Brassington, L., Ferreira, N. B., Yates, S., Fearn, J., Lanza, P., Kemp, K., & Gillanders, D. (2016). Better living with illness: A transdiagnostic acceptance and commitment therapy group intervention for chronic physical illness. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 5, 208-214.
Background
Long term conditions are increasing and are associated with increased risk of psychological problems. Commonalities across long term conditions suggests that a transdiagnostic psychological intervention may be beneficial. An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group intervention was evaluated for people with long term health conditions (LTC).
Methods
Participants with LTC were invited to an ACT group (n=43). Measures were completed at assessment, pre, post, and 3-month follow-up. These assessed anxiety, depression, QoL, health perceptions, psychological flexibility, and value oriented behavior. Period from assessment to pre intervention served as a within-participant control.
Results
Improvements were seen in depression and anxiety symptoms, limitations of the health condition, and valued living. Health status and health appraisals did not change.
Conclusions
Group-based ACT interventions may be beneficial for LTCs and can be delivered transdiagnostically.
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.