Qualitative Studies and Transcript Analyses
After the first three RCTs in the early 1980's (go here to see the earliest ACT protocols) ACT research turned toward transcript analysis and qualitative research. Examples are the first ACT dissertations done at the University of Nevada by Sue McCurry and Durriyah Khorakiwala. This work in turn lead to the first item set for the AAQ, and to a commonly used ACT adherence measures, in addition to the protocol described in the first ACT book in 1999. Thus qualitative work has been important in the ACT journey from the beginning.
State of the ACT Evidence
The CBS tradition is committed to a high standard of empirical evaluation. This includes not just controlled assessment and evaluations of outcomes but also the specification and evaluation moderations and of the putative processes of change. Furthermore, we also seek to understand the links between these processes of change and basic functional behavioral and evolutionary science principles, including those drawn from RFT. As the best known applied wing of CBS, all of these features are important to ACT research.
State of the ACT Evidence
The CBS tradition is committed to a high standard of empirical evaluation. This includes not just controlled assessment and evaluations of outcomes but also the specification and evaluation moderations and of the putative processes of change. Furthermore, we also seek to understand the links between these processes of change and basic functional behavioral and evolutionary science principles, including those drawn from RFT. As the best known applied wing of CBS, all of these features are important to ACT research.
ACT
Developed within a coherent theoretical and philosophical framework, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique empirically based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility.
Resources for Learning ACT
Here is a list of resources for those seeking ACT training or who want more direction in what to do next in terms of learning ACT.
There are two basic ways to begin learning about ACT:
Reading up on it your own
Seeking out a community in which to network and broaden and deepen your knowledge of ACT
On Your Own:
The Effectiveness of Acceptance-and-Commitment-Based Parenting Training on Mood and Anxiety in Children and Self-compassion in Parents
Effectiveness of ACT with and without mindfulness plus exercises on spiritual health in hemodialysis
Background and Objectives: Spirituality and psychological interventions are effective in promoting mental health and treating patients undergoing hemodialysis. The present study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment based on acceptance and commitment therapy before dialysis, with and without mindfulness exercises during dialysis, on the spiritual health of these patients.
Be brave, BE-FIT! A pilot investigation of an ACT-informed exposure intervention to reduce exercise fear-avoidance in older adults
Exercise sensitivity, fear of physical sensations of exertion, is particularly elevated in individuals with cardiovascular disease and can promote fear-avoidance of physical activity. We developed an ACT-informed exposure intervention to target exercise sensitivity, called Behavioral Exposure For Interoceptive Tolerance (BE-FIT).