The Survey of Life Principles from: Ciarrochi, J., & Bailey, A. (2008). A CBT-Practitioner's Guide to ACT: How to Bridge the Gap Between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
This manuscript presents a new model and measure for behavioral activation interventions. The focus of this model is on "life principles" , which encompasses values and abstract goals (e.g., being loyal). It is based on a substantial review of the values literature (e.g., Schwarz and colleagues) and personal strivings literature (e.g., Emmons, Sheldon, and colleagues). Our ImPActS model posits four behavioral dimensions targeted by ACT: Importance, Pressure (or pliance), Activity (number of principles in play), and success. The Survey of Life Principles was designed to measure these four dimensions. It has shown promise in a University sample (n = 300). Specifically, each of the four dimensions of the SLP predicted distinct aspects of social, emotional, and psychological well-being. There were a number of other interesting findings including: 1) Experiential control principles where the ones that people most often failed at. 2) When people experienced substantial pressure to hold a principle (e.g being honest), they tended to be less successful at that principle, especially if that principle was not one they rated as important. This is evidence for the downsides of compliance and counter compliance. 3) People generally viewed power principles (e.g., having influence) as being incompatible with social principles (being loyal, being honest).