Reilly, E. D., Ritzert, T. R., Scoglio, A. A. J., Mote, J., Fukuda, S. D., Ahern, M. E., & Kelly, M. M. (2019). A systematic review of values measures in acceptance and commitment therapy research. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 12, 290-304.
Values are a guiding principle in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and a vital element of both ACT research and clinical assessment. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence for the utility and efficacy of quantitative survey measures that assess values within an ACT study framework. Online databases were searched using key words to identify research articles administering values-based assessments. A thorough database search yielded 65 separate articles that met inclusion criteria, and eight validated scales measuring values. Value-scale psychometric studies that met inclusion criteria were assessed for content validity, internal consistency, and construct validity. Results provide information to guide future researchers regarding the most psychometrically sound and appropriate measures that assess values across multiple criteria. While the measures vary significantly in psychometric properties, the Valuing Questionnaire, the Engaged Living Scale (either short or long form), and the Valued Living Scale appear to have the strongest methodological support. Important future directions include further psychometric studies across all measures to assess their utility in more diverse contexts (e.g., randomized controlled trials, time-lagged, and other controlled studies of ACT treatment) and populations (e.g., age, health, race, ethnicity, nationality, etc.) with consideration of a measure's definition of values within an ACT context.
To find the full text version of this article and others (as well as download a full text .pdf.), ACBS members can visit the ScienceDirect homepage here.