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Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy on improvement of symptoms of patients with general anxiety disorder

APA Citation

Foroutan, S., Heidari, A., Asgari, P., Naderi, F., & Ebrahimi Moghaddam, H. (2018). Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy on improvement of symptoms of patients with general anxiety disorder. Middle Eastern Journal of Disability Studies, 8, 74.

Publication Topic
ACT: Empirical
Publication Type
Article
RCT
Language
English
Persian
Keyword(s)
Acceptance and commitment therapy, Functional analytic psychotherapy, Generalized anxiety disorder, Depression, Psychological
flexibility, Communication skills
Abstract

Background and Objective: General anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most prevalent chronic anxiety disorders in clinical centers and general population. There are several treatment methods for this disorder that have different challenges ,for example cognitive-behavior therapy is selective treatment for anxiety disorders but it is not improvement and has not patients efficiency in general anxiety disorder. Furthermore, study on the effectiveness of new treatment called third wave that include behavioral and cognitive interventions (known as post modernism), seem necessary in treatment of general anxiety disorder. Acceptance and commitment therapy and functional analytic psychotherapy are two method from third wave that include behavioral and cognitive interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to comparison of the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy and functional analytic psychotherapy in decrease anxiety, depression and increase psychological flexibility and communication skill in patients with general anxiety disorder.
Methods: In this study, a quasi-experimental designed with pre-posttest and a four-month follow up was used. For this purpose, 36 subjects were selected via accessible sampling from the clientele who referred to psychological clinics. They were randomly divided into three groups. Two experimental groups were, acceptance and commitment therapy (n=12) and functional analytic psychotherapy (n=12). Both groups received 10 two-hour treatment sessions once a week. Control group had 12 patients participated (waiting list). In order to assess the severity of GAD, depression, communication skill and psychological flexibility different questionnaires included: anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) (a=87%, r=76%), Beck depression inventory (BDI) (a=87%, r=74%), communication skill questionnaire (CSQ) (r=69.8%) and acceptance and action questionnaire (AAQ) (a=87%, r=80%) were used. Statistical data were analyzed from repeated measures analysis of variance and paired comparison Bonferroni.
Results: Comparison of the treatment groups suggested that there was significant difference between acceptance and commitment therapy group with waiting list group in all scales except in depression variable, but in follow up was not significant (p=0.01). In addition, there was significant difference between functional analytic psychotherapy group and waiting list group in all scales and this difference maintains in follow up (p=0.01). Comparison between experimental groups (acceptance and commitment therapy with functional analytic psychotherapy) in posttest, indicates that there was not significant difference between two groups, except in depression variable, but in follow up was not significant different between acceptance and commitment therapy and functional analytic psychotherapy in anxiety, depression, communication skill and psychological flexibility variables (p<0.01). Based on the results of this study, in posttest, functional analytic psychotherapy was more effective in decrease of depression. However, both acceptance and commitment therapy and functional analytic psychotherapy showed significant changes in general anxiety disorder symptoms.
Conclusion: Attention to efficacy of two approach (acceptance and commitment therapy, and functional analytic psychotherapy) on
improvement of patients with general anxiety disorder under basic anxiety symptoms, this research not only provided an empirical support for functional analytic psychotherapy in treatment of general anxiety disorder but also can be useful for another anxiety disorders. This study propose to combine two approach in treatment of anxiety disorder.

 

 

کیده
زمینه و هدف:اخیرا ً مداخلههای رفتاری و شنناختی«منوسنوم»حاضنر بنا هندب مقایسنۀ اثربخشنی کنرده اسنت. پنژوه ، توجنه زینادی از پژوهشنگران را بنه خنودش جلنب
رواندرمانی تحلیلی-کنارکردی (FAP) و درمنان پنذیرش و تعهند (ACT)، دو شنیوه از مداخلنههایاضنطرب، افسنردگی و افنزای سنوم در کناه رفتناری و شنناختی منو
انعطابپذیری روانشناختی و مهارت ارتباطی در اختالل اضطراب فراگیر انجام شده است.
روش بررسی:این مطالعه باشبه طرح پژوهآزمایشی با پیآزمون-پسآزمون و پیگیری بود.۳۶نفر بهگروه درما صورت تصادفی به سهن مبتنی بر پنذیرش و تعهند (1۲=n،)
رواندرمانی تحلیلی-کارکردی (1۲=n) و گروه کنترل (1۲=n) تقسیم شدند. همۀ آزمودنیها با استفاده از پرسنامههایGad-7، افسنردگی«بنک»(وینرای-II)، پنذیرش و
عمل و مهارت ارتباطی ارزیابی شدند. دادهها با استفاده از آنالیز واریانس برای اندازهگیریهای مکرر تحلیل شد.
یافتهها: نتایج تحلیل واریانس اندازهانعطاب اضطراب، افسردگی و افزای گیری مکرر، بیانگر اثربخشی هر دو مدل درمانی بر کاهپذیری روانشناختی و مهارت ارتباطی بنود
(۰٫۰۰1>p). همچنین، طبق نتایج آزمون تعقیبی، بین دو گروه درمانی درپسآزمون فقط در متغیر افسردگی تفاوت معنادار مشاهده شد (۰٫۰۰1>p.)
نتیجهگیری، حمایتی تجربی برای روان : نتایج حاصل از این پژوهدرمانی تحلیلی-کرد. کارکردی در درمان اختالل اضطراب فراگیر فراهم
کلیدواژهها:درمان پذیرش و تعهد، رواندرمانی تحلیلی-کارکردی، اختالل اضطراب فراگیر، افسردگی، انعطابپذیری روانشناختی، مهارت ارتباطی.

Exploring the impact of the first rule of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy on fear of intimacy, vulnerability, and responsiveness: An analog process analysis

APA Citation

Maitland, D.W.M., Davis, C.L., Farren, E.J., Cunningham, A., Zirbel, C., Munoz-Martinez, A.M. (2024). Exploring the impact of the first rule of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy on fear of intimacy, vulnerability, and responsiveness: An analog process analysis. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 33, 100778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100778

Publication Topic
CBS: Empirical
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Social intimacy, Functional analytic psychotherapy, Component analysis, Mechanism of action, Analog study
Abstract

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is an efficacious but complex treatment. Despite a solid empirical foundation, research on the treatment is limited. While five process-focused rules guide the treatment, developers made an early statement that they believed only the first rule of FAP, watching for the occurrence of daily life problems occurring in the therapy session, was needed to guide treatment effectively. The current study was designed to assess this claim through the use of a FAP analog procedure in hopes of increasing the accessibility of the treatment and thus facilitating implementation efforts. In this study, 81 undergraduate participants engaged in a closeness-generating class in which they were randomized into two groups. In the experimental condition, research assistants had access to a self-report measure regularly used to inform clinicians about potential daily life problems that may occur in the therapy room. No such information was available to the research assistants in the control condition. Findings indicated that while fear of intimacy, a core construct in FAP, decreased on average following the procedure, the experimental condition had no impact on this change. Further, when research assistants had access to the daily life problem information, participants found them less effective at responding to disclosures. These findings suggest the importance of a nuanced case conceptualization, the limitations of the first rule of FAP, and the strengths and limitations of the use of an analog paradigm to study FAP.

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FACT: A pilot study of process-based therapy to promote occupational well-being

APA Citation

Moron-Macias, J. & Valero-Aguayo, L. (2024). FACT: A pilot study of process-based therapy to promote occupational well-being. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 32, 100761. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100761

Publication Topic
ACT: Empirical
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Occupational health, Workplace, Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP), Acceptance, and commitment therapy (ACT), Case study
Abstract

The current study tests the effects of a brief intervention program based on the contextual therapies (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy) to enhance the well-being and interpersonal relationships in the workplace. This research represents a unified model (FACT) based on functional contextualism. As pilot study, we present the application with two workers with relational and emotional problems between them. We use a single-case design measuring pre, post and follow-up after six months. The assessment was made with various questionnaires and direct measurement of clinically relevant behaviors. The total intervention was carried out individually for a month and a half. The results revealed improvements in both employees about their personal and professional relationships, and also appearing generalisation with improvements in other areas (intimacy, personal relationships, family, friends). The study has implications by highlighting the importance of behavioral analysis or problems in work relationships, and by showing that the integration of contextual therapies can produce rapid results in non-clinical situations. Lastly, the in-depth insight into the change processes triggered by the interventions with FACT as a way to include this approach based on evidence philosophy applied in the workplace.

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The extended evolutionary meta-model and process-based therapy: Contemporary lenses for understanding functional analytic psychotherapy

APA Citation

Maitland, D.W.M. (2024). The extended evolutionary meta-model and process-based therapy: Contemporary lenses for understanding functional analytic psychotherapy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 32, 100750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100750

Publication Topic
CBS: Conceptual
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Functional analytic psychotherapy, Extended evolutionary meta-model, Functional analysis, Process-based therapy
Abstract

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a type of psychotherapy often described as "process-based" because treatment targets are idiographically defined, and intervention strategies are specified in behavioral principles. Recently, refinements have been made to the idea of process-based therapy (PBT) that incorporates an extended evolutionary meta-model (EEMM). The present discussion articulates how FAP fits into current conceptualizations of engaging in PBT. I argue that embracing a PBT approach to treatment can enhance therapeutic outcomes by expanding the conceptualization of clinically relevant behaviors to be viewed as a series of interrelated processes. EEMM dimensions are explored as clinically relevant behaviors, and established FAP intervention strategies for some of these dimensions are discussed. This expanded conceptualization of FAP is applied to a case example before future directions for FAP are discussed in the context of a process based approach to treatment.

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Munoz-Martinez, Stanton, Ta, Molaie, & Follette. 2022

APA Citation

Munoz-Martinez, A.M., Stanton, C.E., Ta, J.D., Molaie, A.M., & Follette, W.C. (2022). Linking process to outcome in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy: Evaluating the behavioral mechanism of change of a process-based therapy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 24, 102-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.04.001

Publication Topic
CBS: Empirical
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Functional analytic psychotherapy, Process-based therapies, Process-to-outcome research, Mechanism of change, Contingencies of reinforcement
Abstract

Process-based therapy has received attention in recent years and seeks to advance our understanding of mechanisms of change in behavioral health interventions. A process-to-outcome research approach was employed to examine the mechanism of change and treatment effects of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP). A non-concurrent multiple baseline design was conducted with three clients who endorsed psychological distress and interpersonal difficulties. FAP's mechanism of change was tested with a lag sequential analysis. Statistical analysis for single-case designs was performed to assess between and within-participant treatment outcomes. High contingent and consistent reinforcement were associated with clinical changes in treatment outcomes. Therapeutic relationship factors such as therapeutic alliance and therapeutic relationship intimacy did not show moderation effects on treatment variables. Limitations and recommendations for improving reliability are discussed. The relations of treatment outcomes and FAP implementation are summarized. Finally, we discuss the relevance of process-to-outcome research for improving clinical science.

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Toh, Kanter, Keenan, & Berlin. 2022

APA Citation

Toh, S. H. Y., Kanter, J.W., Keenan, M.E., Berlin, K.S. (2022). Testing Functional Analytic Psychotherapy's mediational model of change in social connectedness for people with fear of intimacy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 24, 18-22.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.02.002

Publication Topic
CBS: Empirical
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Abstract

In efforts to decrease psychological distress, psychotherapy frequently focuses on a client's intimate relationships and connectedness with others. One contextual-behavioral approach, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), aims to do so by employing the therapeutic relationship to shape improvements in the clients' in-session interpersonal behaviors. In a recent randomized trial of a FAP intervention for dyads who wanted to improve their relationships (Kanter et al., 2018), clients who presented with fear of intimacy were specifically taught in-session interpersonal skills to improve intimate behaviors and connectedness within dyads and reduce related fears. The current study employed a secondary analysis of those data and tested a mediational model in which decreases in fear of intimacy from pre-treatment to post-treatment for these participants would be associated with increases in social connectedness, and this association would be mediated by increases in self-reported intimacy-related behaviors. Results indicated that as fear of intimacy decreased, social connectedness increased, and this association was partially mediated by self-reported improvements in the intimacy-related behaviors targeted by the intervention. Thus, findings support a model in which fear of intimacy is associated with avoidance of intimacy-related behaviors which in turn decreases social connectedness; when these behaviors are targeted and improved, fear of intimacy may decrease and social connectedness may increase.

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Kuczynski et al., 2020

APA Citation

Kuczynski, A. M., Kanter, J. W., Wetterneck, C. T., Olaz, F. O., Singh, R. S., Lee, E. B., Stowe, T. J., Mazzucchelli, T. G., Mier-Chairez, J., Maitland, D. W. M., Manbeck, K. E., Corey, M. D. (2020). Measuring intimacy as a contextual behavioral process: Psychometric development and evaluation of the Awareness, Courage, and Responsiveness Scale. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 16, 199-208.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2019.02.004

Publication Topic
Other Third-Wave Therapies: Conceptual
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, Intimacy, Social Connectedness, Measure development
Abstract

High quality relationships are essential to psychological health and well-being, and relational intimacy is a core feature of these relationships. Decades of research in relationship science have converged on a central model of intimacy wherein individuals develop close, trusting relationships with one another. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a contextual behavioral intervention approach that is well-equipped to target interpersonal processes through the provision of in-session, therapist mediated reinforcement of skillful intimate relating. Single-subject level analyses of FAP's efficacy and mechanism of action are supportive; however, there is a need for group-level research to evaluate its efficacy and generalizability. This paper presents the development of the Awareness, Courage, and Responsiveness Scale (ACRS), a self-report measure of behaviors essential to intimate relating informed by contextual behavioral science principles and Reis and Shaver's (1988) Intimacy Process Model. In this five-part study, functioning of the ACRS is examined in undergraduate student samples (Studies 1–3), an adult community sample (Study 3), non-clinical dyadic relationships (Study 4), and a transdiagnostic clinical sample (Study 5). Strengths and limitations of the final measure are discussed.

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.

Singh, R.S. & O’Brien, W.H. (2018) A quantitative synthesis of functional analytic psychotherapy single-subject research.

APA Citation

Singh, R.S. & O’Brien, W.H. (2018) A quantitative synthesis of functional analytic psychotherapy single-subject research. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 7, 35-46.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2017.11.004

Publication Topic
Other Third-Wave Therapies: Conceptual
Other Third-Wave Therapies: Empirical
Publication Type
Article
Language
English
Keyword(s)
Functional analytic psychotherapy FAP Single-subject design Quantitative synthesis
Abstract

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a contextual behavioral therapy that utilizes behaviorism within the therapeutic relationship to implement in-session changes with the idea that these changes will generalize outside of session. The therapist focuses on reinforcing adaptive behavior and decreasing problematic behavior. Although FAP has existed as a therapy for nearly three decades, there is a limited amount of research examining its efficacy, and the majority of FAP efficacy studies use single-subject data. The current study aims to synthesize data from 20 FAP single-subject design research studies in order to provide a quantitative estimate of its efficacy. The metrics used to synthesize the data in this study include percentage of non-overlapping data (PND), split-middle trend estimation (SMTE), reliable change index (RCI), and Swanson's dsw. For PND and SMTE analyses the overall mean effect sizes fell into the "questionably effective" to "fairly effective" classification. RCIs were consistently classified as "statistically reliable" and swanson's dsw analyses indicated that differences were large and reliable.

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