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Brassington, Ferreira, Yates, Fearn, Lanza, Kemp, & Gillanders. 2016

APA Citation

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.

Publication Topic
ACT: Conceptual
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Chronic illness, Psychological, Group, Acceptance, Transdiagnostic
Abstract

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.

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