An experimental comparison of two Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) values exercises to increase values-oriented behavior

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), identifying values is central to effective treatment. Therapeutic values exercises have generally focused on the identification of core values. However, some values exercises include the additional step of asking clients to rate how closely their behaviors match their values. The effectiveness of this additional step is unknown. This online study compared the effectiveness of two values exercises with a control condition. Participants (N = 314) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: 1) basic values identification (Values), 2) Values plus rating one's values-behavior consistency (VBC), or 3) control condition. In both values exercises, participants wrote about a chosen value and then rated the importance of charity-related values. VBC participants additionally rated how closely their recent behavior matched their values. Control participants wrote about time management practices. All participants then had the opportunity to donate some of their study earnings to charities. Both the Values and VBC conditions increased the likelihood participants would donate to charity compared to the control condition (b = 0.51, p = .02; and b = 0.55, p = .01 respectively). However, the amount donated by participants in the two values conditions did not differ. Additional research is needed to clarify best practices in values work.

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