may allow for prediction and influence of behavior identified as “mentally tough.” Athletes were exposed to three kinds of specific statements designed to increase performance during demanding training tasks: two were suggested by traditional sports psychology (a statement to focus on the task and a statement to distract from the high demand), and one suggested by relational frame theory (a statement to focus on willingness to persist in the face of aversive emotions). The willingness statement led to great performance. We are currently conducting a larger trial. Implications and future directions from these time-series investigations will also be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Summarize the MAC approach and will be able to explain its application and effectiveness in enhancing athletic performance. 2. Describe the process used to create psychological flexibility for hockey players. 3. Describe s methodology for comparing components of traditional sport psychology and contextual behavior science in athletics.

 

86. Tools for Clinical and Research Targets in the Areas of Interpersonal Functioning and Intimacy: Concepts and Measures from Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Intimacy
Target Audience: Beg.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Chad T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Discussant: Frank Bond, Ph.D., Goldsmiths University of London

While multiple measurement strategies are important to a full contextual behavioral science strategy, most research on psychological flexibility and experiential avoidance has been conducted with the AAQ or AAQ-II, self-report questionnaires that have demonstrated utility across a range of research and clinical settings. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is an idiographic approach located within the contextual behavioral tradition, and often targets intimacy and problems with intimacy as a transdiagnostic functional category relevant to a range of clinical populations. Research on client outcomes in FAP is sparse, and, while the available research is supportive, measurement has not focused on intimate responding specifically. A primary problem is that a relevant, self-report measure of changes in a client’s intimate relating as targeted in FAP has yet to be published. This symposium is designed to present data on three measures with FAP consistent targets and to describe the clinical and research uses for each.

• The Functional Idiographic Assessment Template Questionnaire (FIAT-Q): Data for an Assessment used in Contextual Behavioral Interventions
Glenn M. Callaghan, Ph.D., San Jose State University
Chad T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Daniel Maitland, M.A., Western Michigan University
Angela Smith, M.A., University of Houston
Eric Lee, B.A., Houston OCD Program
Throstur Bjorgvinsson, Ph.D., Houston OCD Program & Mclean Hospital

The Functional Idiographic Assessment Template (FIAT) system and questionnaire (FIAT-Q) is a functional assessment of client problem behaviors, provides a nomenclature for those, and suggests behavioral interventions. The system moves away from classic nosology and toward identifying problems using clinical behavior analytic terminology, grounding client problems in psychological principles and providing clinicians a structure to both gather data and guide their interventions in the context of evidence based practice. The FIAT-Q have been translated into different languages, and data on the FIAT-Q have recently begun to come forward. This talk presents both the factor analytic findings and data for the FIAT-Q from several non-clinical and clinical populations. Psychometrics are provided for both the FIAT-Q and a newly developed short form. Strengths and weaknesses of this approach to assessment in the context of contemporary contextual behavioral interventions are discussed with suggestions for where this system might be headed in future iterations.

• Exploring Behavior Analytic Constructs of Intimacy: The Development and Use of the Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Intimacy Scale
Chad T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Rachel C. Leonard, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Lindsey Knott, M.A., Houston OCD Program
Sonia Singh, M.A., Houston OCD Program
Eric Lee, B.A., Houston OCD Program
Jonathan W. Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington

Functional analytic psychotherapy often targets issues with intimacy, defined as behavior exchanges that are vulnerable to interpersonal punishment. Although existing measures examine similar constructs to FAP’s conceptualization of intimacy, the literature lacks a FAP-consistent self-report measure that adequately captures intimacy-related behavior with the capacity to assess behavior change, suggest interventions, and aid in clinical outcome research. The Functional Analytic Psychotherapy Intimacy Scale (FAPIS) was developed for both clinicians and researchers to assess intimacy-related behavior from a behaviorally-based perspective. This talk will present results on the psychometric development in two non-clinical samples and utility of the measure in two clinical samples. The FAPIS is psychometrically sound and provides relevant clinical information about the relationship between psychopathology and intimacy in a number of clinical populations. Future directions for the use of the FAPIS will be discussed.

• Social Connection as a Cross-Diagnostic Contextual Behavioral Treatment Target
Jonathan W. Kanter, Ph.D., University of Washington
Chad. T. Wetterneck, Ph.D., Rogers Memorial Hospital
Gareth Holman, Ph.D., Evidence-Based Practice Institute
Glenn M. Callaghan, Ph.D., San Jose State University
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., University of Washington
Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Washington

In ACT, FAP, and many other treatments, social connection emerges as an important value that drives the work of treatment, establishing important goals as well as a framework for therapeutic action. Social connection, in fact, is empirically established as relevant across the spectrum of depressive, anxiety and personality disorders and as a significant factor with respect to physical health and mortality. We have been developing a model of social connection, and a self-report measure based on this model, using FAP’s framework of awareness, courage, and love as the basis of effective social connection across diverse relational contexts. This talk presents an overview of this model and the measure. Data collection to validate and establish the construct validity of this measure is ongoing and the latest data will be presented, including relations of social connection to psychological flexibility, mindfulness, perspective-taking, self-compassion, loneliness, emotional intelligence, and quality of life.

Educational Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the need to study transdiagnostic interpersonal constructs and how they interact with other clinical variables. 2. Describe the concepts and methods for assessing interpersonal functioning and intimacy from a contextual behavior analytic perspective. 3. Learn to implement and interpret measures of interpersonal functioning and intimacy for clinical and research purposes.

 

87. Using Contextually-Based Approaches for Educational Training
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Edu. settings, Theory & Philo., RFT, Supervision Training, Dissemination, Children with learning disabilities
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Juha Nieminen, Ph.D., Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki
Discussant: Martin Brock, University of Derby

Using various methods of contextually-based models (Relational Frame Theory and ACT), the researchers examined the efficacy of using these approaches to increase the functionality of children with learning disabilities and graduate students. The authors of the papers will share their findings, and compare and contrast the results. A discussion will follow.

• The Transtheoretical Appeal of ACT in Graduate Psychology Training
Frank Masterpasqua, Ph.D., Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, Widener University

Graduate training in clinical psychology has traditionally been divided into schools of thought that rarely share common perspectives on theory or practice, e.g. psychodynamic, CBT, humanistic. Based on five years of teaching ACT in the classroom, as well as using it as a framework for supervision I describe how students from seemingly divergent perspectives readily assimilate ACT philosophy and practice into their practices. I will describe how ACT can provide a common landscape of discourse among these three major schools. For instance, ACT's behavioral and empirical roots appeal to students who aim to practice CBT, and they are willing to consider how contextual science adds to the more traditional cognitive interventions. Psychoanalytic students see commonalities between the psychoanalytic construct of mentalizing and attachment theory and ACT's emphasis on curiosity and present moment awareness. Humanistically oriented students recognize values-motivated behavior and a transcendent sense of self in ACT theory and practice. With these and other examples, I will make the case as to how, as well as being transdiagnostic, ACT can be understood as being transtheoretical.

• RFT based training for learning disabilities: an exploratory study
Margherita Gurrieri, IESCUM, Italy
Melissa Scagnelli, IULM University, Milan, Italy
Davide Carnevali, IULM University, Milan, Italy
Giovambattista Presti, University Kore, Enna, Italy
Paolo Moderato, IULM University, Milan, Italy

Poor outcomes are often observed with trainings in children with learning disorders. Relational Frame Theory (RFT) provides both a theoretical and an applied framework to understand language and other related cognitive repertoires including reading and spelling. Applications based on derived stimulus relations have been demonstrated effective in teaching reading, spelling and math skills to persons with different difficulties and learning histories, generating behaviors not explicitly taught. We trained dyslexic and dysgraphic kids who were able to tact (D) pictures to match in a frame of coordination printed words in uppercase letters (A) with pictures (B) and pictures (B) with printed words in lower case letters (C). Each stimulus class included three members. So, after testing for the basic mutual and combinatorial entailment relations, we tested also other combinatorial relations namely A-D (reading printed words in uppercase letters), C-D (reading printed words in lowercase letters) and D-A and D-C (choosing uppercase and lowercase printed words conditionally to an auditory stimulus) relations. With an additional training kids were able to write under dictation too (D-E). Correct responses ranged between 95 to 100% in three consecutive testing trials thus demonstrating the formation of a five-member class. Other stimulus control strategies were used to address problems with particular sign-sound relations that are considered critical for Italian speakers and a sign of dyslexia. Pre-post treatment changes in standardized tests for dyslexia demonstrate an overall effect beyond trained stimuli.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe reactions of graduate students from different perspectives to ACT's theory and practice. 2. Discuss areas of commonality that ACT provides to the three major approaches to psychotherapy. 3. Explain an RFT based interpretation of reading, writing under dictation, copying and writing under self-dictation and understand the strong connection between the basic analysis and the application in the educational and rehabilitation fields, and compare traditional cognitive based models of rehabilitation with a contextual approach.

 

88. Aspects of Adolescents
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Literature review, Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Edu. settings, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Beh. med., Edu. settings, Superv., Train. & Dissem., adolescence, research, mindfulness, avoidance, cognitive fusion, thought suppression
Target Audience: Beg., Interm.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Mary Bell, MSW, Trillium Health Partners
Discussant: Sheri Turrell, Ph.D., Trillium Health Partners, Ontario, Canada

This symposium will examine several studies focusing on the mental health needs of adolescents. The studied shared and discussed include: The correlation between emotional and mood challenges and the core concepts of ACT; components of emotional awareness and social relationships, and an ACT integrated inpatient program.

• The Pearl in the Oyster: An exploratory study about correlations between anxiety, depression, somatization, dissociation and the main ACT concepts in Adolescence
Emanuele Rossi, Private Practice, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Private Practice, AISCC

Patrizia Violini, Private Practice, AISCC Nicoletta Ristè, Private Practice, AISCC Elisa Lijoi, Private Practice, AISCC

• What came first - emotional awareness or good relationships? Exploring the connection between emotional awareness and social wellbeing during adolescence
Claire Rowsell, Ph.D. Candidate, Clinical Psychology, University of Wollongong
Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., University of Western Sydney
Frank Deane, Ph.D., Illawarra Institute for Mental Health, University of Wollongong
Patrick Heaven, Ph.D., Australian Catholic University

Emotional awareness is a key component of mindfulness and contact with the present moment. It is also important for mental and physical health, and social wellbeing. Social relationships are important throughout the lifetime, however, they are of particular significance during adolescent development. Therefore, understanding how emotional awareness develops and influences social wellbeing is essential for developing appropriate interventions to improve socio-emotional wellbeing. This presentation will review past and current research on the connection between emotional awareness and social functioning during adolescence and discuss two longitudinal, empirical studies. The first study assesses the link between emotional awareness and peer nominated friendships during high school. The second study examines the relationships between emotional awareness and social support from Grade 9-12. This presentation aims to discuss the current research, interventions and clinical implications.

• Constructing an Interdisciplinary ACT Team: Lessons learned from a 3 year process to build inpatient services for adolescents.
James Hill, OTR/L, Rush University Medical Center

Reflections on a three year effort to establish a fully integrated interdisciplinary ACT based program for an inpatient adolescent behavioral health unit. Presentation will describe stages that include establishing a single ACT based group, advocacy for an interdisciplinary ACT based approach, development of multiple groups, as well as training and supervision efforts to establish and maintain interdisciplinary staff competency. Presentation will include data from patient and parent questionnaires, staff competency measures, and AFQ-Y measures for clients before and after interdisciplinary training.

Educational Objectives:
1. Critique current literature on the association between emotional awareness and social functioning. 2. Discuss two empirical studies and future directions for research and interventions to improve adolescents’ socio-emotional wellbeing. 3. Identify steps involved refining ACT based group interventions.

 

92. ACTive Parenting: Increasing Parental Involvement Using ACT
Symposium (4:45-5:45pm)
Components: Literature review, Original data, Case presentation
Categories: Related FC approaches, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Edu. settings, Theory & Philo., Parenting, Values, Parenting Adolescents
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Anne Brassell, University of Vermont
Discussant: Meredith Rayner, Ph.D., Parenting Research Centre and Murdoch Children's Research Insitute

It is well-documented that parental disengagement often results in children with behavioral problems, and lack of school involvement. Two studies focused on using ACT to increase the values and committed action of parents and children, decrease behavioral problems, and increase school engagement. The authors of these two studies will discuss their findings and compare and contrast results.

• Forging Your Compass: How Parenting Impacts Value Development
Kristi A. Mannon, M.S., University of North Texas
Erin K.M. Hogan, B.S., University of North Texas
Teresa C. Hulsey, B.A., University of North Texas
Rawya M. Al-Jabari, M.S., University of North Texas
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas

Emerging adults have a unique opportunity to form their identities, develop values, and notice discrepancies between their parents’ values and society (Arnett, 2000; Hauser & Greene, 1991). Previous studies indicate that parents are influential in values development (Simpson, 2001). The current two part study investigated whether parenting style and parent-child relationships influenced ACT–consistent valuing. Findings indicate female, but not male, caregivers’ parenting styles and closeness of the parent-child relationship have significant direct effects on values purity. Authoritarian parenting style (β = -.43 B = -1.70, p < .001), Authoritative parenting style (β = .12, B = .53, p < .001), and Emotional Support (β = .30, B = 6.80, p < .001) significantly predicted the degree to which young adult values are intrinsically chosen. A path analysis and goodness of fit analyses were conducted; results indicated the proposed path model was a good fit [NFI = .996, [χ2 = (2) = 2.58, p > .05]. A significant positive relationship between authoritative parenting style and quality of parent-child relationship (β = .64, B = .10, p < .001) was found with the male caregivers.

• ACT enhanced parenting intervention to promote at-risk adolescents’ school engagement
Larry Dumka, Ph.D., Arizona State University - Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics

This paper presents ways ACT principles were implemented to strengthen a universal group-based parenting intervention already been shown to be effective (the Bridges to High School program; http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/ccp/80/1/1/) and increase large-scale dissemination. This skills-focused intervention aims to prevent school disengagement and behavioral health problems in middle school age adolescents (11-13 years old) by increasing parents’ capacity to know what’s going on with their adolescent, have effective limits, and stay connected. ACT enhancements were integrated to increase parents’ psychological flexibility in order to optimize skill learning and committed action. These enhancements are described including activities to clarify parenting values, brief mindfulness exercises to increase parents’ present moment attention when communicating with adolescents, and strategies to promote defusion to reduce parent-adolescent conflict. Data and lessons from a recent pilot of the revised program inform effective rationales and delivery methods for mindfulness activities.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe how parenting impacts value development from an ACT perspective. 2. Utilize clients' parental relationships and learning history to aid in conceptualization of clients who are struggling with value identification and valued living. 3. Describe ACT enhancements to increase effectiveness of parenting interventions that promote adolescents’ school engagements and apply effective rationales and delivery methods for mindfulness activities in parenting interventions.

Saturday, June 21

104. Exposure & Contextually-Based Models and Health: New Approaches
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Beh. med., Irritable bowel syndrome, Quality of Life, Headache, Physical activity, adults
Target Audience: Beg., Interm.
Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Amy Houston Discussant: Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Many health-related issues are behaviorally based and driven by avoidance, lack of motivation, and problematic behavioral repertoires. The authors of four studies focusing on applying exposure and contextually-based models will discuss their findings. These studies all contribute to our understanding of issues related to health. Specifically, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), increasing physical activity, decreasing the overuse of medications, and decreasing Body Mass Index (BMI).

• Exposure and acceptance based therapy for irritable bowel syndrome – theory and treatment.
Brjánn Ljótsson, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Erik Hedman, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with impaired quality of life and high societal costs. Although some studies show large treatment effects for psychological treatments such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, stress management, biofeedback, relaxation therapy, cognitive therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy, other studies show very little effect. These interventions target different stressors such as difficult interpersonal relationships, maladaptive coping strategies, negative self-schemas, negative appraisals of daily stressors, or general life difficulties. However, recent research suggests that the primary source of stress that causes symptoms is part of the illness itself. IBS-patients have developed hypervigilance towards their own body and react with fear and avoidance in response to naturally occurring gastrointestinal symptoms, which leads to decreased quality of life and increased awareness of symptoms. I will present an exposure and acceptance based therapy for IBS that has been evaluated series of five published studies, with response rates between 59% and 65%.

• Weighing-in on BMI: psychological flexibility and impulsivity
Lauren Ostarello, Eastern Michigan University
Thomas Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Cory Stanton, Eastern Michigan University
Keith Davis, Eastern Michigan University

There are many factors that may influence an individual’s excessive body mass index (BMI). Previous research has indicated that psychological inflexibility and impulsivity are two behavioral processes relevant to high BMI. Data discussed in this paper were derived from a large sample of college freshmen that agreed to participate in a study pertaining to freshmen life. This paper extends previous analyses of psychological flexibility and BMI using a social barriers-specific AAQ following an inquiry regarding how being uncomfortable with one’s bodily appearance interferes with pursuing social goals and aspirations. In addition, a behavioral economic measures of impulsivity, and relative rates of negative reinforcement (escape and avoidance) will be used to characterize additional behavioral processes than can contribute to high BMI. The discussion will focus on when it makes sense to weigh-in on BMI in terms of psychological flexibility and impulsivity given equifinality concerns with BMI.

• ACT - MOH (Medication Overuse Headache): an observational study
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Fabio Marchioretto, Neurology Unit, Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy
Vittoria Pasetti, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Claudio Bianconi, Neurology Unit, Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Verona, Italy

Background: This study explored the psychological variable on patients with MOH (Medication overuse headache),in order to develop a brief intervention ACT based. Methods: Patients were assessed at pre-treatment ACT based (3 sessions during ten day hospitalization) with standardized self-report measures (MIDAS; SCL-90; Distress Thermometer; AAQ-II; VLQ), and 1-year-follow-up. Results: Fifty two patients (mean age = 48.05 years (SD 10.81); 83% female) were recruited. Data showed high mean scores of Migraine Disability (MIDAS mean=97; SD 85.6), a high distress level (M=6.6; SD 2.4) and psychological symptoms (Somatization M=1.55 (SD 0.9); obsessive compulsive symptoms M=1.54 (SD=9.5), Depression M=1.34 (SD 0.84); Anxiety M=1.05 (SD 0.78); Sleep Disorders M=1.33 (SD 0.81)), and a low degree of acceptance (AAQ2 M=43.9; SD 12.6). Male showed higher degree of acceptance (AAQ2 M=52,5; SD 6.86) and lower psychological symptoms. Conclusions: The brief ACT - MOH, is focused on the psychological flexibility through the increase a non-judgmental attitude and willingness to experience unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and on the control agenda, in order to live in the present consistently with their values.

• Towards a physically active lifestyle based on one´s own values • : The results of a randomized controlled trial among physically inactive adults •
Anu Kangasniemi, LIKES Research center for Sport and Health Sciences, Finland
Lappalainen raimo, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Objective. This randomized controlled trial aimed to study the effectiveness of a value based intervention to promote a physically more active lifestyle among physically inactive adults. Methods. Physically inactive participants aged 30 to 50 years (n=138) were randomly allocated to a feedback group (FB, n=69) or an Acceptance and Commitment based group (ACT+FB, n=69). Both groups received written feedback of their objectively measured physical activity and were offered a body composition analysis. In addition, the participants in the ACT+FB group attended six group sessions and were given a pedometer for self-monitoring their physical activity during the 9 weeks intervention. The primary outcome was objectively measured physical activity. In addition, participants´ cognitions related to physical activity were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 month follow-ups. The changes in physical activity were analyzed in the mean level and rank order stability with multiple-group modeling techniques. Results. Participants in both groups improved their physical activity, thus there was no difference in the changes of physical activity between the groups at 3 and 6 month follow-ups. However, the cognitions related to physical activity improved more in the ACT+FB group compared to the FB group. Also, higher stability in physical activity at the individual level was observed in the ACT+FB group between 3 and 6 month follow-ups among the non-depressive participants. Conclusions. Acceptance and Commitment based intervention was beneficial to support the cognition related to physical activity and brought more stability to the individual level physical activity behaviour change among the non-depressive participants.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the mainstream psychological models of IBS and their empirical base in terms of outcome and mechanistic studies. 2. Explain the role of fear and avoidance in IBS and how exposure and acceptance interventions can be used to decrease symptoms and improve quality of life in IBS. 3. Describe the strength of the relationship between BMI and psychological flexibility and impulsivity.

 

108. Multicultural Research within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, refugees, treatment engagement, mindfulness
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Beate Ebert, Private Practice in Aschaffenburg, Germany
Discussant: Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University

Conceptualization of psychological difficulty and intervention has historically been informed by work done primarily among Caucasian samples within Western countries. However, cultural differences may impact relationships among psychological constructs and their effect on psychological wellbeing and dysfunction. The functional contextual emphasis used within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may be particularly relevant for understanding diverse populations. This symposium provides interested scholars with data on ACT research within a multicultural framework. Our presenters describe predictors of treatment engagement among refugees receiving an ACT informed treatment, wellbeing and psychological flexibility among healthcare workers in Sierra Leone, and psychological flexibility and mindfulness in relation to internalizing difficulties among Asian Americans.

• Reaching a Diverse Refugee Population: Treatment Engagement Among Individuals Receiving ACT Informed Interventions
Olga V. Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi
Rebecca J. Hamblin, M.A., University of Mississippi
Karen M. Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Valerie Harder, Ph.D., University of Vermont
N. Doran Capuzzi, University of Vermont

Numerous evidence based interventions have been developed to address trauma and psychological distress and wellbeing. A number of individuals are unable to benefit from these due to failing to attend and engage in treatment. Clients may fail to attend therapy sessions for a number of reasons, ranging from severe psychological distress to tangible economic barriers. These challenges may be particularly salient among a refugee population. The current study examines predictors of treatment attendance and unplanned drop out in a diverse sample of refugees from a broad array of countries (e.g. Somali-Bantu, Nepali-Bhutanese, Congolese, etc.). Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as income, family size, gender, and feeling connected with community supports will be examined to determine predictors of treatment engagement difficulties. Intervention delivered uses a functional contextual framework based on the ACT approach, along with skills drawn from other evidence based practices as appropriate to client difficulties.

• Applying ACT in Sierra Leone: Examining the impact of ACT training on health professionals
Corinna Stewart, National University of Ireland
Dr. Ross White, University of Glasgow
Beate Ebert, Private Practice in Aschaffenburg, Germany
Iain Mays, University of Glasgow
Jennifer Nardozzi, Private Practice in Miami, Florida
Hannah Bockarie, commit and act, Bo, Sierra Leone

Research has indicated that mental health counseling interventions can be adapted and implemented with positive outcomes across cultures. However, the treatment gap for mental illnesses in low income countries such as Sierra Leone remains considerable. “commit and act” has been working to address this by training local health care workers in ACT. This research examined the impact of ACT training on the psychological flexibility and wellbeing of participants who attended 2-day Beginners and Advanced ACT workshops in Freetown, Bo and Makeni. Considering the traumatic experiences that significant proportions of the population have endured following the recent civil war and the daily struggles with poverty, gender-based violence, etc., it was hypothesized that a significant proportion of individuals attending the ACT training would present with PTSD symptoms and that they would score significantly lower on measures assessing value-consistent behaviour and satisfaction with life and higher on measures of psychological inflexibility.

• The Role of Psychological Inflexibility and Mindfulness in Somatization, Depression, and Anxiety among Non-clinical Asian Americans
Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Erin C. Tully, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Amar Mandavia, B.S., Georgia State University

The present study examined whether psychological inflexibility and mindfulness, two major emotion/behavior regulation processes that have been associated with internalizing problems in general samples and that have particular relevance for Asian Americans, were related to a range of internalizing problems in a non-clinical U. S. Asian American sample. One-hundred-sixteen participants from various Asian nationality backgrounds completed a web-based survey that included the measures of interest. Results revealed that both regulation processes were uniquely and separately related to somatization, depression, and anxiety after controlling for age and gender: Greater psychological inflexibility was associated with greater internalizing problems, and greater mindfulness was associated with lower internalizing problems. Our findings suggest that both psychological inflexibility and mindfulness are useful concepts for understanding psychological adjustment of Asian Americans.

Educational Objectives:
1. Attendants will gain increased understanding of treatment barriers and predictors of engagement among refugees. 2. Attendants will assess the application and effectiveness of ACT in a west African context and consider the difficulties of measuring outcomes following ACT training using western measures and be able to critique these. 3. Attendants will understand how the psychological inflexibility model explains the range of psychological distresses faced Asian Americans.

 

109. Applications of RFT and ACT to Children with Autism and Their Families
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Original data
Categories: RFT, Clin. Interven. & Interests, ACT, autism
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Angela Persicke, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

Autism Spectrum disorders present widespread challenges to children who have them as well as their families. This symposium consists of three papers that address difficulties of children and their parents. One paper presents data from several studies that used an RFT-based approach to teach children with autism to understand nonliteral language. The second paper uses an RFT approach to teaching children with autism to detect what others want when they don't say what they mean. The third paper examines the relationship between experiential avoidance in parents and depression related to child challenging behaviors.

• An RFT Approach to Teaching Children with Autism to Understand Non-Literal Language
Angela Persicke, M.A., BCBA, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

Children with autism have documented deficits in the ability to understand complex language, especially non-literal language when the intentional meaning of the utterance does not match its literal meaning. This presentation describes three studies in which children with autism were taught to understand non-literal language in the form of sarcasm, deception, and metaphors using RFT-informed procedures. All children included in the studies learned generalized repertoires of responding that were observed across untrained exemplars and in the presence of novel people, including peers. Procedural requirements and results will be discussed in addition to implications for the use of RFT-based procedures for teaching other complex language repertoires to children with autism.

• Just Tell Me What You Really Want: Teaching Children with Autism to Infer What People Want When they Don’t Say it
Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Ryan Bergstrom, M.A., BCBA, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

Skinner’s concept of the “disguised mand” is a verbal response wherein the speaker’s mand does not directly describe its reinforcer. Children with autism often have overly literal language, that is, they say what they actually mean, and therefore often have difficulty understanding the disguised mands of others. From an RFT perspective, understanding disguised mands depends on the listener’s ability to relate what is said to what the speaker actually meant, in terms of a relation of distinction. Further, to infer the true meaning of the disguised mand, the listener must relate the mand to its actual meaning in terms of coordination. The purpose of this study was to determine if a treatment package consisting of rules, multiple exemplar training, role playing, and feedback could teach children with autism to detect and respond appropriately to disguised mands. In other words, behavioral teaching procedures were used to teach children with autism to infer what people actually want when they say something different. For example, when a person says, “Mmm, those cookies look good,” what they actually mean is, “Can I have a cookie?” and a socially successful response might be to offer a cookie. Results indicated that the procedures effectively taught participants to detect and respond appropriately to disguised mands. Additionally, generalization was demonstrated to novel, untrained disguised mands and to other people who were not involved in training.

• Topography of autism spectrum disorders and parent dysfunction: The mediational role of parents’ experiential avoidance
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Kirstin Brown Birtwell, M.A., Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School

Independent lines of research suggest the importance of child problems and experiential avoidance (EA) in their contributions to poor outcomes (e.g., stress and depression) in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, researchers have yet to fully explore the relationship between all of these factors at once, providing vital insight into the potential protective factors (i.e., non-EA coping) of parent functioning. Data from 77 parents of children with ASD was collected to evaluate the mediating role of EA in the relationship between child behaviors and parent dysfunction. Results indicated that EA (β = -.40, B = -.75, t = -8.04, p < .00) fully mediated the relationship between child internalizing symptoms (β = .06, B = .06 reduced from .56, t = .49, p = .62) and parental depression. Results will be presented in detail and implications for future clinical and research directions will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe RFT-based procedures related to teaching the understanding of non-literal language and implications for RFT-based approaches to teaching other complex language repertoires. 2. Describe procedures and results of a treatment protocol teaching children with autism to infer and respond to others’ indirect requests. 3. Elucidate contextual factors that are critical to tailoring ACT-based treatment approaches for families raising children with autism.

 

110. The Role of Psychological Flexibility and Its Application to College Students
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Edu. settings, Theory & Philo., Procrastination, college students, "studyaholism", ACT & psychological flexibility
Target Audience: Beg.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Colin Stromberg, B.A., Utah State University
Discussant: Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

Many college students interact with their academic work in ways that negatively impact their well-being and/or academic success. Academic procrastination, an irrational tendency to delay in the beginning and/or completion of an academic task (Senécal et al., 2003), is regarded as an interactive dysfunctional avoidance process (Ellis & Knaus, 2002). “Studyaholism” occurs when students engage excessively with academic work at the expense of other meaningful experiences. To evaluate the theoretical basis for applying ACT to procrastination, researchers investigated the relationships between psychological flexibility and its components to academic procrastination. Two pilot clinical intervention studies were conducted to determine the utility of treating academic procrastination with ACT. To understand the function of studyaholsim, an investigation was conducted that examined the relationships of studyaholism to psychological flexibility, mental health, and values motivation. Results contribute to a functional understanding of these extreme forms of academic involvement and efficacy for treating procrastination with ACT.

• Being flexible academically: • The application of the ACT model to the understanding and treatment of procrastination
Frédérick Dionne, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Noémie Carbonneau, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Joel Gagnon, B.A., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Alexandre Marseille, B.A., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Charles Bélanger, B.A., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Academic procrastination is regarded as an interactive dysfunctional avoidance process (Ellis & Knaus, 2002), and thus ACT would appear to be particularly suitable for the prevention and treatment of this self-defeating problem (Ellis & Knaus, 2002). However, to our knowledge, no study has yet used the ACT model to better understand and treat procrastination. This paper has two purposes. First, it presents a study on the relationships between ACT variables and procrastination. The results of this study in a sample of 282 undergraduates show that academic procrastination is negatively and significantly related to three dimensions of psychological flexibility, namely mindfulness, acceptance and action, and cognitive defusion. However, when the three dimensions are considered simultaneously in a regression analysis, mindfulness emerges as the only significant predictor of academic procrastination. Second, this paper presents a pilot clinical study that evaluated the content, feasibility and efficacy of a three-session ACT intervention using the Matrix with procrastinators (N=16). In sum, the ACT model is applicable to understanding and treating procrastination.

• Letting Go of Putting Off: Flexibility-Based Intervention for Procrastination
Ashlyne Mullen, B.S., University of Louisiana, Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana, Lafayette

Ninety-five percent of college students procrastinate (O’Brien, 2002), often leading to poor grades (van Eerde, 2003) and anxiety (Rothblum, Solomon, & Murakami, 1986). People seek to avoid aversive stimuli, therefore the more aversive a situation, the more one will avoid (Steel, 2007). This includes avoidance of a task or situation, and experiences associated with that task. Rather than changing ineffective behavior, many suppress or avoid negative experiences, often resulting in ineffective functioning (Hayes, Luoma, Bond, Masuda, & Lillis, 2006). This process, experiential avoidance, is at the core of the psychological flexibility model and is linked to psychopathology (Hayes & Gifford, 1997). Given that procrastination is an avoidant behavior, applying this model can be a useful treatment method. The current study examines the impact of a flexibility-based intervention on procrastination with college students at risk for failing. Preliminary data suggests that using psychological flexibility techniques decreased procrastination while increasing well-being.

• “Studyaholism” in College Students: The Role of Psychological Flexibility and Values Motivation
Jose Arauz, M.A., Suffolk University
Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Some college students report studying too much, to the exclusion of other activities. Within society as a whole, workaholism has been hypothesized to vary in its effects on the individual, depending on the function of the behavior. The present study sought to explore if “study-aholism,” as the counterpart of workaholism among college students, would vary in its association with mental health depending on the function of the behavior. A total of 690 college students completed questionnaires measuring psychological flexibility, tendency towards studyaholism (adapted from an established workaholism scale), general mental health, and values motivation. Results indicated students scoring higher on a studyaholism scale also a) scored higher on psychological distress and b) scored lower on psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility, but not value motives, contributed significantly to the association between study-aholism and psychological distress.

Educational Objectives:
1. Apply ACT theory and practice to academic procrastination. 2. Assess the strength of evidence of ACT for procrastination. 3. Describe the relationships of studyalohism to psychological flexibility and how they relate to mental health.

 

116. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Compassionate Treatment for Underserved Groups
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Didactic presentation, Case presentation
Categories: Prevention & Comm.-Based, Performance-enhancing interventions, Underserved Groups
Target Audience: Beg.
Location: Elk Lake

Chair: Victoria Follette, Ph.D., University of Nevada Reno
Discussant: Akihiko Masuda, Georgia State University

While ACT has been used with a range of psychological symptoms and with various populations, there is still a great deal to be learned about working with a range of underserved populations. This work creates some unique challenges in that accessing sufficient numbers of individuals and working with a range of community organizations can present barriers to implementing programs that can be formally assessed. This symposium presents some preliminary data as well as qualitative descriptions of work in the community that can lead to more empirical research. Lappalainen presents some unique data on work with deaf clients. In that language is central to basic tenets of ACT, his discussion of the special needs of delivering the treatment in sign language. Mundy presents some interesting data in working with homeless individuals. He includes infusion of ACT values as not only a method for treating clients but also supporting staff interactions. Finally, Gonzalez will present data from working with Latinas in a primary care setting, with an emphasis on how ACT can be adapted to address special cultural issues. Masuda will comment on the implications of this work and future directions.

• Pilot Implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in sign language: Training counselors to apply ACT using sign language
Raimo Lappalainen, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Psychology, Finland
Leena Hassinen, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Psychology, Finland

This study evaluated the implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in sign language in a rehabilitation center for deaf clients. 16 clients and 9 staff members participated in this pilot study. Staff members received a very brief training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) including 16 hours lectures, 15 hours supervision, and study material. Each staff member treated 1-2 clients 8 -10 times. As part of the study several ACT metaphors and exercises were translated into the Finnish sign language. The study indicated that counselors with limited knowledge of psychological interventions were able to deliver an ACT intervention using sign language after a brief training. The intervention was well accepted both by the clients and by the counselors. However, due to problems with the assessment methods translated into the sign language, it was difficult to draw conclusions of the effects of the intervention on clients’ wellbeing. Limitations and experiences of the used approach will also be discussed.

• Utilizing Functional Contextualism in the Implementation of Trauma-Informed Care in Homeless Shelters
Brian Mundy LCSW, Institute of Community Living NYC

The need for trauma-informed care in homeless shelters is clear: roughly 85% of persons who struggle with homelessness have been exposed to severe trauma. Trauma-informed organizations seek to prevent re-traumatization by emphasizing safety and operating on the understanding that traditional service delivery approaches may exacerbate the vulnerabilities of trauma. The implementation of trauma-informed care at two NYC homeless shelters has been aided by a functional contextualist approach. For the past two years the presenter has been partnering and assisting all levels of staff — from security to social workers — with lowering cycles of reactivity through training, organizational support, utilization of present moment awareness, contextualization of relationships in trauma histories, facilitation of staff and client dialog sessions, and the creation of innovative peer involvement programs. Pre and post data on critical incidents demonstrating decreases in frequency and types will be presented.

• Lessons from the front line: Using ACT with a Latino population in a community health care setting
Frances R. Gonzalez, University of Nevada Reno
Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

The Latino population is the largest ethnic group in the United States, and is also the fastest growing (Census, 2010). This community faces many challenges, including low SES, increased barriers to health care and higher rates of both physical and psychological symptomology. The current paper will be examining the results of a needs assessment among a small sample of the Latino community in Northern Nevada. With the results of the study we hope to gain insight on the physical and mental health care needs of this community. Topics addressed will be depression, anxiety, PTSD, psychological flexibility, cultural factors, barriers to care, and physical health disparities (Bridges, Andrews, & Deen, 2012; Ayon et al., 2010). The paper will also address special clinical considerations and adaptations needed to the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in order to address the needs of the Latino population.

Educational Objectives:
1. List cultural considerations in using ACT in a Latino population. 2. Discuss unique aspects of using ACT in deaf clients where Finnish sign language was used to implement therapy. 3. Describe the use of ACT in a facility for homeless clients. Includes infusion of ACT values as not only a method for treating clients but also supporting staff interactions.

 

117. On Motivation and Activation: Exploring New Self-Report Measures of Values
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Values, Committed Action, Self-Report Measures
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Crystal Lake

Chair: Anke Lehnert, B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Discussant: Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D., MidAmerican Psychological Institute

Third-wave approaches to therapy emphasize and facilitate values awareness, conviction, and engagement. In spite of the centrality of this component in the psychological flexibility model, few relevant measures are available, and the existing measures have not been well validated as research or clinical tools. Such measures would be indispensable to measuring clinical outcomes as well as mechanisms of action. This symposium explores the content and psychometrics of two new measures of this domain of treatment. The Perceived Life Significance Scale (PLSS) measures an overall sense of purposefulness in life, while the Valued Time and Difficulty Questionnaire (VTDQ) is a derivative of the original Valued Living Questionnaire that assesses committed action. These talks will report on data speaking to the utility of these measures across a variety of populations and their potential for future work in the validation of values-oriented measures.

• Exploring the Psychometrics of a Committed Action Measure with an Undergraduate Sample
Chelsea K. VanderWoude, Southern Illinois University
Katherine Cooper, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Emerging third-wave behavioral therapies recognize the importance of values-based intervention, but few values measures are available. Wilson, Sandoz, Kitchens, & Roberts (2010) have published on the psychometric properties of the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ). Other related measures include the Personal Values Questionnaire-II (PVQ-II), the Survey of Guiding Principles (SGP), and Card Sorting as measures of client values. In addition to lacking robust information regarding psychometrics, these measures do not explicitly assess one’s engagement in values-consistent action. The Valued Time and Difficulty Questionnaire (VTDQ) is a measure of committed action developed for use in clinical contexts. The ten domains assessed by the VTDQ were drawn from the VLQ. This presentation will report psychometric data on this measure with a large sample of undergraduates, including exploration of the factor structure. Reference: Wilson, K. G., Sandoz, E. K., Kitchens, J., & Roberts, M. (2010). The Valued Living Questionnaire: Defining and measuring valued action within a behavioral framework. The Psychological Record, 60(2), 249-272.

• Exploring Cultural Differences in Distress, Experiential Avoidance, and Committed Action.
Sam Kramer, M.A., Southern Illinois University
Lindsay Blankenship, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D., Southern Illinois University
David Dalsky, Ph.D., Kyoto University
Takashi Muto, Ph.D., Doshisha University
Takashi Mitamura, Ph.D., Kyoto-Bunkyo University

Previous research has revealed interesting cultural differences in acceptance-based coping and distress among culturally diverse samples (Cook & Hayes, 2010). The current study sought to investigate cultural differences in reports of distress, avoidance, and committed action among an American and Japanese sample. Additionally, this study sought to examine the psychometric properties of the Valued Time and Difficulty Questionnaire (VTDQ), a measure derived from the Valued Living Questionnaire (Wilson, Sandoz, Kitchens, & Roberts, 2010). Self-reports were administered to 188 American and 223 Japanese university students. Correlational analyses and t-tests were employed to compare and contrast responses to the questionnaires. Results revealed significant differences between the two samples on all measures, with the Japanese sample scoring higher on measures of distress and lower on measures of time spent engaging in valued goals. These results will be discussed in light of possible factors that may drive cultural differences with self-report measures of psychological flexibility. Reference: Cook, D., & Hayes, S. C. (2010). Acceptance-based coping and the psychological adjustment of Asian and Caucasian Americans. International Journal of Behavioral and Consultation Therapy, 6, 186–197.

• The Perceived Life Significance Scale as an Experientially-Based Measure of Valued Living
Rachel Hibberd, Ph.D., Durham VA Medical Center
Kaylin Jones, M.A., University of Missouri - St. Louis
Brian Vandenberg, Ph.D., University of Missouri - St. Louis

A recent literature review identified life significance, or the perception of value attributed to an aspect of life experience, as an important but understudied dimension of "meaning" in the study of trauma and bereavement (Hibberd, 2013). In ACT terms, life significance represents an experiential connection with what's meaningful, as contrasted with definitions of meaning that emphasize the use of verbal relational networks used to "make sense" of one's life experiences. Although originating from a stress and coping perspective, life significance is conceptually and theoretically similar the way that values and valued behavior has been described by the ACT community. This presentation will discuss the utility of a recently-developed measure of life significance, the Perceived Life Significance Scale (PLSS), as a measure of the experiential component of valued living. Research supporting the validity of the PLSS will be briefly discussed, as well as suggestions for future contextual-behavioral research applications of the measure.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the three subscales of the Valued Time and Difficulty Questionnaire. 2. Describe the relationship between the three subscales of the VTDQ and measures of psychological distress and experiential avoidance. 3. Describe the development and utility of a novel measure intended to capture the experiential component of valued living: the perception of value associated with daily life experiences, relationships, or activities.

 

121. CANCELLED - Mindfulness and Behavior Change at Work: New directions
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Org. Beh. Management, Prof. Dev., Mindfulness
Target Audience: Interm. Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Paul Atkins, Australian National University

This is a collection of papers from the Leadership, Organizations and Public Policy Sig group. The first paper explores the application of a mindfulness program to a university setting to increase wellbeing, work engagement and performance. The second paper extends recent work showing that self-discrimination in natural language predicts well-being 6 and 12 months later (Atkins and Styles, submitted JCBS) by exploring the relationships between self-discriminations and other-discriminations. This qualitative study provides a way of better understanding the quality of relationships within organizations and links to initiatives to increase prosocial behavior. The third study broadens the level of intervention to include not just ACT but effective principles of working in groups based on Ostrom's work. Outcome measures of this intervention study in the intellectual disabilities field include staff retention, inclusion in decision-making, disciplinary, and conflict resolution processes, and other indices of organizational flexibility. Together these studies explore the ways in which traditional approaches to ACT are being adapted and broadened to emphasize identity and group functioning in the workplace.

• Mindfulness Training Enhances Wellbeing, Work Engagement and Performance of University Staff
Paul Atkins, Australian National University

There is increasing interest in mindfulness training as a way of increasing flourishing in life and work. Mindfulness training has been shown to enhance not just wellbeing at work but also attention, decision making, creativity, relationships and work engagement. In this talk I present evidence regarding mindfulness training with over 200 university staff tested before, immediately after and six months after a mindfulness course for changes in wellbeing, work engagement and self-ratings of performance. The talk discusses the unique contextual demands of being either an academic or general staff member of a university, and the ways in which mindfulness appears to moderate the effects of those demands. I will also consider the how the notion of intrinsic motivation to work can be understood from a behavioural perspective.

• Perspective-taking skills and forms of identity predict wellbeing and positive relations at work
Robert Styles, Australian National University
Paul Atkins, Australian National University

The way we construct a sense of self is critical to our experience of the world. We explore the extent to which different forms of perspective taking (deictic framing) expressed in natural language predict wellbeing and positive relations. Previous work based on the idea that self-discrimination is identity demonstrated that wellbeing is predicted by the extent to which individuals know themselves as the context of their experience and are able to coherently utter value oriented self-rules (Atkins & Styles submitted). In this talk, we extend this work with a study of verbal discriminations of others and their impact upon quality of relationships in the workplace. We discuss the predictive nature of self and other discriminative language in use; and, the impact of listening/perspective taking skills. We aim to show that individuals proficient at perspective taking, i.e., deictic framing of one’s own and others behavior, and able to construct value consistent self-rules will experience increased personal wellbeing and vitality in relationships at work.

• Feeding Two Birds with One Seed: Evaluation of a Psychological Flexibility and Group Sustainability Intervention in the Workplace
Thomas G. Szabo, and Adrienne Kessler, Easter Seals Southern California
Heidi Eilers, Easter Seals Southern California
Adrienne Kessler, Easter Seals Southern California

Caregivers, therapists, and other professionals in the intellectual and developmental disabilities field have shown improved behavioral resilience and overall mental health functioning upon completing acceptance and mindfulness interventions (Noone & Hastings, 201/2011; Stafford-Brown & Pakenham, 2012). However, contingencies that favor unhealthy competition for limited resources can undermine this work over time (Sober & Wilson, 1998). Recently, psychologists teamed with evolutionary biologists and economists to generalize a set of group design principles to apply to a wide range of organizations (Wilson, Ostrom, & Coz, 2013). In this study, we will provide psychological flexibility and community design training to clinical and support staff members across seven counties in Southern California. Outcome measures include staff retention, inclusion in decision-making, disciplinary, and conflict resolution processes, and other indices of organizational flexibility.

Educational Objectives:
1. Discuss the application of ACT to the workplace. 2. Generate inquiry regarding links between RFT and other theories of workplace motivation and identity. 3. Describe how ACT is being broadened to adapt to workplace contexts including at the group level.

 

125. Precision Teaching and Contextual Science: Ground Level Applications of RFT to Improve Reading Comprehension
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Case presentation
Categories: RFT, Edu. settings, Precision Teaching; Reading Comprehension
Target Audience: Beg.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Discussant: Claudia Drossel, University of Michigan

Reading comprehension is of paramount importance to academic success and is pivotal in the development of other academic skills. Deficits in reading comprehension, therefore, can impact a child’s ability to access an appropriate education. Reading comprehension entails complex language abilities such as prediction, inference, integrating text, and relating what is read to what is known. Thus, language abilities are at the foundation of reading comprehension, and academic abilities more generally. Research efforts aimed at assessing and strengthening language abilities to improve comprehension are sparse, however. This symposium will highlight the importance of a language foundation that is both necessary and sufficient for promoting comprehension. Relational Frame Theory serves as the guiding framework for positioning our discussion and Precision Teaching is the paradigm from which discovery initiatives arise. From this position, sufficient language repertoires require both fluency and flexibility. This data based symposium will discuss the importance of strength in foundational language necessary for relational behavior, will highlight how the RFT framework and Precision Teaching methodology can guide academic interventions for comprehension, and will discuss the relationship between relational repertoires and reading comprehension.

• A Contextualist Lens for Understanding Reading Comprehension
Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Donny Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno

The Center for National Education Statistics estimates that approximately two thirds of fourth graders struggle with reading comprehension. This statistic is concerning when reading is the primary means through which new information is acquired. Various factors play a role in comprehension. The most widely researched is the relationship between reading fluency and reading comprehension. More recently, the role of vocabulary and a student’s ability to apply comprehension strategies has received attention. Nevertheless, many students fail to improve on comprehension tasks despite strong reading abilities; many students also fail to benefit from strategy and piece-meal vocabulary training. These failures suggest that there are language-based operants that enable comprehension, and RFT provides a framework for inquiry to understand the kinds of languaging necessary. Precision Teaching, a measurement system and instructional technology, offers an approach focused on component-composite repertoires and provides a lens for discovery. This presentation will discuss the limitations of contemporary definitions of comprehension and research, and how integrating Precision Teaching and RFT can illuminate both the necessary and sufficient relational language foundations required for reading comprehension.

• How Curriculum Designers are Putting ‘The Purple Book’ to Work
Donny Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Staheli Meyer, Fit Learning, Reno

Comprehension of text is a foundational competency for success in any academic enterprise. The highly coveted ability to read has virtually no functional utility in the absence of comprehending. Luckily for teachers, most students acquire sufficient reading comprehension skills with little direct training. Our focus for the purposes of this presentation, however, is on those students who do not. The sub-set of students with severe comprehension deficits often present overarching language deficits that make common comprehension strategy training intractable, thereby compounding the problem. In the absence of well-established or widely available language enrichment curriculum, a small group of Precision Teachers has turned to Relational Frame Theory for help. Guided by the seminal 'Purple Book', this presentation will discuss and demonstrate a relational language curriculum designed to allay comprehension deficits in students with otherwise strong reading abilities. The goal of this presentation is to give a ground-level view of how RFT-based curriculum has been successfully implemented at Fit Learning in Reno, Nevada. Issues of measurement, instructional methods and prerequisites are discussed.

• Fresh Data and Discoveries: Relational Fluency, Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension.
Donny Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
Kendra Brooks Newsome, Ph.D., Fit Learning, Reno
J.J. Billet, Fit Learning, Reno
Staheli Meyer, Fit Learning, Reno

A student’s ability to comprehend what he/she reads is evidenced by effective action with respect to textual stimuli. Common tests of reading comprehension include questions about a reading passage that require the student to summarize and recall explicit details or infer new details beyond those explicitly provided. Although such assessments are a useful indicator of the student’s current comprehension repertoire, they do little to inform targeted interventions. In this data-based presentation, we will demonstrate how the treatment-utility of reading comprehension assessments may be improved via direct measurement of the component skills, such as isolated relational operants or phonemic decoding skills, involved in a broader reading comprehension repertoire. In short, direct observation of critical component skills allows for more efficient and effective interventions. Methods for component skill measurement and learning profile analysis are discussed. Both relational fluency and reading fluency are identified as critical for a functional reading repertoire.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe contemporary approaches to comprehension, factors influencing comprehension and a contextual behavior science approach to comprehension. 2. Describe how relational frame theory can inform instructional design for reading comprehension. 3. Describe the role that relational flexibility plays in reading comprehension.

 

126. Perspective Taking: A Conceptual Analysis and Applications
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: Theory & Philo., RFT, Perspective Taking, Deictic Relational Responding, Empathy
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: John O'Neill, M.A., BCBA, Southern Illinois University
Discussant: Timothy M. Weil, University of South Florida

Empathy is the capacity to recognize emotions experienced by another and is promoted by the ability to take the perspective of another person. Connecting with others and understanding their point-of-view is of vital importance in the context of the therapeutic environment. Conceptual analysis of the therapeutic relationship and recent research has informed the Flexible Connectedness Model. Perspective, as viewed from the functional contextual approach, emerges through deictic relational responding. Instructional protocols, exclusively limited to multiple exemplar training of deictic relations, have been developed in an attempt to target the basic underpinnings of perspective taking ability. In addition to the formal introduction of the Flexible Connectedness Model, we present preliminary data on an instructional perspective taking protocol for children with autism, as well as a profile of perspective taking in older adults.

• The Flexible Connectedness Model: A Contextual Behavioral Framework for Effective Human Interaction.
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno
Michael Levin, Ph.D, Utah State University

Human connection is an inherent part of contextual behavioral interventions such as ACT and FAP. Despite this, the process of connecting effectively with our clients has often not been articulated from a contextual behavioral perspective. We made such an attempt in our previous accounts of empathy (Vilardaga, 2009), the therapeutic relationship (Vilardaga & Hayes, 2011), social anhedonia (Vilardaga, Estevez, Levin and Hayes, 2012) and pathological altruism (Vilardaga & Hayes, 2012). The Flexible Connectedness Model has already shown itself to be a valuable research and applied tool for the analysis of the key features of effective human interaction; and it has clear implications for the analysis and remediation of social deficits in the clinic and in the culture. However, in this symposium we will provide the first formal introduction of this model, and we will present a summary of recent research from our labs and from independent investigators supporting its promise.

• Examining Deictic Relational Responding and Social Skills in Autism.
Samantha Broderick, B.A., University of South Florida
Timothy M. Weil, Ph.D., BCBA-D, University of South Florida

Perspective taking is a pivotal behavioral repertoire essential for social interaction and reciprocity, as well as a hallmark deficit of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mainstream cognitive developmental literature provides a mechanistic account of ASD known as Theory of Mind. Alternatively, researchers in Relational Frame Theory offer an account of perspective taking as involving deictic relational responding with respect to the self, place, and time. Studies in training deictic responding hold promising implications for individuals with ASD, but to this point have not demonstrated an effect on social interactions, more generally. This paper attempts to 1), present a conceptual/theoretical framework for understanding perspective taking as relational responding, and 2), discuss research examining the effects of multiple exemplar training of deictic frames on social interactions in children with ASD.

• A Profile of Perspective Taking in Older Adults
John O'Neill, M.A., BCBA, Southern Illinois University
Ruth Anne Rehfeldt, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Southern Illinois University

Recent findings suggest that older adults perform more poorly than younger adults on cognitive perspective taking tasks and those deficits may be significantly larger in magnitude as compared with matched control tasks. The evidence suggests that older adults may experience a decline in perspective taking ability over the years and that this particular facet may be measured and targeted for remediation independent of general cognitive functioning. We present preliminary data for a functional contextual profile of perspective taking in older adults with regards to deictic relational responding and suggest some implications for clinical practice.

Educational Objectives:
1. Provide the first formal introduction of the Flexible Connectedness Model and discuss current research supporting the model from our laboratories and from independent investigators. 2. Describe how the functional contextual account of perspective taking differs from previous accounts of perspective taking (i.e. ToM); discuss the conceptualized role of deictic framing in social interactions; implement a training protocol for improving perspective taking in children with high functioning autism. 3. Discuss the existing literature and explain the rationale for developing a profile of perspective taking in older adults. Apply this rationale to the development of an instructional protocol for this underserved population.

 

127. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion within University Settings: Application, Exploration, and Methodology
Symposium (2:45-4:15pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Case presentation
Categories: Edu. settings, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Meditation
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Matthew Williams, University of Mississippi
Discussant: Maureen Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas Pan American

In this symposium, we will explore ways in which processes relevant to the psychological flexibility model are or may be used within the university setting. Our first presenter will report on the results of on 8-week mindfulness mediation intervention for 7 college students diagnosed with ADHD. Our second presenter will show results from an exploratory moderation analysis on the relation between self-compassion and committed action (using the new Committed Action Questionnaire; McCracken, 2013). The final speaker will present single-subject regression models for student and faulty meditators in an examination of meditation in daily life. Attendees should benefit by learning about novel applications of meditation within academe and future directions for theory testing and methodology.

• Mindfulness for the Inattentive College Student Soul
Ethan G. Lester, University of North Texas
Daniel S. Steinberg, M.A., University of North Texas
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents a significant challenge to college students when concentration and attention skills are vital. These students report experiencing emotion dysregulation, depression, anxiety, and poor academic skills. Previous studies on mindfulness interventions for ADHD have demonstrated significant pre- to post-test improvements in self-reported ADHD symptoms and reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms (e.g., Zylowska et al. 2008). The present study, conducted with seven college students with ADHD, examined the impact of an 8-week mindfulness intervention on self-reported levels of mindfulness and symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and stress. Reliable Change Index scores were calculated; 4 of 7 participants had significant improvements in ADHD symptoms from pre-test to post-test assessment. In addition, several other significant changes were evident. Accordingly, mindfulness seems effective for treating college students dealing with ADHD-related difficulties. The limitations of this study and future directions for similar research will be discussed.

• Investigating the Relation Between Self-Compassion and Values-Based Action in a Sample of College Students
Emily Jacobson, B.A., University of Mississippi
Emmie Hebert, B.S., University of Mississippi
A. Solomon Kurz, M.A., University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Karen Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

One of the central aims of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy model is to increase patterns of values-consistent living—to help clients fully engage in behaviors that are consistent with things that matter to them. Those who are psychologically flexible tend to be more willing to engage in this type of valued living. There is also increasing evidence that self-compassion may be a useful construct for predicting healthy living and for targeting in therapeutic settings (Neff, Kirkpatrick, & Rude, 2007). The current study explored the extent to which psychological flexibility and self-compassion predict values-driven behavior in a sample of college students (N= 317). Results indicated that self-compassion significantly predicted committed action, and the relation was moderated by psychological flexibility (p=0.03). We will discuss the utility of self-compassion in predicting values-consistent behavior, and the potential usefulness of teaching self-compassionate behavior in clinical practice.

• Mindfulness Meditation: Daily Diary Methods and the Single Case
A. Solomon Kurz, M.A., University of Mississippi
Karen Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

Many group-based studies show mindfulness meditation can be beneficial for alleviating a variety of symptoms for a wide demographic of practitioners. Exciting as some of these data are, they are limited in that group analyses provide “average” results for” average” participants across standardized time periods (e.g., eight-week protocols). Largely missing from this literature are fine-grained idiographic examinations of what daily practice of mindfulness meditation looks like in terms of frequency, duration, and the influence of the practice on practitioner-specific variables. Using the dynamic-P technique (see Molenaar & Nesselroade, 2009), we will present a series of single case analyses of novice and experienced mindfulness meditation practitioners within the university setting. In addition to meditation frequency and duration, we will present variables such as mood, sleep, and social interactions. Analyses will include graphs and single-case regression-based models. We will include a brief discussion of methods as well.

Educational Objectives:
1. Explain mindfulness meditation for ADHD. 2. Discuss the benefits of self-compassion for committed action. 3. Describe the developments with daily diary methods for meditation research.

 

129. Cultural Consideration in Acceptance- and Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Functional and Contextual Approach to Sociocultural Diversity
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Cultural consideration
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Elk Lake

Chair: Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Discussant: Jennifer L. Villatte, Ph.D., NIMH Clinical Research Fellow, University of Washington

As acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions have been applied to a wide range of settings for diverse individuals in recent years, many have become interested in the cultural consideration and cultural adaptation of these interventions. Assembling four experts in cultural competence and diversity, the present symposium addresses some of the key diversity issues, such as whether cultural adaptation is necessary for these interventions when they are applied to individuals from particular sociocultural background, whether their essential concepts and processes, such as acceptance and values, are culturally biased, and how an acceptance- and mindfulness-based intervention is tailored clients from diverse sociocultural contexts. The first presenters are Drs. Drossel and McCausland, who will present cultural adaptation of acceptance and commitment therapy informed by a functional and contextual perspective. Subsequently, Dr. Amy Murrell and colleagues will address religion and spirituality as culturally relevant variables, using clinical examples. Finally, Drs. Fung and Scalcowho will explicate cultural adaptation of ACT for Portuguese-speaking immigrants and Asian clients in Toronto.

• Functional Fidelity and Cultural Competence
Claudia Drossel, Ph.D., University of Michigan Health System Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Division of Rehabilitation Psychology & Neuropsychology
Claudia McCausland, Ph.D., Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center

To promote the culturally competent implementation of treatments grounded in contextual behavioral science across sociocultural and linguistic contexts, we will contrast topographical and functional treatment fidelity, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as an example. We briefly will describe the functions of ACT elements and show how their effective replication asks therapists to let go of the topographical agenda, in which manual-based metaphors and exercises are expected to produce predefined outcomes. Functional fidelity relies on an ideographic approach, inherent to contextual behavioral science, that emphasizes genuine interest in and adoption of the client’s frame of reference. We will illustrate functional fidelity and show its inextricable link with cultural competence.

• Religious and Spiritual Concerns in Acceptance- and Mindfulness- Based Intervention
Amy R. Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas
Jonathan E. Schmalz, University of North Texas
Aditi Sinha, University of North Texas

As acceptance- and mindfulness-based treatments become increasingly utilized in varied clinical settings, it is important to consider the applicability of these models with diverse client groups. In this talk, the presenter will address religion and spirituality as culturally relevant variables, using clinical examples. The similarities between acceptance- and mindfulness-based psychotherapy and religious and spiritual traditions will also be covered. Finally, I will discuss how to handle difficulties within a functional framework, particularly focusing on ACT, when working with clients who are struggling with religious and/or spiritual issues. In this discussion, data on the development of a measure of flexible religion and spirituality and how to use it for therapeutic assessment will be briefly presented.

• Cultural competent use of ACT in Asian communities and Portuguese-speaking immigrant communities
Kenneth Fung, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
Monica Z. Scalco, Toronto Western Hospital

There is considerable evidence that culture and context influence every aspect of the diagnostic and treatment process, and that language-concordant and culturally competent treatments are more effective than usual care for ethnocultural groups. Additionally, there is growing interest in developing culturally adapted psychotherapies to better meet the needs of immigrants and individuals from diverse sociocutlrual backgrounds. The paper discuss cultural adaptations of ACT and mental health care in general for Portuguese-speaking immigrants and Asian communities in Toronto, considering the cultural values, communication styles, and the socioeconomic and historical context. Dr. Fung will present a cultural competence framework and examine ACT from this perspective, using clinical examples of ACT with several different Asian communities. Dr. Scalco will present and discuss results from an ACT/CBT group at the Portuguese Mental Health and Addictions Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital.

Educational Objectives:
1. Understand functional fidelity in cultural adaption of acceptance and commitment therapy. 2. Discuss at least one way in which religion and spirituality can be functionally addressed in treatment. 3. Describe cultural adaptations to effectively use ACT for Portuguese-speaking immigrants and Asians.

 

130. Impulsive Decision Making: Connecting Behavioral Economics and Contextual Behavior Science
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Literature review, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Theory & Philo., Impulsivity, Mindfulness, Acceptance
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Crystal Lake

Chair: Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Discussant: John T. Blackledge, Ph.D., Morehead State University

A robust set of literature has focused on an aspect of impulsive decision making in the field of behavioral economics with human and nonhuman models, referred to as delay discounting. This is the tendency to choose smaller rewards that are more immediate over larger rewards that are more delayed. Higher rates of delay discounting (i.e. more often choosing smaller immediate rewards over larger more distal rewards) is related to various impulsive behaviors: obesity, problematic pornography viewing, problematic gambling, and most prominently substance use. It is indicative of future substance use, relapse, and treatment outcomes. There has been less research on methods to shift discounting rates in order to change the related problem behaviors. This symposium will provide an easy to understand introduction to delay discounting, its relevance to the CBS community, data on its relation with experiential avoidance, and outcomes from both a mindful eating intervention and an acceptance-based intervention targeting delay discounting.

• Understanding the Behavioral Processes Underlying Acceptance and Mindfulness: The Example of Discounting
Thomas J. Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

Life is a series of choices. All other things being equal, organisms tend to choose larger over smaller outcomes. However, “all other things being equal” is seldom the case. Choices typically involve dilemmas: do you order pizza or make a healthy meal? Do you have an uncomfortable conversation with a significant other to repair your relationship, or do you quietly avoid interaction? In both examples a larger outcome (e.g., health, an improved relationship) may be forgone for relatively smaller outcomes that involve greater immediacy, less uncertainty, and less effort. The experimental analysis of this type of choice behavior is a branch of behavioral economics called discounting. This presentation will provide an introduction to discounting and its relevance to “middle level” constructs in ACT such as acceptance, defusion, and mindfulness. In addition to a historical and conceptual overview, data on the relationship between discounting and the AAQ will be presented. Educational Objective: Participants will be able to describe the functional relationships characterized by discounting and apply this analysis to therapeutic situations.

• Effects of Mindful Eating Training on Food and Money Discounting in Obese and Healthy-Weight Adults
Kelsie L. Hendrickson, M.S., Idaho State University
Erin B. Rasmussen, Ph.D., Idaho State University

The present study examined the effects of a mindful eating behavioral strategy on delay and probability discounting patterns for hypothetical food and money. In Session 1, 102 undergraduate participants (n = 73 female) completed computerized delay and probability discounting tasks for food-related and monetary outcomes, along with several self-report questionnaires. In Session 2, they were assigned to participate in a 50-minute workshop on mindful eating or to watch an educational video, and then completed the discounting tasks again. Individuals who participated in the mindful eating session discounted food-related outcomes less steeply compared to their baseline rates, suggesting a more self-controlled and less risk averse pattern of responding after the training. Those in the control condition exhibited discounting patterns that were similar to baseline. There were no changes in discounting for money for either group, suggesting stimulus specificity for the mindful eating condition. This study is the first to show that mindfulness can affect discounting patterns, at least temporarily, for food in a laboratory setting. Educational Objective: To learn about the effect of a mindful eating intervention on delay discounting.

• Altering Impulsive Decision Making with an Acceptance-Based Procedure
Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Gregory J. Madden, Ph.D., Utah State University
Amy L. Odum, Ph.D., Utah State University
Jonathan E. Friedel, M.S., Utah State University
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

To the extent that steep delay discounting underlies clinical disorders, it would be advantageous to find psychosocial avenues for reducing delay discounting. Acceptance-based interventions may prove useful as they may help to decrease the distress that arises while waiting for a delayed outcome. The current study was conducted to determine if a 60-90 minute acceptance-based training would change delay discounting rates among 30 undergraduate university students in comparison to a waitlist control. Measures given at pre- and post-training included a hypothetical monetary- delay discounting task, the AAQ-II, and the Distress Tolerance Scale. Those assigned to the Treatment group decreased their discounting of delayed money, but not distress intolerance or psychological inflexibility when compared to the Waitlist Control group. After the waiting period, the control group received the intervention. Combining all participants’ pre- to post-treatment data, the acceptance-based treatment significantly decreased discounting of monetary rewards and increased distress tolerance. The difference in AAQ-II approached significance. Acceptance-based treatments may be a worthwhile option for decreasing delay discounting rates and, consequently, affecting the choices that underlie addiction and other problematic behaviors. Educational objective: To conceptualize delay discounting as an underlying construct of decision making and seeing the utility of altering it with an acceptance-based intervention.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the concept of delay discounting. 2. Explain the relevance of delay discounting in the CBS community. 3. Discuss the current research regarding CBS interventions for delay discounting.

 

132. Digging Deep into Relational Frame Theory
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: RFT, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Related FC approaches, RFT, Experimental research findings, False Memories (DRIFT paradigm), Thought Suppression
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Timothy R. Ritzert, B. A., University at Albany
Discussant: Patricia Bach, Ph.D., University of Central Florida

Several studies regarding Relational Frame Theory (RFT) will be discussed. The studies focused on various aspects of RFT including: Transformation of stimulus functions, unidirectional versus bidirectional framing, The Derived Relational Intrusions Following Training (DRIFT), and derived opposite relations. The panel participants were the investigators for the research discussed, and will share their findings and engage in a discussion.

• Derived transformation of functions through hierarchical relational networks: Uni-directional or Bi-directional?
Christopher Wilson, Ph.D., Teesside University
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D, NUI Maynooth

The process of transformation of stimulus functions as been examined extensively in the RFT literature. However, it is only recently that studies have been conducted to examine transformation of functions through hierarchical relations such as containment and belongingness. The few studies to date that have examined this process have found some evidence to support that transformation of stimulus functions does indeed take place in this context. However, some studies have found resultant patterns of framing to be unidirectional (properties transfer only from higher- to lower-order class members), while others have found bi-directional responding (properties transfer either from higher- to lower-order or from lower- to higher-order class members) in nature. The current talk outlines a series of experiments which aimed to examine this process. The results show distinct patterns of bi-directional responding from some participants and unidirectional responding from others. We discuss why this might have occurred.

• An experimental analysis of matching-to-sample and respondent-type training as methods for producing False Memory phenomena.
Luis Jorge Ruiz Sánchez, Universidad de Almería
Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., Universidad de Almería
Paul Guinther, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy
Adrián Barbero Rubio, Universidad de Almería

The Derived Relational Intrusions Following Training (DRIFT) paradigm has shown to be an effective procedure to demonstrate the effect of MTS training on False memory phenomena while permitting an exploratory analysis of semantic versus associative (co-occurrence) effects (Guinther & Dougher, 2010). However, this study does not rule out the possibility that stimulus co-occurrence can influence semantic relatedness, associative strength or false memory phenomena. In fact, verbally competent adults can form equivalence relations with respondents-type procedures. The present experiment pretends: a) to explore the influence of co-occurrence effect on the formation of semantic relations and false recalls using a type-respondent training, and b) compare the effectiveness of respondent-type training versus MTS training in formation of false recall. The role of co-occurrence in the formation of false memories and the importance of instructions on subject’s performance are discussed.

• Derived thought suppression: Extending the paradigm
Ian Stewart, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
Nic Hooper, University of Warwick, United Kingdom
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Previous research has demonstrated transfer of thought suppression via equivalence. This study investigated this effect with opposition relations. In Experiment 1 participants were trained and tested for two five-member same and opposite networks. They then had to suppress a target word, from one of the networks, while a number of words appeared on-screen quasi-randomly including the target, and words either in the same (target) or a different (non-target) network. Participants could remove any word by pressing the spacebar. Findings showed more frequent and faster removal of the target than other words, of trained than derived words and of target network words than others. Experiment 2 produced a similar pattern in a network of predominantly ‘opposite’ relations. In both experiments, derived opposite relations produced transfer rather than transformation of suppression functions. Experiment 3 showed this pattern too but also showed that in a non-suppression function context, transformation of functions was displayed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe transformation of functions through relational networks and explain some of its applications. 2. Critically discuss the challenges of examining this process empirically. Explore the influence of co-occurrence effect on the formation of semantic relations and false recalls using a type-respondent training; compare the effectiveness of respondent-type training versus MTS training in formation of false recall. 3. List RFT studies that have shown derived thought suppression and describe the latest RFT research on thought suppression, which has shown transfer of thought suppression functions through opposition relations, while showing transformation in a non-suppression context.

 

133. Contextual Behavioral Science at Work
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Org. Beh. Management, Performance-enhancing interventions, Perspective taking
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Louise McHugh, University College Dublin
Discussant: Daniel J. Moran, Quality Safety Edge

The concept of psychological flexibility emphasizes the need for flexible and varied behaviors (both private and public) that promote effective action in relation to one’s values. Likewise, organizational theorists have long emphasized the importance of flexible organizations, and their ability to adapt across dimensions such as time, range, intention and focus. Very few, however, have discussed the importance of handling, or, indeed, even acknowledging, discomfort in relation to pursuing the aims of an organization. The current symposium comprises of three papers the unifying concern of which is ACT in the workplace. Paper 1 describes how we can scale up the concept of psychological flexibility to the organizational level, thus, producing a contextual behavioral science-informed guide to creating flexible and successful organizations (and employees). Paper 2 is an empirical investigation of the impact of ACT on new graduate law students exit employability. Finally, paper 3 will look present findings from research on the effect of ACT on charismatic behavior in entry level employees in multinational corporations. Taken together the papers provide support for the utility of applying basic knowledge from Contextual Behavioral Science in the workplace.

• Open, Aware and Active: Designing the flexible organisation
Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London

The concept of psychological flexibility emphasises the need for flexible and varied behaviours (both private and public) that promote effective action in relation to one’s values. Likewise, organisational theorists have long emphasised the importance of flexible organisations, and their ability to adapt across dimensions such as time, range, intention and focus. Very few, however, have discussed the importance of handling, or, indeed, even acknowledging, discomfort in relation to pursuing the aims of an organisation. This paper describes how we can scale up the concept of psychological flexibility to the organisational level, thus, producing a contextual behavioural science-informed guide to creating flexible and successful organisations (and employees).

• An empirical investigation of the impact of ACT on new graduate employability
Jonathan Dowling, University College Dublin
Frank Bond, Goldsmith, University College
Aisling Curtin, ACT Now Ireland
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

Exit employability is the capacity to gain and retain formal employment, or find new employment upon graduation. Research has shown that both economic and psychological factors impact on exit employability. Charisma is one such factor. Charisma is defined as exceptional interpersonal skill that enables someone to inspire others and rapidly engender a deep, magnetic sense of rapport. Recent studies have attempted to enhance charisma through modelling the behaviors of charismatic leaders. This approach is referred to as Charismatic Leadership Tactics Training (CLTT). However, charisma gains from CLTT have been significant but limited relative to controls. One reason for this might be that there are interpersonal skills needed as precursors to charismatic skills. Charismatic interpersonal interaction involves complex psychological processes, such as perspective taking and emotional regulation that difficult thoughts and feelings can easily undermine. Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) offers tools that can help leaders navigate those difficult thoughts and emotions so that they can effectively deploy CLTT skills. The Interpersonal impACT project aimed to combine techniques from CCLT and ACT to develop an optimal charisma training package. The current paper presents pilot data on the impact of ACT with undergraduate law students in terms of their exit employability to the big five law firms in Ireland. UG law students were randomly assigned to either an ACT group or a no ACT skills training group. Significantly more UG stuents from the former package were placed in the big five law firms. ACT related gains in general well being also emerged.

• The effect of ACT on charismatic behaviour in entry level employees
Jonathan Dowling, University College Dublin
Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London
Aisling Curtin, Act Now Ireland
Louise McHugh, University College Dublin

Charisma is broadly defined as exceptional interpersonal skill that enables someone to inspire others and rapidly engender a deep, magnetic sense of rapport. Research has identified charisma as a crucial interpersonal competency involved in organisational leadership. Recent studies have attempted to enhance charisma in employees through modelling the behaviours of charismatic leaders. This approach is referred to as Charismatic Leadership Tactics Training (CLTT). However, charisma gains from CLTT have been significant but limited gains relative to controls. One reason for this might be that there are interpersonal skills needed as precursors to charismatic skills. Charismatic interpersonal interaction involves complex psychological processes, such as perspective taking and emotional regulation that difficult thoughts and feelings can easily undermine. Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) offers tools that can help leaders navigate those difficult thoughts and emotions so that they can effectively deploy CLTT skills. The Interpersonal impACT project aimed to combine techniques from CCLT and ACT to develop an optimal charisma training package. The present study involved rolling out the interpersonal impACT intervention with entry level employees in order to determine whether the combined training demonstrated high ecological validity by enhancing charisma in organisational populations. Preliminary data analysis suggests increases in charisma, interpersonal communication and job satisfaction for the ACT group from pre intervention to three month follow up.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the role and significance of CBS to Organizational Psychology. 2. Learn about new data on ACT and employability of undergraduate students. 3. Learn about new data on the impact of ACT on charisma training.

 

134. Relevance of ACT Processes in Promoting Health Behaviors: Assessment and Intervention
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Original data
Categories: Beh. med., Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Theory & Philo., Health behaviors, physical activity, weight
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Robert D. Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University
Discussant: Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Brown Alpert Medical School

Among the greatest challenges to the survival and flourishing of the human species are our poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, inadequate sleep, and steadily increasing rates of obesity and weight-related illness. Despite the well-documented physiological and psychological harm caused by these problems, most of us struggle to engage in the healthy behaviors that would prevent or even alleviate our most prevalent and taxing ailments. This collection of presentations seeks to explain the role of processes related to psychological flexibility (e.g., experiential avoidance, defusion, etc.) in health behaviors and weight status. The foci are assessment and description of ACT processes among those with healthy and unhealthy lifestyles, as well as interventions to influence those processes and promote health behaviors. The potential for translation of this work into systems-level intervention and public health initiatives is also discussed.

• Accepting, believing, and striving: Identifying the distinctive psychological flexibility profiles of underweight, overweight, and obese people in a large American sample
Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Baljinder Sahdra, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Sarah Marshall, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Philip Parker, Ph.D., Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University
Caroline Horwath, Ph.D., University of Otago

Psychological flexibility interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy have been shown to be beneficial for weight management. Flexibility is often treated as a single, global construct, but it can also be described in terms of interrelated subcomponents (e.g., avoidance, awareness, values). Are some subcomponents of flexibility of greater relevance to weight-related issues than others? We utilized a planned missing data design to administer a large survey to a nationally representative sample of Americans (N = 7884; 3748 males, 4136 females; Age: M = 47.9, SD = 16), and assessed weight status, and global psychological flexibility and its lower order components, including experiential acceptance, emotional awareness, believability of unhelpful thoughts (“fusion”), authentic valuing, and committed action. Profile analyses revealed underweight men show a "defensive but active" pattern, expressing high avoidance on multiple dimensions, high levels of fusion, but also showing high hope and willingness to experience distress when pursuing goals. Overweight men experienced deficits in emotional awareness, but showed no other sign of inflexibility. Amongst women, elements of inflexibility occurred most prominently in the severe obesity category, where there were elevated levels of procrastination and decreases in distress endurance, and diminished levels of self-esteem, hope, and progress in achieving goals. Content analyses of personal strivings indicated that underweight men and women pursued goals focused on making a favourable impression on others, whereas overweight participants pursued goals focused on avoiding something aversive. We conclude that psychological flexibility should not be treated as a unitary construct, and make specific suggestions for future longitudinal and intervention research.

• Development and Validation of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Exercise
Sarah Staats, M. A., Wichita State University

Many obstacles may stand in the way of engaging in recommended levels of physical activity and thus function as health risks. One ostensible psychological barrier to exercise is experiential avoidance (EA). The purpose of this project was to develop and subsequently evaluate the psychometric properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Exercise (AAQ-Ex) as a self-report inventory for assessing EA related to physical activity. A series of six studies suggested that the AAQ-Ex is a unidimensional measure that possesses adequate internal and test-retest reliability. Significant relationships with self-reported physical activity frequency provided preliminary support of the questionnaire’s convergent validity; however, it was not as predictive of criterion behavior that was objectively measured. Expected moderate correlations between the AAQ-Ex and measures of global EA, general life satisfaction, body image-related EA, distress tolerance, anxiety sensitivity, neuroticism, and social desirability suggest that the instrument demonstrates sufficient discriminant validity. Preliminary outcomes from a 4-week ACT intervention to promote physical activity within a medically-supervised weight loss program are discussed, and the role of EA as a mediator of health behavior change will also be summarized.

• Building Wellbeing in Diverse Populations: An Examination of ACT for Healthy Living in a Hispanic Sample
Maureen K. Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas – Pan American
Olga Berkout, M.A., University of Mississippi

A growing body of literature demonstrates that ACT interventions have been beneficial for weight loss and behaviors related to healthy living (e.g., Forman, Butryn, Hoffman, & Herbert, 2009; Goodwin, Forman, Herbert, Butryn, & Ledley, 2012). To date, there are no published studies examining ACT’s effectiveness in this area using a Hispanic sample. Mexican Americans (40.4%) and Hispanics (39.1%) have higher obesity rates compared with non-Hispanic whites (34.3%; Flegal, Carroll, Kit, & Ogden, 2012). This study aimed to contribute to literature by examining the effectiveness of a brief, online ACT-based writing intervention aimed at promoting healthy living related behaviors (i.e., physical activity, eating, and sleep) in a Hispanic sample. Hispanic undergraduates were randomized to receive ACT or a control condition. Participants in the ACT condition completed values, defusion, and committed action writing exercises. Sleep, physical activity, eating behavior, body image satisfaction, and life satisfaction were assessed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the psychological flexibility correlates of different weight categories/sub-populations and identify different ACT interventions for those sub-populations. 2. Assess levels of exercise-related experiential avoidance and explain its role in impeding physical activity. 3. Increase knowledge and understanding of an ACT intervention for healthy living behaviors in a Hispanic sample.

 

135. What's Old is New: Using Matching to Sample Paradigms to Explore Psychological Flexibility
Symposium (4:30-5:45pm)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: RFT, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Match to Sample, Measurement
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Trinity Isaac, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Discussant: Jonathan Tarbox, Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

This symposium highlights innovative measurement strategies of core ACT processes. Through a Relational Frame Theory (RFT) lens, the studies attempt to assess the degree to which relational responding is sensitive to various changes in context. The first talk investigates an assumption underlying RFT pertaining to the reinforcing function of coherence, or “making sense.” The remaining talks describe the use of computer-based behavioral tasks designed to measure aspects of psychological flexibility. More specifically, the second presentation discusses the use of a computerized task in detecting cognitive fusion with stimuli related to the self. The third presentation describes the development of a computer-based protocol designed to measure flexible responding in the presence of aversive and appetitive stimuli. Implications for future research will be discussed with an emphasis on further development of behavioral measures of core ACT processes.

• Investigating the Reinforcing Properties of Coherence
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Sean Hughes, National University of Ireland Maynooth
Karen Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

For several decades now, Relational Frame Theory (RFT) has unlocked important new insights into a host of complex human behaviors. This account operates from the position that derived stimulus relating is the functional ‘building block’ from which language and cognition spring forth. One of the core assumptions of RFT is that people relate stimuli in ways that “make sense” and that this coherence is (a) an essential component of relating and (b) comes to function as a reinforcer for relational responding in general (Quinones & Hayes, 2014; Wray, Dougher, Hamilton, & Guinther, 2012). The current talk will highlight several recent studies that were designed to assess the relative reinforcing properties of relational coherence. Preliminary findings reveal that coherence functions as a reinforcer for most participants as expected (although a number of key questions remain). We close the talk with a discussion of the basic and applied implications of our findings.

• Fusion with self-referential stimuli: Examining a behavioral measure
Lindsay W. Schnetzer, University of Mississippi
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Karen Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi
Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

Defusion exercises are designed to disrupt literal interpretation of thoughts so that behavior is more sensitive to direct interaction with one’s environment. Thoughts about oneself, when taken literally, can have a particularly strong influence on behavior. Research has shown decreases in self-reported believability of self-referential stimuli after engaging in defusion exercises. Although demonstrating self-reported changes in believability is an important step in examining defusion interventions, it is worthwhile to develop a behavioral marker that can detect sensitivity to contingencies. Performance on the Matching to Sample (MTS) task can demonstrate whether relating stimuli is disrupted by one’s learning history, making it a potentially useful tool for assessing cognitive fusion. The aim of the current study was to experimentally manipulate the degree to which self-referential stimuli exert control over MTS performance. Results offer preliminary support for using the MTS procedure in this context.

• Seeing is Believing: Behavioral Measure of Psychological Flexibility
Jessica Auzenne, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Gina Quebedeaux Boullion, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emmie Hebert, University of Mississippi
Shelley Greene, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Emily Kennison Sandoz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The ability to engage in behaviors in service of one’s chosen values in the presence of the accompanying private experiences, or psychological flexibility, is central to psychological health (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010). Clinically, the ability to accurately assess this construct becomes important. To date, the only way to determine the status of a person’s psychological flexibility is with self-report measures. However, self-report measures are limited in their ability to always accurately reflect behavior of an individual. This paper will explore a developing computer-based behavioral measure of psychological flexibility based on RFT along with data as to its current validity and utility.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the development of and preliminary findings from a task that assesses the relative reinforcing strength of coherence. 2. Describe the development and utility of a behavioral measure designed to detect fusion with self-referential labels. 3. Describe the conceptualization and testing of a new behavioral measure of psychological flexibility, along with its validity and utility.

Sunday, June 22

141. ACTing with Technology: Theory and Practice
Symposium (9:00-10:15am)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Didactic presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Performance-enhancing interventions, Mobile Technology, eHealth, Context-intervention
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Crystal Lake

Chair: Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada
Discussant: Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D., University of Western Sydney

Implementing mobile technology in mental health services, using contextual behavioral principles, can serve large groups of people and has the potential to bring about large scale beneficial mental health effects in the population. It is important to understand the possibilities of mobile technology, and how it can be used in treating patients in their natural environments. The theoretical, methodological and analytic implications of these mobile tools will be discussed. Then the focus will be shifted on the practice of ACTing with technology, starting with a technological-enhanced defusion task. Some applications will be described, and the immediate effects of nontechnology and technology-enhanced defusion tasks will be evaluated. Next, a mobile ACT-intervention will be presented, which can help subjects to train with ACT in their natural environment and learn to integrate ACT into their daily lives. The feasibility and effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated, and future developments will be discussed.

• The promise of mobile technologies and single case designs for the study of individuals in their natural environment.
Roger Vilardaga, Ph.D., University of Washington
Jonathan Bricker, Ph.D., Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Michael McDonell, Ph.D., University of Washington

Mobile technologies are growing rapidly around the world to broad demographics of society (Smith, 2012). These technologies hold great promise for their integration with Single Case Designs (SCDs) and the study of individuals in their natural environment. This paper discusses the theoretical, methodological and analytic implications of these tools for the advancement of the contextual behavioral etiology of behavioral disorders, and their remediation. We hope this paper will highlight the scientific advantages of combining mobile technologies and SCDs and encourage their adoption among CBS scientists.

• Using mobile technology to test the immediate effect of cognitive defusion in a clinical sample.
Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Brandon A. Gaudiano, Ph.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Lia Rosenstein, B.A., Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Emily Walsh, B.A, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Mark Zimmerman, M.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Prior studies on cognitive defusion have found that defusion tasks (e.g., vocal repetition) result in greater reductions in distress and believability towards negative self-referential thoughts relative to thought control or distraction tasks (e.g., Masuda et al., 2009; 2010). This effect also appears in participants with elevated symptoms of depression (Masuda et al., 2010), but few studies have been conducted within clinical samples. Moreover, no known studies have examined the use of mobile technology to enhance the defusion effect; for example, apps exist that electronically alter the voice (e.g., to sound like helium), which may facilitate additional defusion effects. The aim of this study was to test the immediate effects of nontechnology and technology-enhanced defusion tasks compared to a thought distraction task on self-referential negative thoughts in a sample of individuals diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Fifty-eight participants have completed the study thus far, with data collection ongoing. Results, limitations, and implications of the findings will be discussed.

• Mobile technology fostering ACT-practice in daily life.
Tim Batink, Ph.D. Cand., Maastricht University
Marieke Wichers, Ph.D., Maastricht University
Inez Myin-Germeys, Ph.D., Maastricht University
Jim van Os, M.D. Ph.D., Maastricht University

ACT teaches us to deal with our experiences in the present moment, in such a way that we can behave according to our values (Hayes et al, 1999). However, clients do have to get out of their lives and into our therapy-office to learn to work with ACT. Mobile technology can help clients to directly apply beneficial techniques in their natural environment (Heron & Smyth, 2010) and learn to integrate ACT into their daily lives. In this exploratory study, we are examining the feasibility and effectiveness of a mobile ACT-intervention combined with experience sampling (a structured diary method) in a clinical-sample from a mental health center (over 80 participants). The mobile intervention, delivered by the PsyMate (PDA), will be described and preliminary but promising results will be presented. We will conclude with future plans and applications.

Educational Objectives:
1. Provide an overview of recent methodological developments in the analysis of single case design data and their synergy with mobile technology and describe the significance of these methods for contextual behavioral scientists. 2. Describe the effect of a technology-enhanced defusion task on negative self-referential thoughts compared to a nontechnology-based defusion task and thought distraction task. 3. Apply mobile technology in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, describing feasibility and effectiveness.

 

145. Building Within our World: The Influence Psychological Flexibility has on Well-Being in the Community
Symposium (9:00-10:15am)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Prevention & Comm.-Based, Clin. Interven. & Interests, Community
Target Audience: Beg.
Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Shiloh Eastin, University Louisiana at Lafayette

Out in the world, we have the ability to observe how individual’s abilities to adjust to the world around them either help or hinder positive movements in their life. One way to describe an individual’s level of adjustment is in terms of psychological flexibility or the ability to allow painful thoughts and feelings to be present in daily life experience without adverse effects on daily functioning. Flexibility has implications not only for individual well-being, however. Psychological flexibility as individual adjustment has broad reaching implications at the level of the community. The papers in this symposium will explore the impact psychological flexibility has on community well-being. The first paper will examine how psychological flexibility influences bystander efficacy and rape-myth acceptance on a college campus. The second paper investigates a community in the aftermath of a tragedy, looking at the effect different methods of coping have on individual functioning. The third paper considers inflexibility among the previously incarcerated and evaluates inflexibility as a predictor of criminal recidivism. The discussion on this symposium will explore how interventions focusing on psychological flexibility may play a role in the improvement and development of community programs.

• A new perspective: Psychological Flexibility, Attitudes About Sexual Violence, and Bystander Behaviors
Shiloh Eastin, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Audra Jensen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Amy Brown, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Recently society has begun to take greater action both in spreading awareness and attempting to prevent violence against women. Sexually assaulted women, in particular stand to benefit from heightened awareness within communities of sexual violence as an issue as sexual violence often is the least discussed. Although awareness of sexual violence has increased significantly over the past years, prevention of sexual violence has not seen a corresponding decrease in occurrence. Recently, colleges have been attempting to educate and empower bystanders to confront the problem of sexual violence. Interventions aimed at bystanders benefit from a larger audience and fewer psychological barriers than interventions aimed at potential perpetrators and victims. Although these programs have promising results, there is limited research in the area. Psychological flexibility, or the ability to notice and respond to constant changes in experience with consistent, effective action towards chosen values, is one variable that has not previously been examined in conjunction with bystander attitudes or behaviors. Students at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette completed a series of questionnaires that assessed the participants’ psychological flexibility, rape myth acceptance, and bystander efficacy over a period of four weeks. Preliminary results suggest that flexibility may have an important role in bystander intervention. The relationships among psychological flexibility, rape myth acceptance, reactions to a hypothetical rape victim, and bystander intervention will be discussed.

• Find Mickey: The Impact of Community Tragedy on Valued and Avoidant Behaviors
Owen Rachal, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Gina Q Boullion, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Michelle Jeanis, M.S., University of South Florida
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Over two thousand Americans are reported missing every day. There are currently over 100,000 active missing persons in the United States. Each of these individuals is connected to not only family and friends, but an entire community that stands to be impacted by their disappearance. Currently communities are blind on how to deal with such tragedies in ways that facilitate well-being, strengthen the community, and provide support for family and friends. This study aims to clarify how a community tragedy impacts individual well-being, and how different ways of coping with tragedy might differ in effectiveness. Participants completed a series of questionnaires online that assessed their psychological flexibility, health and well-being, and the impact of the recent missing person tragedy on their lives and behaviors. The impact of the missing person’s case on the individuals of the community of Lafayette, Louisiana will be discussed in this study.

• Straying from the Straight and Narrow: Psychological Inflexibility and Recidivism among Criminal Offenders
Trinity Isaac, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Russell Anderson, University of Louisiana at lafayette
Madison Gamble, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Michelle Jeanis, M.S., University of South Florida
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at lafayette

Those recently released from incarceration face various difficulties, including trouble finding jobs and being alienated or ostracized by the community. This limits the ability of past offenders to assimilate back into everyday life, and thus, increases chances of reoffending. Psychological flexibility focused models have been shown to be successful in alleviating numerous adverse behaviors and may offer a means of conceptualizing and intervening criminal recidivism, or reoffending, a primary target in correctional settings. The purpose of the current study is to provide an analysis of psychological inflexibility among those who criminally reoffend and psychological flexibility as a predictor of recidivism over a six-month period at the Lafayette Parish Community Corrections facility in Lafayette, Louisiana. Participants who were recently released from incarceration completed a demographic questionnaire and three separate questionnaires measuring psychological inflexibility, cognitive fusion, and likelihood of recidivism. Limitations and implications for further research and application will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe how improvements in psychological flexibility can impact community well-being. 2. Explain the effects of community-wide tragedy on individual functioning. 3. Assess the usefulness and limitations of EMAs (Ecological Momentary Assessments).

 

148. Recent Research on Applications of RFT to Teaching Perspective Taking to Children with Autism
Symposium (9:00-10:15am)
Components: Original data
Categories: RFT, Clin. Interven. & Interests, autism, children
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Spring Park Bay

Chair: Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Discussant: Emily Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Perspective taking is a socially critical repertoire of behavior, which impacts academic, social, and familial functioning in a variety of ways. Ample research has demonstrated deficits in perspective taking in children with autism, but little previous research has been published on treatments that remediate those deficits. This symposium consists of three RFT-based experiments that taught core perspective taking skills to children with autism. The symposium concludes with a discussion by Dr. Emily Sandoz.

• Improving perspective-taking repertoires in children with high-functioning autism: An RFT-based approach
Thomas G. Szabo, Ph.D., Easter Seals Southern California
Lisa Stedman-Falls, California State University at Northridge
Ashley Jensen, California State University at Northridge
Ellie Kazemi, California State University at Northridge

Perspective-taking is a requisite skill used for understanding the intentions, thoughts, and feelings of others, and it is a widely recognized deficit in children with autism. Until recently, behavior analysts have not directly addressed this deficit. In this study, we combine three behavioral teaching techniques to improve perspective taking in children with high functioning autism. Specifically, multiple exemplar training, direct instruction, and precision teaching are combined to improve emotion recognition and deictic framing repertoires. We measured performance progress in analogue environments, and then measured performance in real world settings. Using a concurrent multiple probe design across participants, this composite training procedure evaluated children’s behavior in both training and naturalistic settings. Results and future research directions will be presented.

• Using RFT to Train Complex Emotion Recognition Skills
Kerry C. Whiteman, M.A., University of Mississippi
Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi
Michael Bordieri, University of Mississippi Medical Center

This study explored a new behavioral intervention based on relational frame theory for training emotion recognition skills in children on the autism spectrum. Previous research on emotion recognition interventions for this population has demonstrated limited generalization of trained skills to novel emotion stimuli. The application of relational frame theory to interventions has been shown to be an efficient and effective way of producing generalized behaviors in both typically developing and developmentally delayed populations. Using a concurrent multiple probe design across participants, this study investigated whether the incorporation of derived relational responding into emotion recognition training for children on the autism spectrum can address some of the limitations of other approaches. Results of the training will be presented, and implications for future development in this area will be explored.

• Establishing a Generalized Repertoire of Predicting the Cause of Others’ Emotions
Angela Persicke, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Jonathan Tarbox, Ph.D., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Megan St. Clair, M.A., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group
Adel Najdowski, Ph.D., Center for Autism and Related Disorders; Autism Research Group

Numerous studies on perspective taking have suggested that children with autism are distinctively deficit in understanding that others’ perspectives are different from their own. These studies often suggest that children with autism may be unable to learn to take another’s perspective, but current research in the field of applied behavior analysis suggests otherwise. The current study evaluated a behavioral teaching procedure in one area of perspective taking: inferring and predicting others’ emotions based on met or unmet desires. The procedure included a multicomponent training package using multiple exemplar training across scenarios in which three children with autism were asked to predict how others may feel given a met or unmet desire or non-desire and why others may feel this way. Results were analyzed using a multiple baseline across participants design and suggest that the multiple exemplar training package was effective for teaching the prediction of others’ desire-based emotions and generalization was observed across novel exemplars, people, and settings.

Educational Objectives:
1. Identify two currently suspected component skills of a perspective-taking repertoire and will be able to describe the results of a three-part intervention designed to improve social perspective-taking in children with autism. 2. Describe the preliminary findings from an RFT-based task designed to train complex emotion recognition. 3. Describe RFT-based procedures and results of a multicomponent treatment protocol for teaching the prediction and cause of others’ emotions based on met or unmet desires.

 

149. There's No I on the Road to Graduate School: The Development and Implementation of Undergraduate Research Labs in Contextual Behavioral Science
Symposium (9:00-10:15am)
Components: Conceptual analysis
Categories: Prof. Dev., Edu. settings, Superv., Train. & Dissem., Undergraduate
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Jade Genga, University of Mississippi
Discussant: Lindsay Martin, M.A., Drexel University

Undergraduate psychology students who are involved in activities outside their classes, such as being a teacher’s assistant or working on research with a professor, report high academic related satisfaction and academic achievement (e.g. Astin, 1993; Strapp & Farr, 2010). This symposium will discuss efforts made by three universities to get undergraduates involved in Contextual Behavioral Science research. The first presentation will include the establishment and future directions of a new undergraduate research lab from the University of Texas Pan American. The second presentation will discuss the workings of a combined undergraduate and graduate lab from the Applied Psychology Master’s program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The third and final presentation will discuss the roles of undergraduate research assistants in the Doctoral Program at the University of Mississippi. Each presentation will also include outcome variables and anecdotal evidence that supports the development of undergraduate CBS research labs.

• Making a New Home: The Ongoing Development of a Contextual Behavioral Science Research Lab in South Texas
Maureen K. Flynn, Ph.D., University of Texas - Pan American

This paper will discuss the following: 1) the establishment and continued development of a brand new contextual behavioral science research lab at the University of Texas – Pan American (UTPA), 2) the role undergraduates play in the lab and how undergraduates add to the lab culture, 3) how undergraduates grow professionally and personally through their lab experience, and 4) practical considerations regarding lab development. Qualitative data related to the current undergraduate lab members and their experience in lab will also be presented.

• Making a Significant Difference: Creating a Context for the Development of Student Researchers in Psychology
Jessica Auzenne, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emmie Hebert, University of Mississippi
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette

For many students pursuing degrees in psychology, research brings high levels of anxiety (e.g. Wise, 1985), contributing to struggles with the very opportunities most likely to increase satisfaction and engagement with their psychology training (Lunneborg & Wilson, 1895; Strapp & Farr, 2010). The Louisiana Contextual Science Research Group (LCSRG) at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette provides a space for undergraduates in psychology to relate to research experiences with their identified values in psychology, while training openness to accompanying thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety and anxiety-related thoughts). In other words, the LCSRG aims to build psychological flexibility with research, through doing research on psychological flexibility. Through this functional contextual approach, students are given the opportunity to interact broadly with scientific interest and activities at all levels. Roles of undergraduate students along with other aspects of the group that makes it a beneficial part of undergraduate psychology study will be discussed.

• But Wait! There's More!: The Utility and Efficacy of an Undergraduate Research Lab at Ole Miss
Emmie Hebert, University of Mississippi
Kate Kellum, Ph.D., University of Mississippi
Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

Undergraduate students are not guaranteed admission to graduate school in psychology after obtaining their bachelor’s degree. Only about 48% of applicants are accepted into psychology master’s programs and 20% into doctoral programs (Kohout & Wicherski, 2010). These numbers get even smaller when specific fields of psychology are chosen. The Mississippi Center for Contextual Psychology (MCCP) is a research lab designed to enrich undergraduate training with a variety of research experiences to help better prepare these students for graduate school. As research assistants, the undergraduate members of the lab have the opportunity to assist in graduate student research projects, become a teaching assistant for the professors and instructors in the lab, and design and run their own projects for an undergraduate thesis. Structure of the MCCP along with outcome variables of members will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe how undergraduates can participate in research labs and benefit from the experience and identify practical considerations involved in lab development. 2. Assess the utility of the presenters' models for undergraduate participation in research relative to undergraduate experience and outcomes. 3. Utilize ideas and concepts from these discussion in working with undergraduates.

 

150. Disordered Eating: New Findings
Symposium (9:00-10:15am)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data, Case presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Theory & Philo., Eating disorder treatment, Disordered eating, Obesity
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Sarah Potts, Utah State University
Discussant: James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University

Momentum for new applications for those contending with disordered eating is growing. The recidivism rate for this group remains astoundingly high, and therefore new technologies are needed. During this symposium, several studies with be shared, discussed and compared. Several methods and constructs will be examined including increasing body image flexibility, Emotion Regulation, ACT and FAP.

• ACT and FAP in the assessment and treatment of a teen client with disordered eating problems
Katia Manduchi PH.D., Iescum, private practice, ACT Italia
Robert Allegri PH.D., Iescum Alumni, private practice
Sara Pezzola Ph.D, iescum alumni, Private practice
Andrea Compiani Ph.D., Iescum alumni, Private practice
Paolo Moderato Ph.D, Ordinary professor, Iescum, Iulm, ACBS, ABA

In this presentation we introduce assessment and treatment of a 16 years old client with a restrictive disordered eating and a BMI of 14. The therapist decided to process the conceptualization and the treatment with the 3rd wave models. The main characteristic of the treatment was working in progress with the therapeutic relationship following the 5 classes of the FIAT q as self observation and using the FAP conceptualization and the hexaflex. In the assessment, at the end of the therapy and in the follow up, were used different measures: the BIAAQ, the self observation of the 5 FIAT q classes and the change in the BMI. Clinically significant improvements where showed in all this areas also in longitudinary follow up. From the single case we can suppose that integrating both models will work even in other cases. Further researches could be an interesting approach for having better results.

• Body image flexibility as a protective factor against disordered eating behavior for women with lower body mass index
Mary L. Hill, M.A., Georgia State University
Akhiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Robert D. Latzman, Ph.D., Georgia State University

The current study examines the relationships among body dissatisfaction, body image flexibility, body mass index (BMI), and disordered eating behavior. The data from two-hundred-fifty-eight female participants who completed the web-based survey will be presented. Body dissatisfaction and body image flexibility were significantly related to disordered eating behavior, and BMI moderated the relation between body image flexibility and disordered eating. For those with low BMI, greater body image flexibility was associated with fewer disordered eating behaviors. Body image flexibility was not associated with disordered eating behavior among those with average or high BMI. These results suggest that greater body image flexibility may serve as a protective factor against disordered eating behaviors for those with lower BMI.

• Does Experiential Avoidance Carry Weight? A Review of Four Studies
Tamara M. Loverich, Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University
Ashley A. Wiedemann, M.S., Eastern Michigan University
Thomas J. Waltz, Ph.D., Ph.D., Eastern Michigan University

It appears obvious that emotional (internally disinhibited) eating is an exemplar of experientially avoidant behavior. As a result, recent research is replete with studies of emotion regulation variables, including experiential avoidance, as predictors, moderators and mediators of high Body Mass Indices (BMI). However, it is unclear if experiential avoidance is the most useful conceptual and empirical tool to utilize in these investigations. This paper brings together data from 4 studies to address the question of relative utility. While experiential avoidance correlated with BMI in each study (r=.08-.27), the strength of relationship varied by sample. Greater within group variability was indicated than that found in previous research. Each study included additional measures of emotion, its regulation, and/or other variables implicated in high BMI. Their added value and implications for eating and excessive behavior research will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the role of body image flexibility in disordered eating behaviors among women and discuss possible application of body image flexibility in the treatment of disordered eating. 2. Describe the relationship between experiential avoidance and weight-related outcomes and discern the relative value of different ways of measuring experiential avoidance for different research questions. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among emotion regulation variables in the context of overweight.

 

151. ACT and…: Blending Functional Contextual Models for Emotion Regulation.
Symposium (9:00-10:15am)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Literature review, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Prevention & Comm.-Based, Performance-enhancing interventions, Superv., Train. & Dissem., Theory & Philo., BPD, Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Mechanism of change
Target Audience: Interm., Adv.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Kristin Whelan, M.A., UCSD Eating Disorders Clinic, Alliant International University
Discussant: Sandra Georgescu, Psy.D., The Chicago School

For years, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been considered the sine qua non for the treatment of emotional dysregulation. Authors of 4 studies which focus on the efficacy of using ACT and DBT along with other functional contextual models (e.g., FAP and Emotion Regulation Group Therapy (ERGT)) for the treatment of emotional dysregulation compare and discuss their findings.

• Emotion Regulation Group Therapy for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: A Swedish Nationwide Effectiveness Study.
Hanna Sahlin Berg, M.S., Karolinska Institutet
Johan Bjureberg, M.S., Karolinska Institutet
Erik Hedman, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Jussi Jokinen, Associate Professor, Karolinska Institutet
Matthew T Tull, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Kim L Gratz, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Brjánn Ljótsson, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Clara Hellner Gumpert, Karolinska Institutet

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common and serious global health problem. Emotion Regulation Group Therapy (ERGT) is a 14-week treatment that targets NSSI and its proposed underlying mechanism of emotion dysregulation in women with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and subthreshold BPD features. ERGT has shown promising results in several trials. We will present an ongoing Swedish effectiveness study that evaluates ERGT in a nationwide multi-center within-group study design. The study therapists have different professional backgrounds and have undergone brief intensive training in delivering ERGT. To date, 85 female patients with BPD or subthreshold BPD have been enrolled in the study and started treatment. The primary outcomes of interest are reductions in NSSI on the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory and improvements in emotion regulation, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Post-treatment data will be presented for the full sample (N = 95 patients). Dissemination of ERGT will also be discussed.

• Functional Contextualist theory of Borderline Personality Disorder. Implications and challenges for a brief ACT+FAP intervention.
Michel André Reyes Ortega, Ph.D., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
María de Lourdes García Anaya, M.D./Ph.D., National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz
Angélica Nathalia Vargas Salinas, M.A., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Edgar Miranda Terrés, M.A., National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is among the most pervasive behavioral disorders for those who suffer it, their families and public health care systems. As third wave behavioral interventions are among the most effective ones for this disorder, this paper offers a functional contextualist theoretical model of BPD; an empirical review of DBT, ACT and FAP status for its treatment; and a discussion about its principles, and possible integration to enhance brief interventions for this disorder. Finally, a reflection about Mexico interventions for BPD, its challenges and current research lines is shown. BPD clinic at the National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz is offered as case study.

• ACT+FAP treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder, description, preliminary data and challenges.
Michel André Reyes Ortega, Ph.D., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Nathalia Vaargas Salinas, M.A., Mexico Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Edgar Miranda Terrés, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz
Iván Arango de Montis, National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz
María de Lourdes García Anaya, M.D./Ph.D., National Institute of Psychiatry Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz

Borderline Personality disorder is a pervasive behavioral disorder for the people who suffer it, their families and the institutions who assume the challenge of its treatment. This paper reviews empirical status of BPD treatments in Mexico and its limitations, describe and intervention consisting of 18 group ACT skills training sessions alternated with 18 ACT+FAP individual sessions, and show preliminary data about its efficacy in a 25 BPD diagnosed group (20 women, 5 men) of the Mexico’s National Institute of Psychiatry in comparison of a group of the same characteristics who received a DBT informed treatment. ACT+FAP group showed better and statistically significant (α=.01) results at posttest and follow up in the Borderline Evaluation of Severity Scale (p=.000), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (p=.001), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire 2 (p=.01) and the Experience of Self Scale (p=.008). Limitations of the study and challenges of this disorder treatment in México are discussed.

• Emotion Regulation as a Mechanism of Change in the Treatment of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Johan Bjureberg, M.S., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Hanna Sahlin Berg, M.S., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Matthew T. Tull, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
Kim L. Gratz, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
Erik Hedman, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Jussi Jokinen, Associate professor, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Clara Hellner Gumpert, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
Brjánn Ljótsson, Ph.D., Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden

Several treatment models emphasize the central role of emotion regulation in the maintenance of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Emotion Regulation Group Therapy (ERGT) is a 14-week acceptance-based behavioral intervention that aims to reduce NSSI by improving emotion regulation. However, this proposed mechanism of change in ERGT has been insufficiently investigated. To date, 85 patients have enrolled in an ongoing Swedish multi-center effectiveness trial of ERGT for self-injuring women. Although this study does not include a control group, NSSI frequency and emotion regulation are measured weekly throughout treatment, which allows for statistical modeling of mediational effects. Findings that the effect of treatment on NSSI frequency is mediated by changes in emotion regulation and changes in emotion regulation precede changes in NSSI frequency would support the proposed causal mechanism. Data collection will be completed in May, 2014. Results of these mediational analyses will be presented for the full sample (N=95) of participants.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe and utilize the model of dissemination we will present, as an emotion regulation group treatment became a Swedish multi-center effectiveness trial. 2. Discuss the findings of ERGT in Sweden and the cultural impact on emotion regulation and NSSI. The learner will be able to analyze BPD cases from a contextual behavioral approach, discuss empirical status of current models, apply its basic principles on a theoretically consistent way, and critique brief psychotherapeutic interventions for this disorder. 3. Describe BPD characteristics from a functional contextualistic approach, explain ACT and FAP benefits for this disorder, compare and asses treatments for this disorder elements, and critique clinical research design used in this study.

 

153. Mind Full or Mindful?: Exploring and Facilitating Mindfulness and Present Moment Processes
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Edu. settings, Theory & Philo., Mindfulness, Values, Present Moment
Target Audience: Beg., Interm., Adv.
Location: Crystal Lake

Chair: Emily Allen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Discussant: Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., The Center For Mindfulness & Compassion Focused Therapy

Mindfulness is generally defined as the non-judgmental attentive awareness of the present moment. This awareness of the present moment results in significant improvements to both mental and physical well-being, even in small doses. Though mindfulness has its roots in ancient spiritual traditions, it has a number of empirically-supported applications in modern behavior therapy and everyday life. The development of assessment and intervention methodologies, however, remains in early stages. The papers in this symposium aim to contribute to the body of knowledge on mindfulness by exploring the shared perception of mindfulness, the impact of mindfulness for effective communication, and the relationship between engaging in the present moment and pursuing values. The first presentation will explore several models of mindfulness and implications for future research and application. The second paper will discuss the identification of present moment behaviors. The final paper will discuss the relationship between engaging in the present moment and valued living.

• The Practice of Presence: Mindfulness Meanings, Methods and Models
Owen Rachal, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, Ph.D., University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Jada Horton, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Mindfulness and mindfulness training have experienced a groundswell of scientific and lay interest during the last three decades that continues to grow. Significant research has already shown many valuable benefits stemming from increased mindfulness and the development of a mindfulness practice, but much work remains unfinished. Researchers are now actively developing models that capture the psychological and neurophysiological mechanisms involved in attaining and sustaining states of mindfulness, as well as explaining the associated benefits for practitioners. With increased understanding of these processes, therapeutic approaches that depend upon mindfulness-based interventions - including many of the third-wave behavioral therapies - can be further refined to increase efficacy and efficiency in alleviating unnecessary suffering while improving an individual's capacity for autonomy and valued living. This presentation will review possible meanings of “mindfulness” and a selection of conceptual models, discuss possible avenues of research and highlight some theoretical implications for clinicians and clients alike.

• Sharing More Than Presents: The Identification of Present Moment Behaviors and the Impact of Shared Presence on Communication
Ryan Albarado, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Stephanie Caldas, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Ashlyne Mullen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Nick Mollere, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Despite an extensive literature on the benefits of engaging in the present moment, clear, publicly observable signs indicating that someone is present have not been substantiated. In the context of public speaking, being present might allow for increased sensitivity to audience feedback, overall better presenting, and the facilitation of audience engagement. The studies discussed in this presentation aim to identify if agreement exists among untrained raters in the identification of present moment behaviors of subjects in videos and to investigate how present moment processes contribute to effective communication in the context of public speaking. Preliminary data suggests that untrained raters are quite capable of identifying behaviors as indicative of presence with a high degree of consistency between raters. Additionally, speaker and audience convergence of present moment ratings, as well as shared presence, predicts communication effectiveness in public speaking. Implications for future research, intervention development, and further application will be discussed.

• You Can’t Fly Without Wings: The Relationship between Present Moment and Valued Living
Emily Allen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Ashlyne Mullen, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Emily K. Sandoz, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

From an ACT perspective, engaging in valued living requires one to be present and aware of their environment. Values have been described, from a behavioral perspective, as “freely chosen, verbally constructed consequences of ongoing, dynamic, evolving patterns of activity, which establish predominant reinforcers for that activity that are intrinsic in engagement in the valued behavioral pattern itself" (DuFrene & Wilson, 2006). Emerging research from a variety of disciplines supports the psychological benefits of being in contact with one’s values. The current study examines the relationship between contacting the present moment and engaging in valued living through an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). This method uses text messages to take repeated self-reports of multiple behaviors over the period of time in which the researcher is interested. Pilot data indicates that there is a positive correlation between these two ACT components, supporting the notion that valued living and present moment are interconnected.

Educational Objectives:
1. Explore proposed meanings, theoretical models, and development methods of mindfulness. 2. Identify present moment behaviors and discuss the impact of shared presence on communication. 3. Understand the relationship between engaging in the present moment and the pursuit valued living.

 

155. The Integrative Contribution of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Didactic presentation, Case presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Performance-enhancing interventions, treatment integration
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: St. Croix II

Chair: Luc Vandenberghe, Ph.D., Pontifical Catholic University of Goias - Brazil
Discussant: Jonathan W. Kanter, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

This symposium discusses how Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) can help different treatments work, contributing to the curative potential of a variety of clinical modalities. Several experiences are presented to argue this point. FAP is shown to bring a relevant contribution to IBCT based groups for heterosexual and LGBT couples. The integration of FAP as a clinical approach to the ACT model of depression is discussed in a case study. And finally, a form of FAP enhanced group therapy for depression is presented, as it has been developed during the past decade in a Central Brazilian community setting. Bringing these three papers together, illustrates the potential for FAP principles to be used in a variety of settings and treatment modalities and the benefits the introduction of FAP can bring to these settings and treatment modalities.

• Functional Analytic Psychotherapy enhanced Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy.
Jaimie Lusk, University of Denver
Margaret McKelvie PH.D., Private Practice, Denver, VA

Fifty percent of marriages end in divorce and relationship dissolution among LGBT populations is thought to be more frequent. Due to fear of judgment, people often remain quiet, if not isolated in their relationship distress, especially if they belong to a sexual minority. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) provides a framework to conceptualize and shape effective interpersonal relating. Building upon Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT), presenters developed, delivered and evaluated a brief FAP enhanced group treatment for couple distress in a VA setting with both heterosexual and LGBT couple cohorts. The aims of the group were to increase partners' connection, and decrease perceived isolation as well as interpersonal risk avoidance. Presenters will share program evaluation data of a couples' group which included inter/intrapersonal mindfulness, experiential teaching of behavioral principles, and in vivo shaping of intimacy enhancing behaviors. Results suggest FAP enhanced couple therapy groups are a promising area for future study.

• The effectiveness of the integration of ACT and Fap in the treatment for depression: a case studyKat
Katia Manduchi Ph.D., Private Practice; Affiliated with Iescum
Robert Allegri Ph.D., Private Practice; Affiliated Iescum alumni
Sara Pezzola Ph.D., Private Practice; Affiliated Iescum alumni
Andrea Compiani, Private Practice; Affiliated Iescum alumni
Paulo Moderato Ph.D., Affiliated IULM, Iescum

Presenting a clinical case starting from the ACT model for depression (Zettle 2007), the authors integrated ACT and FAP (Kohlenberg & Tsai 1980) models.The initial assessment was done following CBT traditional measures(as BDI2, BAI) then AAQ2, VLQ and a self measurement of the 5 classes of FIAT-q. Finishing the therapy, made for the 80% on Skype, and 20% in vivo, because the client for her work was moving around in Italy, the results in the re-test showed significant improvements in: intensity of depression and anxiety, relational skills, discriminative skills and self observation. The observations in this case can be seen also in other clients: could be interesting having a larger number of clients to observe the efficacy of both models.

• Functional Analytic Group Therapy for depression in a Latin American Community Setting.
Luc Vandenberghe, Ph.D., Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Goiás

This paper describes how FAP principles have been used to promote therapeutic change in groups for depression in a Central Brazilian community setting. It describes how the group dynamics bring real life challenges and in-vivo learning opportunities into the therapy room. It further explains how functional analysis can help harness what happens in the group for therapeutic change. Examples drawn on material from a series of therapy groups for women suffering from depression show how FAP principles afford emotional depth and offer leverage for in-vivo interventions by the therapist. In conclusion, it discusses how functional analysis is used in helping clients connect to their interpersonal process, how it can be used help the therapist connect to the client’s experience and to enhance culture sensitivity.

Educational Objectives:
1. Share development and program evaluation of a FAP enhanced IBCT couples group intervention implemented at both the VA and in private practice. 2. Discuss the integration of FAP and ACT for the treatment of depression. 3. Describe the rationale and the clinical strategies developed in a Latin American community setting, using FAP principles in group therapy for depression.

 

156. OCD and Similar Disorders: Evaluating Theoretical and Empirical Support for the Use of ACT
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Conceptual analysis, Original data, Didactic presentation, Case presentation
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Theory & Philo., OCD, processes of change, trichotillomania, adolescents, misophonia
Target Audience: Beg., Interm.
Location: Spring Park Bay

Chair: Colin Stromberg, B.A., Utah State University
Discussant: Jeff Szymanski, Ph.D., International OCD Foundation

Research supports the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); however data on mechanisms of change, quality of life, and OCD related disorders are lacking. A correlational study investigated how cognitive fusion and emotional suppression is related to OCD severity and quality of life. A case study explored the application of ACT for a person with misophonia, a disorder characterized by a hatred of sounds. In a small randomized trial, nine adolescents with trichotillomania were treated with ACT. Collectively, these studies provide evidence on the relevance of ACT processes to the treatment of OCD, explore the clinical implementation of ACT for people and disorders that are not well researched, and contribute to the evidence base supporting the efficacy of ACT for these disorders.

• The Role of Cognitive Fusion and Emotion Suppression • in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Marie-Christine André, M.A., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Suffolk University
Brittany Mathes, B.A., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute
Jesse Crosby, Ph.D., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Harvard Medical School
Jason Elias, Ph.D., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Harvard Medical School

Cognitive fusion and emotion suppression are hypothesized as crucial in maintaining psychopathology. Yet, research examining how specific obsessive beliefs, such as importance and control of thoughts (i.e., cognitive fusion) and avoidant strategies (i.e., emotion suppression) impact symptomatology and quality of life in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is limited. This study investigated the impact of importance of thoughts and emotion suppression on quality of life and OCD symptomatology. The sample consisted of OCD patients from a residential treatment facility who completed the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Yale- Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. Results demonstrated that though importance and control of thoughts and emotion suppression accounted for 20% of the variance in OCD severity (R square change= .20), both processes accounted for 36% of the variance in quality of life (R square change= .36). Additional results, implications, and limitations will be discussed.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Treatment for Misophonia in an Adult Female
R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A.
Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

Misophonia is a pattern of symptoms that is commonly confused with OCD. Individuals with misophonia experience high levels of anger and disgust in response to repetitive auditory stimuli (e.g., heavy breathing). These aversive sounds trigger impulsive urges to act aggressively toward the source of the sound (e.g., yelling) and/or avoid the source of the sound (e.g., eating meals with others). Treatments for misophonia are sparse and using ACT may increase quality of life when faced with aversive auditory stimuli. This presentation will present data from a case of individual therapy sessions using acceptance and commitment therapy for an adult female with misophonia. Measures of general functioning and life quality, emotional tolerance and acceptance, and misophonia, anxiety, depression, and anger were given at pretreatment and will be given at posttreatment and at a 3-month follow-up. The level of frustration experienced from sounds and the percentage of time spent avoiding or escaping sounds throughout each week is being tracking at each weekly session.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Adolescent Trichotillomania
Kendra Homan, M.A., Utah State University
Kate L. Morrison, M.S., Utah State University
Jesse Crosby, Ph.D., McLean Hospital, OCD Institute; & Harvard Medical School
Michael P. Twohig, Ph.D., Utah State University

Extant literature reveals that treatments for adolescent Trichotillomania (TTM) are vastly understudied. While the most supported psychosocial intervention for adolescent TTM is effective, cognitive behavior therapy involving habit reversal is not effective for a significant number of individuals. Additionally, the development of treatments for adolescent TTM is lagging behind the treatment of adult TTM which is expanding in multiple directions and testing a variety of likely effective treatment options including acceptance-based treatments. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a promising option and has limited support when combined with behavior therapy for adolescent TTM, however, no study has examined the effectiveness of ACT alone for treating TTM. The purpose of this presentation is to present data on the ACT for adolescent TTM. Nine adolescents (M=13.3, SD=1.73) with TTM completed 10 sessions of ACT. While analyses are ongoing, preliminary analysis indicate that ACT alone is an effective alternative for treating adolescent TTM.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe the role of cognitive fusion and emotion suppression in the maintenance of psychopathology for patients with severe OCD. 2. Describe issues concerning misophonia and its unique symptoms distinct from OCD. 3. Explain the potential relevance of ACT for OCD.

 

157. I Rap, You Rap, We All Love the IRAP: Manipulations of Sample Stimuli and Instructions
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Original data
Categories: RFT, Theory & Philo., IRAP
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Calhoun

Chair: Kail Seymour, Southern Illinois University
Discussant: Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi

Historically in psychology, certain operant responses that appear to be under “automatic” stimulus control are often described as having trait-like properties; this may be due to the relative reliability and inflexibility of such responding. These responses are often labeled with the construct known as implicit bias (a.k.a. implicit attitude). The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP), along with other computerized measures such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT), purportedly enhance our insight into these processes by allowing us to investigate how stimuli and implicit biases interact. Thus, one important aspect of implicit bias research consists of delineating how implicit biases are affected by permutations of both stimulus presentations and instructions. In the series of studies presented herein, manipulations of different sample stimuli (specifically pictures versus words and idiographic versus nomothetic) and/or instructions (how to hide one’s implicit biases) were examined to determine what, if any, effects they have on IRAP responding.

• Seeing Versus Reading Is Believing: A Reliability Study of Sample Manipulations
Travis Sain, Southern Illinois University
Rachel Swiatek, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D, Southern Illinois University

Previous research on the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) has measured implicit bias towards text-based sample stimuli (e.g., Cullen, Barnes-Holmes, & Barnes-Holmes, 2009) and image-based sample stimuli (e.g., Nolan, Murphy, & Barnes-Holmes, 2007), but no known published studies to date have directly compared these two IRAP compositions. The current study measured relational responses among evaluative words and two historical figures – Abraham Lincoln and Adolf Hitler – using a between-subjects design. One IRAP contained the first and last name of each of these people as samples, while the other IRAP contained an image of each person as samples. All other procedural details were identical. Participants completed three consecutive IRAPs. Analyses compared both IRAP conditions for differences in respect to D scores, as well as accuracy and average latencies. Furthermore, D scores were subjected to Pearson correlations to assess for reliability over the three administrations.

• The Hitler You Know and Love: Piloting an Idiographic IRAP
Anke Lehnert, Southern Illinois University
Kelsey Schuler, Southern Illinois University
Travis Sain, Southern Illinois University
Sam Kramer, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D, Southern Illinois University

Implicit measures of cognition such as the Implicit Association Test (IAT; Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998) and the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP; Barnes-Holmes, et al., 2006) have gained widespread popularity over the last few years. There have been attempts to use idiographic versions of the IAT to assess more personalized associations and avoid extrapersonal contamination, which researchers argue may allow for a more powerful interpretation of scores (Olzon & Fazio, 2004; Houben & Wiers, 2007). In this exploratory study, we compared scores on an IRAP configuration assessing evaluations in respect to Abraham Lincoln and Adolf Hitler with scores on an idiographic IRAP that contained names of a positively and a negatively evaluated person provided by each participant. A sample of undergraduate participants completed both versions of the IRAP and a collection of related self-report measures. Statistical comparisons of each IRAP and their relationships with self-reports will be discussed.

• Love/Hate Faked: Manipulating IRAP Performance with Instructions
Kail Seymour, Southern Illinois University
Christine Ryder, Southern Illinois University
Chad E. Drake, Ph.D, Southern Illinois University

One purported advantage of implicit measures compared to self-reports is their relative immunity to intentional efforts to distort responding. Might it be possible to purposely fake performance on an implicit measure? Although the Implicit Associations Test has been successfully faked (e.g., Kim, 2003), the McKenna, Barnes-Holmes, Barnes-Holmes, and Stewart (2007) study indicated that the IRAP may be relatively difficult to fake. The current study sought to replicate McKenna et al. using an idiographic IRAP containing names familiar to the participants as samples. Three IRAPs were administered in succession. Faking instructions were provided between the 1st and 2nd IRAPs in one condition and between the 2nd and 3rd IRAPs in another condition. D scores of each administration were subjected to t-tests to examine for any faking effects. The results have significant implications for the exploration of instructional effects on IRAP performance.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe any differences obtained between IRAPs containing image and text samples in the first study. 2. Describe any differences obtained between the nomothetic and the idiographic IRAP in the second study. 3. Describe the instructions for faking the IRAP used in the third study.

 

158. Mindfulness in ACT: Theoretical and Practical Implications
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Original data
Categories: Theory & Philo., Clin. Interven. & Interests, Mindfulness
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Lake Nokomis

Chair: Devika Fiorillo, Duke University Medical Center/University of Nevada
Discussant: Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

The past three decades have witnessed a growing interest in mindfulness-based approaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy increasing emphasizes mindfulness skills as a vehicle for present moment awareness. However, the core processes of mindfulness have not been clearly delineated. Im presents laboratory research using behavioral and self-report methods to examine convergent and divergent validity of various measurement approaches. Fiorillo presents preliminary data from a pilot study assessing the development and evaluation of an internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program for a community sample of women who have experienced interpersonal trauma. She will focus on the acceptability of the mindfulness portion of the intervention. In addition to the assessment of treatment satisfaction and system usability, changes in psychological flexibility and overall wellbeing will be evaluated. Sherrill will present new data on women with a history of victimization. Participants were assigned to a “concrete rumination” or a control condition and Present Moment Awareness was assessed (PMA). In concrete ruminators, PMA was inversely related to trauma intrusions during written protocols and positively related to positive affectivity. Follette will discuss the theoretical and practical implications of using and evaluating mindfulness based therapy in relation to trauma survivors.

• Evaluation of a web based intervention for trauma: Mindfulness and acceptance measures
Devika Fiorillo, Duke University Medical Center
Caitlin McLean, University of Nevada Reno
Jacqueline Pistorello, University of Nevada Reno
Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

Despite data to suggest that internet based interventions are feasible and effective in the treatment of various disorders, there is limited research on the applicability and efficacy of such treatments for survivors of interpersonal trauma, many of whom present with complex psychological symptomatology which extend beyond PTSD. Experiential avoidance has been theorized and shown to play a key role in explaining trauma-related difficulties and negative outcomes in relation to various forms of interpersonal trauma. The current pilot study involves the development and evaluation of an internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) treatment program for a community sample of women who have experienced interpersonal trauma. In this presentation we will focus on the acceptability of the mindfulness portion of the intervention. In addition to the assessment of treatment satisfaction and system usability, changes in psychological flexibility and overall wellbeing will be evaluated. Information regarding the nature and development of the web-based ACT treatment and initial results from this pilot study will be discussed.

• Assessing construct validity in mindfulness
Sungjin Im, University of Nevada Reno
Gideon Caplovitz Ph.D., Univeristy of Nevada Reno
Victoria Follette, University of Nevada Reno

The past three decades have witnessed a growing interest in mindfulness-based approaches. However, the core processes of mindfulness have not been delineated. The current study applied a multi-method approach since combined data from different research methods may overcome each method’s weaknesses and limitations. A total of 162 non-clinical undergraduates completed the Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) task and online questionnaires of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ), and Ruminative Response Scale (RRS). Results revealed that performance in the RSVP task significantly correlated with the Act With Awareness and Non-judging scales of the FFMQ (r=.27 and r=.20 respectively, all ps <.01). Scores on the FFMQ and the RSVP task performance related to other constructs in a similar way suggesting that mindfulness indexed by the FFMQ and RSVP task has good convergent and divergent validity.

• A Mindful Path to Decrease Trauma Intrusions: Utility and Implications of Present Moment Awareness
Andrew M. Sherrill, M.A, Northern Illinois University
Christine E. Valdez, M.A, Northern Illinois University
Michelle M. Lilly, Ph.D., Northern Illinois University

Third-wave approaches to PTSD treatment emphasize “being present” to increase psychological flexibility (Follette et al., 2006). However, researchers have struggled to measure present moment awareness (PMA; i.e., shifting attention to what is happening here and now; Fletcher & Hayes, 2005), and assess its clinical utility. Women with victimization histories were assigned to either a “concrete rumination” or a control condition (see Watkins et al., 2008). After manipulation, participants recalled their trauma, and then wrote down whatever information was present in their awareness (see Cacioppo et al., 1997). PMA was measured in a novel way by coding shifts in attention (e.g., sounds in the environment, interoceptive sensations) within these written protocols. In concrete ruminators, PMA was inversely related to trauma intrusions during written protocols and positively related to positive affectivity. In controls, PMA was unrelated to trauma intrusions and positively related to negative affectivity. Methodological and theoretical implications will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:
1. Describe and assess the clinical utility of present moment awareness in posttraumatic stress symptomatology. 2. Critique a multi-method approach to assessing mindfulness. 3. Discuss issues related to delivering mindfulness training using a Web based platform.

 

159. ACT Applications for Cancer Treatment
Symposium (10:30am-Noon)
Components: Original data
Categories: Clin. Interven. & Interests, Beh. med., Cancer patients, palliative care, depression
Target Audience: Interm.
Location: Cooks Bay

Chair: Jonathan Rhodes, PsyD, Linden Oaks Hospital
Discussant: Jennifer Gregg, Ph.D., San Jose State University

As ACT aims to create lives of purpose, applying the model to those struggling with issues related to their cancer diagnoses is meaningful. This symposium unpacks 3 studies which explored different aspects of cancer survival and applications to reduce the resultant suffering: managing weight loss, increasing psychological flexibility in palliative care, and targeting depressive symptoms in women surviving breast cancer.

• ACT-EAT Brief: a brief intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for weight loss in cancer patients.
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Chiara Anselmi, U.O. of Ditology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Stefania Gori, 2U.O. Oncology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy

Background: The weight gain affects an high number of cancer patients, during and after the treatments. The aim is to evaluate a brief intervention four sessions of ACT – EAT for weight loss in cancer patients. Methods: The intervention consists in a set of four-monthly sessions and a follow up after 3 mounts. At the first and last encounter patients’ weight is reported and questionnaires on clinical state (RSCL, PWBQ, Distress Thermometer), eating behaviour (TFE.Q-51), psychological flexibility (AAQ-2, Bull's-eye) and the BIAAQ are administered. Results: Twenty four consecutive patients have completed the protocol. Data showed a low scores on the Body Image Acceptance (BIAAQ M=32.8; SD 11.8), high mean scores of physical symptoms (M=24.4; SD 23) and psychological symptoms (M=33.7; SD 18), and a low distress (M=3.8; SD 2.7). A high degree of acceptance (AAQ2 M=53.1; SD 10.3), consistency with the values (M=5.7; SD 1.6), psychological well being (M=83; SD 10.3), and quality of life (QoL subscale RSCL M=65.2; SD 21.2). Emerged a weight loss of 11% at fourth encounter (M=8.5 Kg (SD 4.9 kg)). Conclusions: A goal of ACT is to increase a non-judgmental attitude and willingness to experience unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and to promote the awareness and promote engagement in personally valued behaviors, handling themselves with attentive care.

• The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for increase the psychological flexibility of cancer patients in palliative care
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy

The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy proposes the hypothesis that psychological suffering is caused by the interaction between language, cognition and behavioural control. Rather than focus on the reduction of symptoms, the primary purpose is to help the person to accept their thoughts and emotions, and live in the present consistently with their values. The aim of this introduction is to address the ACT Hexaflex processes in order to increase the psychological flexibility of cancer patients in palliative care The results obtained using the ACT approach in oncology, pose a more solid basis to support the importance of a non-judgmental attitude in order to employ the energies toward what we consider most important in our lives. Changes in psychological flexibility predicted changes in distress and mood. Acceptance allows to move more freely without being stopped by distressing feelings.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Women with Breast Cancer
Bahare Dehghani Najvani, graduate student, University of Isfahan, Iran
Mohamad Reza Abedi, University of Isfahan, Iran

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Many women with breast cancer suffer from depression and psychological distress. The present study by the purpose of examining the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on depression and psychological flexibility in women with breast cancer was performed. Among patients who had registered to participate in the research, 20 women were selected randomly and they were randomly divided to two groups of control and experiment. Research tool consisted of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), and demographic questionnaire. Experimental group received 8 sessions of 2 hours acceptance and commitment group therapy. Follow-up stage was performed at 1 month after the last treatment session. Results showed that ACT significantly decreased scores on the BDI-II and increased score on AAQ-II compared to the control group (p<0.001). ACT may be considered to be an effective intervention approach for treatment depression in woman with breast cancer. Can be said that increasing in acceptance of thought and feeling associated with cancer and increasing in psychological flexibility that is the main goal of ACT has led to these changes

Educational Objectives:
1. Implement the protocols of brief interventions in the field of healthy lifestyles for cancer patients. 2. 2. Implement knowledge about the assessment in oncological setting; to address the ACT Hexaflex processes in order to increase the psychological flexibility of cancer patients in palliative care. 3. Implement knowledge about in the assessment in oncology; Implement Acceptance and commitment therapy among cancer patients.; emphasis on values as important domains among cancer patients.