Poster files will be added as we receive them. If you would like your poster file to be added to this list, please email it to acbsstaff@contextualscience.org.
Location: Grand Ballroom
Friday, June 20th, 7:30pm-8:45pm - Poster Session #1
Friday, June 20th, 8:45pm-10:00pm - Poster Session #2
Image denotes ACBS Junior Investigator Poster Award Recipients
Friday, June 20th - Poster Session #1
1. The Role of Values in the Experience of Happiness in Persons with Alzheimer’s disease
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Alzheimer's disease
Lynn Shell, Ph.D., PMHNP, Rutgers University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University
Background. The current understanding of happiness in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is generally limited to information obtained from quality of life measures. Less is known about the subjective experience of happiness for individuals living with AD. Design and methods. Twelve individuals with AD were given cameras and asked to take pictures representing situations that inhibit or support their happiness. Photos served as the starting point for interviews. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed to identify concepts and themes in each transcript. Results. The overarching theme reflected in the data is the presence of lifelong values, historically and contextually based and constructed in relationship with other people, which continue to be important to happiness in AD. Implications. This research suggests the identification of an individual’s core values, and the implementation of person-centered interventions that sustain those values, may improve quality of life and promote a happy, meaningful life in AD.
2. Evaluation of an acceptance-based intervention for children and adolescents with mucositis during cancer treatment
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Pain, mucositis, cancer, children and adolescents, acceptance
Jenny Thorsell Cederberg, M.S., Uppsala University
JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D., Uppsala University
Louise von Essen, Uppsala University
Gustaf Ljungman, Ph.D., Uppsala University
Mucositis, a condition of painful ulcers and inflammation orally or gastro-intestinally, is a common side effect of cancer treatment. In the pediatric population approximately 90 % of patients are affected. According to children and their parents the condition is one of the most painful and debilitating side effects during the whole cancer treatment period. Psychological acceptance has been shown beneficial for persons with chronic pain. Regarding acute pain, acceptance-based methods have fairly recently started to become evaluated scientifically, showing promising results. Meditation interventions for induced experimental pain, with an emphasis on mere observation of painful stimuli without further mental processing in a non-reactive, non-judging way, completely corresponding to the process of acceptance, have been shown to predict increased pain tolerance and decreased pain intensity and experienced unpleasantness of pain. The aim of the present study is to evaluate an acceptance-based intervention for children and adolescents with cancer affected by mucositis.
3. Feeling refreshed? Psychological flexibility and perceptions of sleep quality in a chronic illness sample
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Sleep
Caroline Kelley, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Desiree Green, B.S., Xavier University
For individuals with chronic illness (CI), poor sleep is often associated with decreased daytime functionality and adverse medical and psychological outcomes. We examined differences in measures related to psychological flexibility by subjective (SSQ) ratings of sleep quality (“very”/“fairly” good and “fairly”/“very” bad) in our online CI support group sample. There were significant overall differences by group. Specifically, those with higher SSQ ratings had higher overall life satisfaction in valued areas of living [F(3,364)=6.19,p<.01], CI Acceptance-activity engagement [F(3,362)=16.12,p<.01], CI Acceptance-willingness [F(3,367)=5.93,p<.01], and mindfulness [F(3,382)=12.59,p<.01], and lower levels of illness-related perceived disability [F(3,377)=15.96,p<.01] and experiential avoidance [F(3,381)=13.65,p<.01]. Although 61% of participants rated their SSQ as “fairly” or “very” good,” nearly 80% actually had total objective Sleep Quality Index scores indicating poor sleep. Results highlight how aspects of psychological flexibility may be associated with perceptions of SSQ and hence, vitality. ACT-based treatments may alter sleep quality perceptions, increase functionality, and improve medical outcomes.
4. Chronic illness patients seeking pain relief: Are those who seek psychological care more distressed and less psychologically flexible?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Pain
Caroline Kelley, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Chronic illness (CI) and pain management results in substantial annual healthcare cost. Those who suffer with comorbid CI/pain are often dissatisfied with relief achieved with treatments/medications. Psychological inflexibility is associated with higher health care utilization (HCU) and varied efforts to eradicate pain/suffering including psychological care. Our sample of online support group CI sufferers for whom pain was a “primary concern", reported average pain relief of 45.8% (Mode=30%) from treatments/medications. We compared individuals who saw psychologists or psychiatrists on measures of psychological flexibility and HCU. Those who saw a psychologist had greater experiential avoidance (p<.001) and HCU (p=.005), and lower mindfulness (p=.028) and Acceptance-activity engagement (p=.033). Those who saw a psychiatrist had greater experiential avoidance (p<.001), negative affect (p<.001), and HCU (p=.001), and lower positive affect (p=.012), mindfulness (p=.001), and Acceptance-activity engagement/willingness (p’s=<.05). When these individuals seek help, they may be especially distressed/fused and could benefit from ACT-based treatments targeting functional enhancement.
5. Effective ACT-based interventions with chronic illness patients: Achievable with online self-management programs?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Chronic Illness
Matthew Maley, Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
John Forrette, M.A., Xavier University
Care of chronic medical illness (CI) accounts for the majority of cost in health care systems. CI populations exhibit facets of psychological inflexibility that are predictive of poor medical and functional outcome. A sample of individuals (N=577) in online CI support groups were asked if they would be interested in attending behavioral CI self-management sessions with over 77.7% (n=454) responding “Yes”. When asked where they would most like to attend such sessions the three most frequent responses were: “on the internet” (42.6%), “at my doctor’s office” (21.7%), “at a psychology clinic” (9.1%). In our sample, those who expressed interest in sessions had more CIs (p<.001); lower levels of mindfulness (p=.028), CI Acceptance-activity engagement (p=.013), CI Acceptance-willingness (p=.021); and higher experiential avoidance compared to those not interested. Online ACT based CI self-management may be an effective mode of intervention with those struggling to manage CI illness and related symptoms.
6. Coronary artery disease and hypertension patients: Relationships among anxiety sensitivity, mindfulness, chronic illness acceptance, and experiential avoidance
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Anxiety Sensitivity, Mindfulness
John Forrette, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Matthew Maley, B.S., Xavier University
Coronary artery disease and hypertension are serious health concerns, and anxiety sensitivity (fear of sensations associated with anxiety) has recently been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Experiential avoidance (EA) is the attempt to avoid difficult thoughts and feelings. EA is related to health behaviors that increase heart disease risk, such as smoking, drinking, and binge eating. Mindfulness, by contrast, involves an awareness of present moment experiences through an attitude of acceptance and openness. We examined relationships between Anxiety Sensitivity (ASI) subscales (Physical, Cognitive and Social) and mindfulness, chronic illness acceptance and experiential avoidance. Bivariate correlations were notably strong across all variables. There was a strong positive relationship between each ASI subscale and EA (r’s=.511 to .692; p’s<.001) and inverse relationship between ASI subscales and mindfulness (r’s=-.391 to -.582; p’s<.001). It follows that CI Acceptance-willingness was likewise inversely related to each ASI subscale (r’s=-.262 to -.305; p’s<.01).
7. Perceived illness disability, experiential avoidance, mindfulness, and acceptance in chronic illness patients: Does fibromyalgia present a unique opportunity for ACT?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Mindfulness, acceptance, experiential avoidance
Stephanie E. Parazak, B.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Stacy Lorenz, M.A., Xavier University
Fibromyalgia (FM), characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance, is a unique chronic illness (CI) with an unpredictable symptom course. FM is often associated with poor functional outcomes and psychological symptomatology. ACT has shown considerable promise in enhancing functional outcomes in chronic pain patients. To evaluate the potential benefit of ACT in FM patients specifically, relevant theoretical variables were examined in FM patients (n=71) compared to patients with other CIs (n=333) in an online CI support group sample. Overall, FM patients perceived themselves to be more disabled due to their illness [F(1,383)=24.14,p<.01], including greater disability in family/home responsibilities, social activity, occupation, sexual behavior, self-care, and life-support activities [all p’s<.05]. FM survey participants also endorsed higher levels of experiential avoidance [F(1,402)=10.49,p<.01], lower levels of mindfulness [F(1,392)=8.46,p<.01], and lower CI Acceptance-activity engagement [F(1,379)=18.21,p<.01]. Taken together, results suggest that ACT treatment focus in FM patients may foster enhanced function across varied domains.
8. Mindfulness works in Children: Fusion or Fact? A systematic review of randomised control trials conducted thus far
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness based intervention, children
Dr Kannan Kallapiran, M.D., FRANZCP, Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Siew Koo, Department of Psychological Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Background Quality of evidence for Mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) in children have been variable. Aims Aim of this study is to systematically review the effect of MBIs in children and adolescents with mental health symptoms. Methodology We searched the following databases MEDLINE, EMBASE,CENTRAL, PsychINFO, CINAHL, openDOAR in January 2014created a systematic search strategy for the following terms “mindfulness”, “meditation”, “DBT“ACT”, “MBSR”, “M-CBT”, “Children and Adolescents” and “randomized controlled trials” firstly for MEDLINE and then adapted it to different databases. We have only included RCT that meet our inclusion criteria. Results Two authors screened 1601 records independently and selected 11 studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 9 out of 11 studies showed positive results for MBI and two were negative studies. A table will be presented in the poster showing the details of the sample, intervention, control, outcome measures and results of each study. Conclusions: Implications for clinicians and further research will be discussed.
9. Using the IRAP to measure experiential avoidance
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: IRAP
William F. Perez, Ph.D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Roberta Kovac, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Yara Nico, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Adriana Fidalgo, M.D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Daniel Caro, M.D. Ila Linares, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Rodrigo Boavista, M. D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Sarah Barbosa, Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
Experiential avoidance (EA) is supposed to underlie a variety of psychological problems. Studies have frequently used explicit measures, like questionnaires (e.g., AAQ-II), in order to infer the occurrence of EA in participant's daily life. The present study aimed at developing an additional measure of EA using the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP). Adults responded the AAQ-II and then were exposed to the IRAP. On IRAP trials, sentences related to "Acceptance" (e.g., It is OK to think, I allow myself to feel...) or "Avoidance" (e.g., I avoid feeling, I can't stand thinking of...) were presented as sample and sentences related to "Positive" (e.g., happy things, pleasant things...) or "Negative" (e.g., things that scares me, things that makes me anxious...) psychological contents were presented as target stimuli along with the words "True" or "False" as response options. Data collection is still in progress.
10. Validation of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) for the Italian youth population
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
The Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS; Cardaciotto, Herbert, Forman, Moitra & Farrow, 2008) is a bidimensional measure of mindfulness to assess its two key-components: present-moment awareness and acceptance. Its original version was tested on clinical and non-clinical samples of adults. This poster presents a pilot study assessing a PHLMS version validated for Italian non-clinical adolescents. Psychometrical properties and correlations with anxiety, depression, suppression thought, mindfulness and attention awareness have been investigated. Data collection is still currently in process, but preliminary tests reveal support for the validity of an Italian PHLMS version for youths.
11. Italian version of the White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI): A preliminary study
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
The White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI; Wegner & Zanakos, 1994) is a 15-item self-report questionnaire that is designed to measure chronic thought suppression, connected to obsessive thinking and negative affects linked to depression and anxiety and inversely correlated with repression. The WBSI identifies individuals who are more disposed to develop chronic thought suppression as well as individuals who express the wish to not be depressed, when in fact they are still depressed. The present study meets the need to have an Italian version of WBSI for youths. Data collection on the psychometrical properties of its items and on the correlations with measures assessing anxiety, depression, and dissociation seem to support a preliminary validation of this instrument.
12. A preliminary study of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) in Italian adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Cognitive fusion, in the ACT perspective, is the tendency to allow thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations to dominate other sources of behavioral regulation. It plays an important role in the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders. The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ; Gillanders, D.T., Bolderston, H., Bond, F.W., Dempster, M., Campbell, L., Kerr, S., Tansey, L., Clarke, S., Remington, B., Flaxman, P., Deans, G. , 2010) measures the extent to which individuals become ‘fused’ with their cognitions. This poster investigates CFQ items in a sample of about 500 Italian adolescents and compares them with thought suppression, avoidance, mindfulness, anxiety and depression symptoms. We expect to find positive correlations with measures of anxiety and depression and with measures of experiental avoidance; while we expect to discover negative correlations with a measure of mindfulness. Data analysis is still currently in process. Clinical implications of this study will be discussed for further research in adolescence.
13. Affect and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Exercise Frequency
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Affect, Self-Compassion, Physical Activity
Jennifer K. Altman, M.A., University of Louisville
Abbie O. Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Paul G. Salmon, Ph.D., University of Louisville
Exercise is associated with multiple health benefits. However, >25% of Americans report no leisure-time physical activity (PA) in the past month, while stress and associated disorders are at epidemic proportions. We investigated the relationship between affect, self-compassion and PA. A sample of 469 undergraduates, with overall mean Body Mass Index of 24.1, and mean moderate exercise frequency of 3.2 times/week, completed the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), the Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (SCS-SF), and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Stepwise multiple regression was conducted to ascertain the most salient predictors of PA frequency among PANAS and SCS-SF factors. The final model accounted for 12.4% of total variance (F(3, 435)=21.463, p<.0001, Adj R2=.124) with lower levels of Negative affect (β=-.122, p=.01), higher levels of Positive affect (β=.354, p<.0001), and notably, lower levels of self-kindness (β=-.146, p=.003) predicting more frequent PA. These results provide a preliminary base for future research investigating the roles of affect and self-compassion in PA.
14. A laboratory investigation of emotion regulation: The influence of mood induction and personality psychopathology on emotional responding
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Emotion regulation
Lauren Borges, M.A., Western Michigan University
Amy Naugle, Ph.D., Western Michigan University
To better understand how individuals regulate aversive emotions, the present study evoked emotion regulation strategies in an undergraduate sample. Pairs of participants were generated based on personality assessment data from the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality-2 (SNAP-2). Participants were then randomized to the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task-Computerized version (PASAT-C) mood induction condition or an essay writing mood induction task concerning abortion views. Self-report measures of state emotion regulation strategies were administered before and after each mood induction task. These measures were used to understand the interaction between mood induction condition, personality psychopathology, and emotional responding. Data are presented to address how different contextual demands result in different emotion regulation strategies. Additionally, differences in emotional responding between students meeting criteria for personality psychopathology and those without personality disorders are presented. Implications for the findings from the present study are discussed and future areas of research are identified.
15. Examining cognitive fusion and psychological inflexibility as predictors of binge eating
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Eating Disorders
Sarah A. Potts, Utah State University
Jack A. Haeger, Utah State University
Michael E. Levin, Utah State University
Psychological inflexibility, as assessed by the AAQ-II, has been linked to binge eating in previous research. While the AAQ-II is a general process measure for psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance, measures of other more specific components of the psychological inflexibility model have recently been developed. The Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ; Gillanders et al., 2014) is one more specific inflexibility process measure of interest in the realm of eating pathology. The present ongoing online survey study conducted with college students at a mid-sized university administered a measure of binge eating, the AAQ-II, CFQ, and other known predictors of eating pathology (rumination and negative affect). Preliminary poisson regression analyses with an initial sample of 96 students revealed the CFQ as more predictive of binge eating behavior in comparison to the AAQ-II. Additionally, the CFQ better accounted for the relationship between binge eating than both rumination and negative affect. Data collection will continue through May 2014.
16. The Role of Values in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Schizophrenia
Melissa Rosenberg, B.A., Alliant International University
Irwin Rosenfarb, Ph.D., Alliant International University
Although there is promising research on the implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with schizophrenia, it is unknown if ACT as a whole is required for these benefits, or whether just one component is needed for long-term, positive life changes. Preliminary research suggests, however, that ACT-based values work alone may assist these individuals in moving towards their core ideals despite intrusive and pervasive symptoms. The purpose of this study will be to look at the role of values in the treatment of schizophrenia. Research that has examined the values and goals that individuals with schizophrenia have will be reviewed and the study will discuss how ACT-based values work may be enhanced.
17. Turkish Version of AAQ-II: Reliability and Validity Analysis
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: AAQ
Fatih Yavuz, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology
Mehtap Iskin, Psyc,
Sevinc Ulusoy, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology
Betul Esen, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology
Huseyin Sehid Burhan, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry & Neurology
Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II is a self-evaluating scale that has been developed for examining psychological flexibility of a person. Scale has strong correlations with two dimensions called experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion, which are determined as main processes underlying psychological rigidity. The aim of this study was to examine validity and reliability of the Turkish version of “Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II” (AAQ-II). Method: The sample consisted of 107 participants including students from a Turkish university. After translation, back-translation and pilot assessment of Turkish version of AAQ-II (TAAQ-II) completed, socio-demographic data form, TAAQ-II, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Ruminative Thought Style Questionnaire (RTSQ), The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered to participants. For reliability analysis of TAAQ-II; test-retest correlation, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and item-dimension total score correlations were used. We also used principal component analysis for factor analysis and Pearson correlation analysis for convergent validity. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.8±2.7 years (age range: 18-26 years) and 60.7% (n=65) were female. Statistically significant results supported TAAQ-II’s reliability. Item-dimension total score correlation analyses revealed statistically significant correlation coefficients that show high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.90). Factor analysis revealed that TAAQ-II, as the original version, has one dimension and this explained 61.8% of the total variance. For convergent validity, we compared TAAQ-II total scores with BDI, RTSQ and STAI and revealed strongly significant positive relations. Conclusion: The results of this study show that TAAQ-II is a reliable and valid scale for the assessment of psychological flexibility in non-clinical population.
18. Components of mindfulness are good, but psychological flexibility is better
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Miles Thompson, Canterbury Christ Church University
Verena Becker, Canterbury Christ Church University
Mindfulness remains popular both within and outside of the CBS community. Research continues to target the measurement and active ingredients in this behaviour. One popular measure of mindfulness is the Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS). The original authors of the measure claim that both mindfulness and this measure are uni-dimensional. However recent research by McCracken and Thompson (2009), using data from participants suffering from chronic pain, proposed a four factor solution. This current study used a non clinical sample of 160 and sought to evaluate the relationship between variations of the MAAS and measures of general health and life satisfaction. It also compared the MAAS results with those achieved by the AAQ-II. Correlation and multiple regression analysis indicate that parts of the MAAS four factor solution outperform the uni-dimensional MAAS total. However results from the AAQ-II suggest an even stronger relationship with general health and life satisfaction.
19. Development of the Body Compassion Scale
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Body Image, Compassion
Jennifer K. Altman, M.A., University of Louisville
Abbie O. Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Paul G. Salmon, Ph.D., University of Louisville
We are developing the Body Compassion Scale (BCS) to assess body-focused compassion. A sample of 503 undergraduates (29.4% male; 70.6% female; 77.3% White; 10.7% Black; 4.2% Asian; 3.8% Hispanic) completed a battery of questionnaires, including the Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ), and an 83-item pool from which the BCS will be formed. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy was 0.91, showing enough common variability between items to warrant exploratory factor analysis. Bartlett’s test of Sphericity was significant (χ2 (3003) = 17033.19, p < 0.001), indicating the R-matrix is not an identity matrix; and initial communalities range from 0.49 to 0.80, suggesting acceptable shared variance between items. Preliminary analyses suggest three factors in the BCS: Appearance-Acceptance (AA); Embodiment-Shared Experience (ESE); and Health-Kindness (HK). Two of the factors and the total score were significantly correlated with the BIAAQ (AA r=.805, p<.001; HK r=.217, p<.001; BCSTotal r=.669, p<.001).
20. The effectiveness of the Global Parenting Skills program: Moderating roles of psychological flexibility and acculturation
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Children
Anne Brassell, B.A., University of Vermont
Rebecca Hamblin, M. A.,
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Parenting in a new culture is particularly distressing when the familial values of the resettled country differ from the individual’s native country. Such a transition is especially difficult for refugee families who often exhibit increased levels of psychosocial distress, post-traumatic symptoms, and post-migration stressors. Resettled refugees often express that they are unaware of how to manage their children’s behavior in the context of their new cultural environment. Behavioral parenting programs are one method of increasing effective parenting strategies and reducing child psychopathology. However, given the unique challenges of refugee families, it is important to modify pre-existing parenting programs to fit the needs of this population. The current poster will serve to examine the effectiveness of a culturally-modified parenting program in a Bhutanese refugee population. Specifically, we will present data on the association between psychological flexibility and acculturation and examine the moderating roles of these variables in predicting treatment outcomes, namely parenting strategies and child behavior. We expect that acculturation will be positively associated with psychological flexibility. Further, we anticipate that these variables will moderate pre/post change.
21. ACT in Real Time: ACT APP for Adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Adolescents
Sheri Turrell, Ph.D., Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, ontario
Mary Bell, MSW, RSW, Trillium Health Partners
Paula Gardner, Ph.D., Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Marjan Verstappen, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Lindy Wilkins, MDes Candidate, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Dora Poon, BDes Candidate, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
Tim Bettridge, BDes Candidate, Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU)
We have been running ACT groups for adolescents as part of an on-going outcome study in our out-patient clinic in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. To augment mindfulness, defusion / acceptance, and values based living, we partnered with the Ontario College of Art and Design University in Toronto, Ontario, to create a mobile APP. Adolescents from the ACT groups engaged in extended interviews and using a participatory, iterative design, the authors have created an APP for adolescents from an ‘everyday life’ approach. We hope to have participants from our focus groups test the first working model of this APP in the near future; their feedback will contribute to further refinement and wider distribution. This poster will highlight elements of the APP and will be accompanied by a working prototype for 'hands on experience." We also welcome feedback from our ACBS colleagues in Minneapolis!
22. Taking ACTion in Physical Rehabilitation
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Physical Rehabilitation
Melissa Mattson, Ph.D., Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Christie King, Ph.D., Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System
There has been increasing support for the use of ACT in medical contexts as it relates to health behavior change in a variety of areas, including weight and diabetes management, smoking cessation, and exercise. Although ACT has been studied in relation to pain management, there is a dearth of research on the integration of ACT principles in the area of physical rehabilitation more broadly (including brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, and amputation). Applying ACT principles to the rehabilitation population may present unique issues and challenges, given the physical and/or cognitive limitations present in this population. The authors will discuss the use of ACT in addressing the impact of physical disability on emotional well-being (i.e. anxiety, trauma, and depression), identity and body image, and on the often dramatic change in capacity to engage in previously fulfilling activities. The authors will also discuss the interplay between the six core processes and the rehabilitation process, including values as related to modifying or identifying new, meaningful behaviors and activities; self-as-context in terms of one’s experiences before and after injury; and acceptance with regard to letting go of the struggle against changes in physical condition. Further implications of ACT and the six core processes in the acute and long-term rehabilitation process, as well as case examples, will be discussed.
23. Group-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for PTSD in a Managed Care Setting
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: PTSD
Kathryn Wetzler, Psy.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Shay Loftus, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Kelly Land, Psy.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Michael Skolnik, M.S.W., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Cody D. Christopherson, Ph.D., Southern Oregon University
Ross Nelson, Psy.D., Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8 week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group in reducing psychiatric symptoms and improving quality of life in adult outpatients with PTSD. Participants (N = 86, 79% female, 62% Caucasian) were members of a large health maintenance organization who met DSM-IV criteria for PTSD according to chart review. The 90 minute group was designed around the 6 core processes of ACT (psychological flexibility, cognitive defusion, present moment awareness, self-as-context, values, and committed action). Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up using self-report measures of posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. The psychotherapy process variables of psychological flexibility, cognitive defusion, and mindfulness were also assessed. Three fourths of the sample completed treatment, which was defined as attending a minimum of 5 groups. Repeated Measures Mixed-Effects Models revealed that all four outcomes improved significantly from pre-treatment to post-treatment (p < .0001) and from pre-treatment to follow-up (p < .0001), while controlling for potential confounds (e.g., demographic factors, medication changes, concurrent therapies). The psychotherapy process variables of psychological flexibility and mindfulness were significantly associated with changes in symptom severity over time (p < .05). Overall, the findings of the study were promising, warranting further research in a randomized controlled trial.
24. Avoidance and inflexibility is associated with failure to respond to a contingency management intervention targeting cocaine use: A secondary profile analysis
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Substance Abuse
Angela Stotts, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Anka Vujanovic, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Robert Suchting, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Angela Heads, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Charles Green, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Joy Schmitz, Ph.D., University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Contingency management (CM), a reinforcement-based approach that provides tangible reinforcement for objectively verified drug abstinence, is the most effective intervention for cocaine use disorders. In a recent study (Schmitz et al., 2014) high-magnitude CM implemented during the pre-randomization lead-in period prior to a cocaine pharmacotherapy trial resulted in subgroups of participants who were able and unable to achieve initial abstinence (i.e., CM responders and non-responders). For purposes of the current investigation, a secondary profile analysis was performed to identify clinically relevant cognitive-affective characteristics related to CM response with the potential to inform future treatment development. Cocaine-dependent, treatment-seeking adults (n = 99) were administered diagnostic interviews, provided urine samples to confirm active substance use, and completed self-report questionnaires. Profiles were established using standardized mean scores on baseline measures of avoidance/inflexibility, negative affect, cocaine withdrawal/craving, and impulsivity. Results indicated that the parallelism hypothesis was rejected, i.e., patterns of mean values were different between CM responders and non-responders. Post-hoc testing revealed that subgroups did not differ on levels of negative affect, withdrawal/craving, or impulsivity. However, CM non-responders, relative to responders, had significantly higher scores on avoidance and behavioral inflexibility (p < .01) when faced with distressing cocaine-related thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, indicating that methods for regulating emotional experiences may play a significant role in treatment response. Promoting acceptance and behavioral flexibility among cocaine-dependent adults may thus increase sensitivity to CM interventions as well as other non-drug reinforcers, facilitating abstinence and improving treatment outcomes.
25. Initial depressive and psychiatric symptoms and group condition as predictors of six-session ACT treatment outcome
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Depression
Heidi Kyllönen, M.S., University of Jyväskylä
Anne Puolakanaho, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Piia Astikainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Major depression disorder (MDD) is associated with continuum of clinical features. The present paper aimed to explore how the initial levels of depressive and psychiatric symptoms and group membership are connected to the treatment outcomes. Clinically depressed participants (N = 119) were randomized either to instantly treated or to waitlist condition (WLC) group before having the same six-session Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT). Treatment outcomes were based on self-reported questionnaires of depressive (The Beck’s Depression Inventory II, BDI-II) and psychiatric symptoms (The Symptom Check-List 90, SCL-90). Initial level of both depressive and psychiatric symptoms, and treatment group membership predicted linear logistic regression outcomes, producing explanation rates 22.1 % and 38.8 % respectively. The clinical relevance of these findings is further discussed in the presentation.
26. Learning to Surf Endless Waves: A Systematic Review of ACT for Chronic Pain
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Pain
Mary Eleanor Burkhart Polk, University of Maine, Farmington
Amanda Adcock, Ph.D., VA Hospital
Kevin Polk, Ph.D., VA Hospital
David Bann, M.D., VA Hospital
Debora Heath, RN, M.S., VA Hospital
Amy Doughty, NP, VA Hospital
Christopher White, PT, VA Hospital
The goal of most treatment plans for patients with chronic pain is pain reduction through prescription drugs with problematic side effects and frequently questionable benefit. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Chronic Pain aims to increase psychological flexibility through acceptance of internal experiences, values identification, and action. Research in this area has burgeoned, and a systematic literature review is needed for studying effectiveness of ACT for chronic pain. This poster will present gathered systematic review of literature from Pubmed, PsycINFO, Medline, Proquest, and ScienceDirect databases. The search returned 386 possible articles for use in this analysis. Twenty-seven outcome trials were reviewed by a team of professionals. Data analysis is currently underway, but trends are that ACT is as effective as CBT, and sometimes better in the long term.
27. A new strategy for reducing the use of force in mental health care
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Reduced use of force in mental health care
Didrik Heggdal, Clinical Manager/ Clinical Psychologist, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust
Arne Lillelien, Psychiatric Nurse, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust
In inpatient mental health care, efforts to regulate the patients’ behavior may, contrary to intentions, reinforce and aggravate behavioral disturbances and therefore increase the need for external control and restraints. To counteract and prevent such problem-maintaining interaction between health professionals and the inpatients, a treatment facility in Norway has developed and implemented a strategy labeled Complementary External Regulation (CER). The strategy is used in combination with 3rd generation cognitive behavioral therapies and aims at eliminating behavioral disturbances, reducing the use of force and promoting motivation for treatment. CER consists of organizing and guiding structures that conveys the total body of ethical principles and clinical competence into a coordinated practice across various professionals’ contributions and across shifts. Preliminary data indicates that implementation of CER dramatically reduces the use of force, and also the use of medication. Furthermore, the patients’ symptoms were significantly reduced and psychosocial functioning improved.
28. The relationship of youth mindfulness and parent post-traumatic stress with emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents with refugee and non-refugee backgrounds
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, PTS, Refugees
Emily R. Pichler, B.A., University of Vermont
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Rex Forehand, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Emerging research suggests that children of refugees (“refugee youth”) are at increased risk for mental health problems. Moreover, some research specifically in refugee populations suggests that parental post-traumatic stress (PTS) negatively impacts children’s adjustment. The current study sought to identify specific factors that promote psychosocial adjustment in the context of refugee status and its associated parental trauma. For example, youth mindfulness, conceptualized as nonjudgmental awareness and acceptance of one’s experience, is associated with reduced psychosocial problems in youth. Mindfulness is a promising area of investigation in the context of parent PTS, as parental behaviors and symptoms play a substantial role in the development of children’s responding to their own emotional reactions. We will examine the simple and interactive relationships of parent PTS symptoms and youth mindfulness with youth psychosocial problems in a sample of refugee and non-refugee adolescents (data collection in progress, expected N=90); we expect that youth mindfulness will be related to lower levels of youth problems, whereas parental PTS symptoms will be related to higher levels of youth problems but youth mindfulness will buffer adolescents from the effects of parent PTS.
29. Improving Daily Life Through Mindfulness: Moderators of the Daily Relation Between Mindfulness Meditation and Value-Guided Living
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Meditation, Values, Experience Sampling
Christopher R. Berghoff, M. A., University at Albany, State University of New York
Timothy R. Ritzert, University at Albany, State University of New York
John P. Forsyth, Ph.D., University at Albany, State University of New York
Mindfulness-based strategies and values-based outcomes are rapidly gaining attention in mainstream CBTs, and ACT is at the forefront of these efforts. Yet, little attention has been given thus far to the potential effects of traditional mindfulness meditation (MM) on values-directed behaviors in daily life. This may be due to a relative lack of focus on values by mindfulness researchers (see Shapiro et. al., 2006 for an exception) or the tendency for ACT to employ, and thus focus research efforts on, less traditional mindfulness exercises in therapy (Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2012). The aim of our research was to elucidate the relation between MM practice and value-guided living in a nonclinical sample (N = 75) who participated in a 14-day diary study. Initial analyses indicate mean value-guided living, but not experiential avoidance (EA) or contact with the present moment, was greater on days MM was practiced. Moreover, analyses suggest that daily EA and contact with the present moment are related to value-guided living in theoretically consistent ways. Accordingly, the present work will examine daily EA and present moment awareness as potential moderators of the relation between MM practice and value-guided living. Results will be presented in terms of improving CBTs through the inclusion of formal MM practice and identifying key elements that may be critical to successful mindful practice outcomes.
30. Preliminary results from a pilot trial of ACT for men with moderate risk prostate cancer: Trends in distress, decision-making and cognitive fusion
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Cancer
Matthew C. Porter, Ph.D., California School of Professional Psychology
Pia Heppner, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System and University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry
Matthew T. Lutz, B.S., California School of Professional Psychology
Laura Redwine, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System
Kyoko Sakamoto, M.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System
Jill Stoddard, Ph.D., California School of Professional Psychology
Niloo Afari, Ph.D., VA San Diego Healthcare System
A novel, four-hour, ACT intervention was developed to facilitate treatment decision-making in men with a recent moderate risk prostate cancer diagnosis. In a mixed methods, nonrandomized, nonblinded, longitudinal study design, we provided ACT plus usual care to 13 and usual care only to 19 men at the VA San Diego Healthcare System in 2011-12 (9 and 17 completers, respectively). Our primary purpose was to assess the intervention’s feasibility in a busy urology surgery clinic serving a clinically heterogeneous, aging male veteran population. Qualitative data indicated ACT was well tolerated and accepted in this population. In the quantitative data, significance testing and effect size calculation were hampered by the pilot study’s small sample size. We nonetheless observed a trend for desirable psychological outcomes to be more protected in the ACT group across multiple distinct constructs. From baseline to 2-week post-intervention, 11 of 16 between-group comparisons obtained in this direction. Outcomes were disease-related distress (HADS and MAX-PC), illness and treatment perceptions (BIPQ, ICQ, DC) and acceptance, values and meaning-life (AAQ and SMILE). Similarly, at 4 months, 19 of 27 comparisons found perceptions and distress to be less strongly related to objective cancer-related functioning in the ACT group, suggestive of greater cognitive defusion. While none of these comparisons reached statistical significance, the trend across multiple distinct measures and constructs suggested that ACT’s ability to reduce distress and improve decision-making is deserving of study on a larger, adequately powered scale. Our experience also highlighted the complexities and opportunities of coordinating a psychological intervention within the activities of a busy surgery clinic.
31. ACT - MOH (Medication Overuse Headache): An observational study
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Headache
Giuseppe Deledda, Psy, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy,
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Fabio Marchioretto, Neurology Unit, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Verona, Italy
Vittoria Pasetti, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Claudio Bianconi, Neurology Unit, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Verona, Italy
Background: This study explored the psychological variable on patients with MOH (Medication overuse headache), in order to develop a brief intervention ACT based. Methods: Patients were assessed at pre-treatment ACT based (3 sessions during ten day hospitalization) with standardized self-report measures (MIDAS; SCL-90; Distress Thermometer; AAQ-II; VLQ), and 1-year-follow-up. Results: Fifty two patients (mean age = 48.03 years (SD 10.81); 83% female) were recruited. Data showed high mean scores of Migraine Disability(MIDAS mean=104,7; SD 88.94), a high distress level (M=6,7; SD 2.3) and psychological symptoms (Somatization M=1.55 (SD 0.89); obsessive compulsive symptoms M=1.54 (SD=9.4), Depression M=1.33 (SD 0.84); Anxiety M=1.05 (SD 0.82); Paranoid ideation M=1,05 (SD 0,78) Sleep Disorders M=1.33 (SD 0.81)), and alow degree of acceptance (AAQ2 M=44.18; SD 12.22). Male showed higher degree of acceptance (AAQ2 M=51,45; SD 6.69) and lower psychological symptoms. Also, more women under the age of fifty years show high levels of hostility M=1,15 (DS 1,06) and interpersonal sensitivity M=1,16 (DS 0,91) than women over the age of fifty. Conclusions: The brief ACT - MOH, is focused on the psychological flexibility through the increase a non-judgmental attitude and willingness to experience unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and on the control agenda, in order to live in the present consistently with their values.
32. Getting interpersonal on the matrix: Cultivating empathy and facilitating conflict negotiation on the matrix
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Family therapy
Susan F. Balaban, Brattleboro Retreat Uniformed Service Program
Kevin Polk, Ph.D., The Psychological Flexibility Group
There is little time or opportunity for family therapy in brief treatment contexts, but inpatients and patients in intensive outpatient programs tend to struggle painfully in their close relationships. In this ACT-centered program for uniformed service professionals we have adapted the matrix to facilitate powerful family interventions. Using the matrix, families address major stressors during treatment. Family members develop awareness of patients’ efforts to handle pain while engaging in valued action. The matrix is also used to facilitate group therapy sessions designed to improve functioning in relationships by cultivating empathy, clarifying relationship values (e.g. communication, closeness, intimacy) and committing to valued actions in the service of those relationships. This project would show families’ conflict-negotiation sorting on matrix diagrams as well as interpersonal experience sorting on our adapted “interpersonal matrices.” These techniques are readily adapted to conflict negotiation and empathy building in other interpersonal contexts (e.g., workplace, school, political advocacy groups).
33. The impact of three mood induction procedures on dysphoric mood and how their effects are moderated by self-compassion and rumination
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Self-compassion
Eric B. Richardson, Wichita State University
Nakisha Carrasquillo, Wichita State University
The present ongoing study investigates the relationship between dispositional self-compassion and rumination by examining their individual and interactive effects upon dysphoric mood as induced by three different mood induction procedures as well their effects on subjective distress to the resulting change in dysphoric mood. The three mood induction procedures, the Velten Mood Induction Procedure (Velten, 1968), a musical induction procedure, and one that combines the two (Martin, 1990), will also be examined for their relative impact on dysphoric mood. Thus far, a preliminary analysis shows a significant effect on subjective reactions for the Velten and Combined mood inductions. Further analysis will also address how the effects of the differing mood induction procedures are moderated by self-compassion and rumination.
34. A brief lifestyle intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for cancer patients: preliminary data sorting on BMI groups
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Cancer patients
Giuseppe Deledda, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Federica Maccadanza, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Chiara Anselmi, Department of Medicine Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, of “Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Angela Di Canio, Service Clinical Psycology, at “Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Stefania Gori, U.O.C. Oncology, of “Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria” Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
Background The weight gain affects an high number of cancer patients, during and after the treatments. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focused on psychological flexibility, has shown to be effective in reducing and maintaining weight. This study explored the psychological variable on cancer patients recruited for a healthy lifestyle intervention ACT based. Methods The healthy lifestyle intervention consists in a set of four-monthly sessions and a follow up after 3 mounts. At the first and last encounter patients’ weight is reported and questionnaires on clinical state (RSCL, PWBQ, Distress Thermometer, Bull’s eye), eating behaviour (TFE.Q-51), psychological flexibility (AAQ-2, Bull's-eye) and the BIAAQ are administered. Results Thirty one consecutive patients were recruited. The Mean age of the sample was 57,8 (SD=11,67), and it was divided in three groups, depending on the patients’ starting BMI (Group 1: BMI<22; Group 2: 22
35. Mindful Parenting: Conscious Action, Acceptance, and Living Out of the Comfort Zone
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindful Parenting, mindfulness,
Carlos E. Rivera Villegas, B.S., Suffolk University
Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University, Harvard Medical School/ McLean Hospital
Marie-Christine André, M.A., Suffolk University
Sara E. Shea, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital
Mindful Parenting: Conscious Action, Acceptance, and Living Out of the Comfort Zone Carlos E. Rivera Villegas, B.S., Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Marie-Christine André, M.A., & Sara E. Shea, Ph.D. Suffolk University, Harvard Medical School/ McLean Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA The present study investigated the relationship that facets of mindfulness, specifically, acting with awareness and accepting without judgment, have with mothers’ parenting practices and perceptions of their children’s behavior. We expected that mothers reporting less awareness and acceptance would report more punitive and inconsistent parenting, experiential avoidance, and child behavior problems. The sample included 144 low-income, racially and ethnically diverse mothers of preschool children recruited from Head Start and public preschool programs around the urban Boston area. Our hypotheses were supported. Mothers who reported lower levels of acting with awareness tended to be more punitive (p < .05). Those who reported lower acceptance also reported using more inconsistent (p < .05) and punitive (p < .01) parenting practices, engaged more in experiential avoidance (p < .05), and reported more internalizing and externalizing problematic behaviors in their children (p < .01). Additionally, lower levels of acting with awareness, accepting without judgment, coupled with higher levels of experiential avoidance, predicted 12% of parental punitive practices (p < .01), 11% of inconsistent parenting (p < .01), and 15% (p < .01) of children problematic behavior. These findings suggest that acting with awareness and accepting without judgment, while staying in contact with emotions, may help prevent maladaptive parenting practices. Implications and future directions will be discussed.
37. Cybersexual Addiction: Conceptualization and Treatment integrating ACT and FAP in a case study and hypothesis for the group therapy intervention
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: New Addictions, Cyber-Sexual Addiction,
Robert Allegri, Ph.D., Iescum alumni, Miopsicologo.it, private practice, ACBS
Katia Manduchi Ph.D., Iescum, private practice Italy, Acbs
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Therapy (FAP), can be used in the treatment of different behavior disorders. Those protocols can also be used in the treatment of Sexual Addiction and specifically for Cybersexual Addiction. The treatment of an individual case will be presented, in order to introduce the ACT conceptualization model, pointing out how Hexaflex provide guidelines that can be used in the treatment of this behavior. The FAP model has been integrated and used on support of the therapy. The efficacy of the treatment has been measured with instrument such as: AAQ2, VLQ, IAT, functional analysis and sheets. The present work aims to bring the attention to these widespread conditions, as well as to provide guidelines for the treatment. The clinical success of this intervention on individual cases, suggests guidelines that can be used in a group protocol, that deserves further investigation and controlled studies.
38. Yoga in the Healing of Anxiety and Depression: The Context for Learning Psychological Flexibility
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Anxiety, Depression, Yoga, Mindfulness, Alternative Interventions, Complementary Medicine
Timothy Gordon, MSW, RSW, Independent Practice
Interviews with 12 yoga teachers, social workers, and other clinical counselling professionals describe their experience and recommendations for yoga practices with a mental health client population who suffer from anxiety or depression. This study uses a qualitative approach and a constructivist grounded theory method. The results have been formulated as an addition to existing theory regarding how yoga is used to heal anxiety and depression. Drawing upon existing yoga literature and other theories of healing anxiety and depression, including Ayurveda, Mindfulness, and Relational Frame Theory, the findings explore a new understanding of how yoga heals. This understanding includes constructs and practices such as psychological flexibility; present moment awareness through the separation of self from thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations; reappraisal of situations and reactions, and the ability to successfully adapt to fluctuating circumstances; mindful breathing: present moment awareness through the separation of self from thoughts and strategies to focus attention as a means of grounding; and valued living, the commitment to demonstrating personal values.
39. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Distressed Cancer Patients
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Patients with Cancer
Gabriela L. Alshafie, B.S., San Jose State University
Ashley S. Palma, San Jose State University
Elizabeth Mejia-Munos, San Jose State University
Benjamin Ramos, San Jose State University
Jennifer A. Gregg, Ph.D, San Jose State University
Within the next decade, cancer survivors in the United States are estimated to reach 18 million people. Distress in this population is common, and disruption in normal life activities and roles often contributes to psychological distress. The present study examined an 8-week Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention for individuals who had completed medical treatment for early stage breast cancer compared to a control condition. Participants (N = 41) were randomly assigned to either ACT or waitlist control. Outcomes were measured pre-treatment and at 3-month follow-up and included change in diurnal cortisol (collected 4 times per day over 3 days), quality of life (QoL; EORTC), and distress (SOSI). Process measures included psychological flexibility (AAQ) and benefit-finding (BFS). Results indicated significant improvement across outcome and process measures for both treatment and control groups, but no significant differences between groups. Post-hoc analyses for explorations in future studies are discussed, as well as implications of this and future research in this population.
40. Appropriating the AAQ for the Context of Studying—A Pilot Study among Students of Arts
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: College Students
Juha Nieminen, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Henna Asikainen, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Telle Hailikari, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
University students’ academic emotions, regulation of studying, and their relationships to study success are receiving a renewed interest within the field of educational psychology. Simultaneously, the role of psychological flexibility in interventions designed for college students is being investigated by members of the CBS community. In the present study, the workplace-related version of the AAQ (WAAQ, Bond et al.) was appropriated for the context of studying and, together with existing measures of academic emotions, administered to 274 students of Arts. Students’ GPAs were obtained from university records. The internal coherence of the new scale was found to be good. Psychological flexibility was positively correlated with positive emotions and negatively with negative emotions. Analyses of relationships to other measures and possible meditational effects between psychological flexibility and study success will be presented.
41. Improving university students’ academic achievement in Psychology through active learning strategies
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Improving university students' academic achievement
Grace Fayombo Ph.D., The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Faculty of Humanities and Education, School of Education, Barbados
Active learning is vital to students’ success. Evidence suggests that anything that involves students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing may be referred to as active learning. This Quasi-Experimental study therefore investigated the effectiveness of active learning strategies (video, games, role-play and discussion) in improving the academic achievement among a sample of 80 undergraduate psychology students (18-46 years) at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill, Barbados. There was pre and post assessment of the participants before and after instruction utilising the active learning strategies; the paired t-test was conducted to compare the pre and post test scores. The result revealed gain in the mean score -8.55 (pretest 12.21 – post test 20.76) and the difference was significant (t= -24.435, df = 79, p<0.05). These findings showed that active learning strategies are effective in improving academic achievement among UWI psychology students. Keywords: Active learning strategies, academic achievement, Psychology, students
42. The role of psychological flexibility in minority and nonminority students’ adjustment to college
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Diversity, College Students
Jenna M. Marx, M.S., Bowling Green State University
Sabrina Gonzales, B.S., Bowling Green State University
Jennifer H. Lackey, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Stacey Bradbury, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Mariya Zaturenskaya, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Alan K. Davis, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Dryw Dworsky, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
Nova Hinman, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Sindhia Swaminathan, B.S., Bowling Green State University
Margaret Feuille, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Maren Froemming, B.S., Bowling Green State University
African American and Hispanic students are more likely to drop out of college than non-minority peers (Eimers & Pike, 1997), possibly due to discrimination that contributes to poor college adjustment. Additionally, the degree to which one faces or avoids the emotional activation that may occur due to discrimination could be a factor that is related to adjustment. Considering this, our study seeks to examine the associations between psychological inflexibility and adjustment to college among minority and nonminority students. Specifically, we are examining the relationship of psychological inflexibility with general self-efficacy, perceived stress, coping with college stress, physical and psychological health, and attitudes about diversity. We propose to answer the following questions. First, is there a relation between psychological inflexibility and psychological adjustment to college among minority undergraduates? Second, does this relation increase or decrease as a function of year in college? Third, is there a difference in the relation between psychological inflexibility and adjustment to college between minority and non-minority undergraduates? Finally, is there a relation between psychological inflexibility and prejudicial attitudes? If psychological inflexibility is an important factor in college adjustment among minority students, this could inform college level interventions and prevention programs in order to facilitate healthy adjustment and reduce the dropout rate among ethnic minorities.
43. An Examination of the Effects of Feedback and Acceptance and Commitment Training on Direct Support Professional Active Treatment Implementation, Stress, and Job Satisfaction
Primary Topic: Organizational behavior management
Subtopic: Performance Management
John Pingo, Goldie B. Floberg Center
Mark Dixon, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Experiment 1 examined the effect of a verbal and written performance feedback system with a low cost probabilistic contingency reward program and an eight hour ACT training program on the percentage of time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) spent engaged in active treatment and the technical competence of active treatment provided to people with disabilities. The experiment used a pretest/posttest design with a waitlist control group and two intervention groups. DSPs serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in a residential and small group home settings participated in the experiment. The first intervention group received only the feedback intervention while the second intervention group received the feedback intervention and the ACT training. After attrition the group sizes were control N = 12, feedback only N = 12, and feedback plus ACT N = 17. Both intervention groups performed significantly better than the control group. The feedback plus ACT group outperformed the feedback only group by 27.8% in percentage of observation time engaged in active treatment at posttest. The result was statistically significantly at the .05 level of significance. The feedback plus ACT group also exhibited superior but nonsignificant improvements over the feedback only group in the areas of competency of operant teaching techniques (14.9%), percentage of clients engaged in purposeful activities (10.7%), and percentage of clients with learning or leisure materials within arm’s reach (11.0%). Regression analyses found a weak positive correlation between age and frequency of active treatment (R2 = .11, F(1, 39) = 4.99, p < .05), a weak positive correlation between psychological flexibility as measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-2 (AAQ-2) and job satisfaction, a weak negative correlation between psychological flexibility and self-reported workplace stress, and a weak negative correlation between stress and job satisfaction. Self-reported levels of psychological flexibility, workplace stress, and job satisfaction remained stable for all three groups from pre to posttest despite the increased performance expectations on DSPs in the two intervention groups. Experiment 2 consisted of a small scale replication of the active treatment findings of experiment 1 while examining what impact, if any, higher frequency observations and verbal and written feedback would have on DSP self-reported workplace stress, job satisfaction, and psychological flexibility. Experiment 2 also used participants 25 years of age and under to further explore and possibly rule out the age-active treatment correlation found in experiment 1 as a significant variable impacting the frequency of active treatment. The intervention procedures used in experiment one were adapted for experiment two. The specific intervention components used were verbal performance feedback and a one-on-one daylong version of the eight-hour ACT training program used in experiment one. Two separate multiple baseline designs across participants were used. Group one consisted of three DSPs and group two contained 2 DSPs. The feedback intervention produced improvements in the percentage of time DSPs were engaged in active treatment during observations and in their operant teaching skills competency-based testing assessment scores. Three DSPs failed to meet the performance target after the feedback intervention was introduced but met or exceeded the performance target after the daylong ACT training was implemented.
44. Validation of the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale in a Greek-speaking Chronic pain population
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: ACT and Validation
Orestis Kasinopoulos M.Sc, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Vasilis Vasileiou M.Sc, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Michaela Paraskeva - Siamata. M.Sc, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Maria Stavrinaki, M.Sc, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Despina Hadjikyriacou, Ph.D, 1University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
Evangelos Karademas, Ph.D, University of Crete, Rethimno, Crete
Magda Flouri, M.Sc, University of Crete, Rethimno, Crete
Savvas Papacostas, M.D., FAAN 3, Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
Yiolanda Christou, M.D., Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS; Wicksell, et al., 2010) is a measure of psychological inflexibility in pain patients. To date, there is dearth of research about the utility of this measure and its association with other relevant constructs. This study aimed to fill this literature gap. Participants were 144 Greek-Cypriot rheumatoid pain patients. An exploratory factor analysis suggested a two-factor solution similar to the original, with small differences in item loading. Cronbach’s alpha was .88. It significantly correlated with the CPAQ (r= -.69, p < 0.001), AAQ (r= 0.53, p < 0.001), and HADS (.433 p < 0.001). Findings will be discussed in relation to the utility of this measure for chronic pain and its association to other constructs of interest among pain populations.
45. Construction of the Upādāna Scale: Attempts to Control Positive Emotions
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Experiential Avoidance
Jeffrey Swails, Wichita State University
Robert Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University
Data was collected from 544 students at Wichita State University in online surveys to develop the Upādāna scale. The Upādāna scale was designed to measure people’s tendency to grasp on to positive emotions. We conceptualize this construct as akin to experiential avoidance in that it involves efforts to control emotion. However, the nature of grasping positive emotions may be different from pushing away negative emotions. Results from the online survey illustrate strong internal reliability, concurrent validity, and a 2-factor structure. The 2 factors consist of i) worries about happy emotions and ii) efforts towards being happy. The “worry” factor is negatively correlated with subjective happiness while the “effort” factor is positively correlated with subjective happiness. Attempts to control negative emotions, as measured by the AAQ-II, consistently correlate with negatively valenced measures while the current scale shows that efforts to control positive emotions are not uniformly correlated with negatively valenced measures.
46. Argentinean Adaptation of the AAQ II. First Psichometrics Studies
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Psichometric Studies
García Díaz. M., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina
Olaz, F.O., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina
In this poster we the Argentinian adaptation of the AAQ II purpose we revised the items of the spanish version developed in México and rewrite some of the items. Then, we carried out psychometric analysis to assess the validity and reliability of the instrument. Firstly, we collected evidence based on test content through expert judges who evaluated the quality and the relevance of the items. In a second study, we provided validity evidence based on the internal structure of the instrument using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Finnaly, we calculated composite reliability coefficients and also studied the sensitivity of the scales for detecting changes after an intervention. Results are discussed
47. Argentinean Adaptation of the Five Facet Mindfulness to College students
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Psychometric Studies
García Terán, M., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina
Olaz, F.O., Faculty of Psychology. University of Córdoba. Argentina
In this Poster we present the adaptation of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire originally produced in USA to Argentinean population. A reverse translation of the instrument’s items was performed and conduced various psychometric analyzes to assess the validity and reliability of the same. Firstly, we collect evidence about content through expert judges who evaluate the quality and the relevance of each of the items was assessed translated. In a second study, we provide validity evidence about the internal structure of the instrument using exploratory and Confirmatory factor analysis. We also calculated composite reliability coefficients of each factor and studied the sensitivity of the instrument to detect changes after an intervention. results are discussed
48. Mind and Emotions: A Universal Treatment Protocol for Emotional Disorders Targeting Maladaptive Coping Strategies Via An Integration of CBT, DBT, and ACT
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Integrative
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., The Wright Institute
Patricia Zurita Ona, The Wright Institute
Jorge Mendez, The Wright Institute
Rebecca Wilson, The Wright Institute
Background: The proposed group treatment, entitled Mind and Emotions, is designed to examine the effectiveness of a transdiagnostic treatment protocol integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Transdiagnostic factors are described in the literature as maladaptive coping strategies that underlie many diagnostic categories including anxiety, depression, chronic anger, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The seven transdiagnostic factors targeted by the Mind and Emotions treatment protocol are: experiential avoidance, rumination, emotional masking, short-term focus, response persistence, hostility or aggression, and negative appraisal. Methods: The goal is to have between 25-35 participants for this study. Participants struggling with various emotional disorders including depression, anxiety, anger, and emotion regulation problems in general will attend a 12-week, Mind & Emotion group module. Each week, coping skills such as mindfulness exercises, values work, defusion, cognitive flexibility, acceptance strategies, and an assortment of exposure exercises will be taught. These skills, among others, will target each of the seven maladaptive coping strategies that create and maintain emotional distress. Effectiveness will be defined in direct correlation with individual results of the following four assessment measures at four different points in time: Comprehensive Coping Inventory (CCI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Novaco Anger Inventory – Short Form (NAI-25). Progress will be measured at the onset of the group, at the mid-way point (week 6), at the end of the group (week 12), and at a one-month follow-up. Results: The first pilot of the treatment protocol is currently being implemented; pre and post data will be available by March 2014. Conclusion: Please see above. Objectives: 1. Explore the effectiveness of a unified treatment protocol for adults struggling with multiple emotional disorders including depression, anxiety, anger, and emotion regulation problems in general. 2. To target specific transdiagnostic factors across multiple emotional disorders. 3. Attempt to strengthen the therapeutic process by incorporating a universal/simplified treatment for a wide range of emotional suffering. 4. Create a simplified/universal method of providing support to individuals who present with multiple emotional disorders.
49. Can you continue to build houses with pain? : The effect of value clarification on building houses of bricks as valued action
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Value, Pain.
Asako Sakano, M.A., Graduate School of Psychology, Doshisha Univ.
Takashi Muto, Ph.D., Faculty of Psychology, Doshisha Univ.
Purpose: This study investigated the effect of value clarification (VC) on building house made of bricks as valued action while receiving physical pain. Design: Pre-post design. Dependent variables: Number and repertoire of colors or forms of the houses. Method: Undergraduate students were screened through following two phases. During first phase, they thought themselves to be a carpenter and built houses of bricks freely. During second phase, they continued building houses freely but it came to be thanked by a resident of the house when they built houses of the specific design. Following screening phases, only those who built more houses of specific design in the second than the first phase were randomly assigned to one of the conditions (VC group or CONT group) as participants. In pre- and post-tests, both groups built houses with physical pain, and between each test, VC group clarified their value in their occupation (e.g. Giving delight to the residents), while CONT group just clarified color of bricks.
50. The role of Experiential Avoidance and Mindfulness Breathing in the Performance on Working Memory
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Masataka Ito, graduate school of psychology (Master program), Doshisha university
Takashi Muto, Department of psychology, Doshisha university
Study objective: The present study examined experiential avoidance (EA) and mindfulness breathing have effect on the performance on working memory task. Design: Pre-post and group design Setting: Assessment by paper-and-pencil tests were carried out in classroom. The task sessions were concluded in laboratory. Mindfulness breathing were instructed in laboratory and practiced in home for a week. Participants: Undergraduates showed high/low score in the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II Intervention: Mindfulness breathing in laboratory and home. Measures: The number of correct answer of the Reading Span Test (RST) as a working memory task. Results: High/Low EA didn’t make difference in RST score. Mindfulness breathing did not improve RST score. Conclusion: The results suggested that EA did not have an influence on working memory and mindfulness breathing have little effect on working memory.
51. Procedural adaptations for relational training to improve IQ scores in young children
Primary Topic: Performance-enhancing interventions
Subtopic: Intelligence
Laura Zamot Rabelo, M.S., Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Juliana Sarantopoulos Faccioli, M.S., Universidade Federal de São Carlos
Julio Cesar Coelho de Rose, Ph.D., Universidade Federal de São Carlos
A relational training procedure produced a significant increase on IQ scores of twelve year-olds (Cassidy, Roche & Hayes, 2011). The objectives of the present study were: (1) replicate the study of Cassidy et al. (2011), (2) adapting the relational training procedure to younger learners. In total, 12 six to eight year-old children were and will be evaluated with standardized intelligence tests prior and after the conclusion of the relational training. Results are still partial, however, different response type, instructions and stimuli were used to simplify the task. Some additional learning conditions were necessary to avoid repetition of sessions, such as blocked sessions, errorless trials, verbal description of stimuli and even physical help. Some alterations were more successful than others in promoting effective teaching. Adjusting the procedure to the demands of primary school children is the first step towards enabling an efficient use of the intervention with populations with intellectual disabilities.
52. The Impact of Acceptance, Suppression and Cognitive Reappraisal of Emotion on Affect and Eating Behavior among a Normal-weight, Overweight and Obese Adult Sample
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Obesity
Taryn L. Gammon, B.S., Alliant International University, San Diego
Kristin Whelan, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Lauritz McCuthcheon, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Janina Scarlet, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
Michelle Lopez, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
Jill A. Stoddard, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
The increasingly high rate of obesity in the United States is widely recognized as a serious threat to society, increasing individuals’ risk for myriad health problems and resulting in tremendous healthcare costs. While recent research on cognitive behavioral and acceptance-based treatments for weight management has shown promising results, further investigation is needed to uncover the complex mechanisms involved in unhealthy food-related behaviors. The present study examines the impact of emotion regulation on affect and eating behavior. Recruitment of 180 normal-weight and overweight participants is currently underway (N=56). Participants are randomly assigned to one of four emotion regulation conditions (Acceptance, Suppression, Cognitive Reappraisal or Control) and are instructed to apply the appropriate strategy following an emotion induction procedure. Participants complete pre and post measures assessing positive and negative affect (PANAS), and their eating behavior is recorded during the session. Repeated measures ANOVA will be used to analyze the dependent measures for main effects and interactions of time, group, and emotion regulation condition. Findings from this study may inform prevention and treatment efforts for weight management by providing a greater understanding of how responding to internal states via different emotion regulation strategies may impact food-related behaviors.
53. Examining the Impact of Emotion Regulation Styles on the Emotional Stroop Task in an Overweight/Obese and Normal Weight Adult Sample
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Obesity
Kristin Whelan, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Taryn L. Gammon, B.S., Alliant International University, San Diego
Lauritz McCuthcheon, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Michelle Lopez, M.A., Alliant International University, San Diego
Janina Scarlet, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
Jill A. Stoddard, Ph.D., Alliant International University, San Diego
Obesity rates have reached epidemic proportions in the U.S. and worldwide as rates have nearly doubled since 1980. Existing research has demonstrated that emotion regulation and cognition affect eating behavior; however, the relationship between these factors remains unclear. The current study compares overweight and normal weight participants using the Emotional Stroop Task to examine how emotion regulation strategies impact information processing and attentional bias to emotional stimuli and how these strategies differentially affect mood, experience, and behavior with regard to food and eating. Recruitment for the research study is currently underway (N = 56). Participants in each weight condition are randomly assigned to an Acceptance, Suppression, Cognitive Reappraisal or No Instruction group. Participants are instructed to manage their emotions with the appropriate strategy following an emotion induction exercise, and subsequently complete the Emotional Stroop Task. Two-way ANOVA will be used to investigate main effects and interactions of group (overweight/normal weight) and condition (acceptance/suppression/reappraisal/no instruction) on response times to the Emotional Stroop Task. Results of this study may be used to develop better interventions to specifically target the mechanisms underlying obesity and may provide new avenues for treatment and prevention for adults who are overweight or obese.
54. Psychological flexibility, perceived stigma and quality of life in people with epilepsy in Poland.
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: epilepsy, stigma
Joanna Dudek, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Pawel Ostaszewski, Ph.D., University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Wojciech Bialaszek, Ph.D., Univeristy of Social Sciences and Humanities
Anna Skarzynska, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological illness, has not only numerous physical, but also psychosocial consequences, such as stigmatization and self-stigmatization. The aim of the study was (1) to examine links between psychological flexibility (PF), perceived stigma and satisfaction with life (SWL) in people suffering from epilepsy in Poland, and (2) to answer the question whether ACT can be effective in enhancing SWL in Polish patients. We examined 72 respondents suffering from epilepsy and 72 without any chronic illness (control group). The results of the study showed that people suffering from epilepsy had lower SWL, lower PF and higher level of perceived stigma. Higher PF was connected with higher SWL, no matter if respondents were suffering from epilepsy or not. The level of PF had no impact on the link between perceived stigma and SWL in epileptic patients. According to the results ACT can be effective in enhancing SWL in people suffering from epilepsy. However to change the quality of life of epileptic patients we need to consider contextual nature of stigma and the necessity to focus not only on individual psychotherapy, but also on interventions at the environmental level.
55. Evaluating a Therapist Training on Values-Based Behavioral Activation for Adolescent Depression
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Depression, Behavioral Activation
Julissa Duenas, M.A., Western Michigan University
Rachel A. Petts, Western Michigan University
Scott T. Gaynor, Ph.D., Western Michigan University
Depression is a significant problem among all age groups, but adolescents are at greater risk of long-term effects; therefore, it is important to treat depression as early as possible. Behavioral Activation (BA), an evidence-based treatment based on the behavior analytic theory of depression, has been described as a more parsimonious and more easily implemented treatment than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, research in the area of BA dissemination is limited. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a one-day workshop for clinicians on Values-Based Behavioral Activation (VBBA) as a treatment for adolescent depression. The training used the Behavioral Skills Training method (BST; Miltenberger, 2008), which incorporates instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback, and was evaluated using Decker, Jameson, and Naugle’s (2010) Therapist Training Evaluation of Outcomes Framework. Twenty-one participants attended one of four workshops and completed pre- and post-workshop questionnaires. Results from the main outcome measure showed that VBBA knowledge significantly increased from pre- to post-workshop, t (20) = -7.73, p < .001 and the knowledge was maintained from post-workshop to one-month follow-up, t (14) = -.07, p = .94. These results provide support for the BST method used in the study and extend the limited research area examining BA dissemination.
56. ACT Meets Mental Health Recovery: Development and Evaluation of an ACT-based Training for Peer Support Specialists
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Mental Health Recovery
James E. Yadavaia, Ph.D., VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Richard C. Tingey, Ph.D., VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Peer Specialists (PSs) are veterans who have achieved success in their own mental health recovery and who have been hired by VA to help facilitate the recovery of other veterans seeking mental health treatment. Currently, PSs receive only a 40-hour training that covers basic knowledge and skills, such as phenomenology of common psychiatric disorders, crisis management, and group facilitation skills. Notably missing is a theoretical framework that PSs may use to organize their knowledge and lived experience to guide their work. This poster will report data on a training (delivered over 8 45-min sessions) designed to help PSs conceptualize their own recovery process and learned skills using ACT, in order to guide and more effectively deliver recovery counseling to their clients. Pre- and post-training levels of psychological flexibility, work/career values, burnout, recovery attitudes, and work-related confidence will be reported for the 13 PSs enrolled.
57. Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Group Therapy and traditional Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Predictors of Treatment Outcome
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Social Anxiety
Nancy Kocovski, Ph.D., Wilfrid Laurier University
Jan Fleming, MD, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University of Toronto
Rebecca Blackie, M.A., Wilfrid Laurier University
Martin Antony, Ph.D., Ryerson University
The purpose of the present study was to examine predictors of treatment outcome for two forms of group therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), namely traditional CBT and Mindfulness and Acceptance-based Group Therapy (MAGT; a group form of ACT). Participants meeting criteria for SAD, Generalized (assessed using the SCID; N = 137) were randomly assigned to the 12-week treatment groups (n = 53 for each group) or a waitlist control group (n = 31). Based on self-report measures of social anxiety as well as clinician-administered blind assessments, both treatments were more effective than the control group but not significantly different from one another and these gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Consistent with past research, social anxiety severity and depressive symptoms were predictors of outcome for both treatments. Additionally, there was evidence that mindfulness moderated outcome, such that those low in dispositional mindfulness at the outset did better with traditional CBT compared to MAGT. Overall, the present paper points to some variables that may be helpful in determining who will do well in group therapy for SAD.
58. The influence of psychological inflexibility on parenting and child psychosocial well-being
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Children
Anne Brassell, B.A., University of Vermont
Elyse Rosenberg, M.A., University of Vermont
Justin Parent, University of Vermont
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Martin Seehus, M.S., University of Vermont
Rex Forehand, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Introduction: Psychological flexibility within the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework refers to how individuals relate to their internal experiences and increase their engagement in value-based behaviors. The purpose of this study is to examine a model that tests the association of psychological flexibility with parenting practices, and, in turn, child psychosocial adjustment. It is hypothesized that parents who are more psychologically flexible will demonstrate less negative parenting behaviors, more positive parenting behaviors, and, in turn, their children will have better psychosocial outcomes (fewer internalizing and externalizing problems). Method: Participants included 615 parents of young children (3-7, N = 210), school aged children (8-12, N = 200), and adolescents (13-17, N = 205). Parents completed a measure of psychological flexibility both generally and psychological flexibility as it applied to their role as a parent, as well as validated parenting scales and a scale measuring their child’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Results & Conclusions: Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to test primary hypotheses. The proposed model demonstrated excellent fit across age groups (x2 (2) = 3.6, p > .20, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .05, SRMR = .01). Parent psychological flexibility was directly and indirectly related to child internalizing and externalizing problems such that parental psychological flexibility was related to less negative parenting, more positive parenting, and fewer child and adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems. In sum, the present findings elucidate the importance of psychological flexibility both generally and as a parent for child psychosocial well-being.
59. Psychological Flexibility and Valued Living in Latinos with Severe Mental Illness
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Severe Mental Illness and Latinos
Darisabel Roman- Laureano, MHS, M.S., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso
Rebecca Pasillas, Ph.D., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso
Alok Dwivedi, Ph.D., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso
Christina Ramirez, B.A., Texas Tech University Health Science Center at El Paso
The utility of the Psychological Flexibility model has not yet being explored in the Latino population with Severe Mental Illness. This study investigates the role of psychological flexibility and valued living on quality of life, psychosocial functioning and psychological distress in Latinos with SMI. A second part of the study will explore any similarities and/or differences between the participants’ results and norms of two measures that measure psychological flexibility (AAQ-II) and valued living (VLQ). Participants are recruited from an outpatient psychiatric clinic as part of a larger study. Pearson correlation coefficients will be used between quality of life, psychological functioning, psychological distress, psychological flexibility and valued living. Unadjusted and adjusted ordinary linear regression analyses will be carried out to determine the association of cofactors with psychological flexibility and valued living outcomes. Median regression will be also carried out for psychological flexibility and valued living outcomes. Data is currently being collected and analyzed. The potential for applying this approach to Latinos with SMI will be illustrated.
60. Body Image Flexibility as a Predictor of Eating Pathology
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Eating Disorders
Megan Strowger, Drexel University
Adrienne Juarascio, Ph.D., Drexel University
Alyssa Mattetucci, Drexel University
Evan Forman, Ph.D., Drexel University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University
Psychological flexibility, the ability to engage in behavior that is consistent with one’s chosen values even when the present moment includes difficult internal experiences, has been shown to be prospectively negatively predictive of eating pathology. Recently, several domain specific measures of psychological flexibility have been created, including the Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BIAAQ). The current study sought to determine whether generalized psychological flexibility (GPF) or body image psychological flexibility (BIF) was more predictive of both current and future eating pathology. Fifty six undergraduate students completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), BI-AAQ, and Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-3) at the beginning and end of the academic year. Results revealed that while both the AAQ-II and BIAAQ were concurrently and prospectively predictive of eating pathology (e.g., drive for thinness, bulimic symptoms), comparisons of the strength of the correlations using Fisher’s z scores indicated that the BIAAQ was significantly more related to eating pathology (Bulimic Symptoms: z=2.11, p<.05; Drive for Thinness: z=1.61, p=.10). These results suggest that domain specific measures of psychological flexibility may be especially useful for assessing risk of developing eating pathology.
61. Depressive Symptoms and Emotion Regulation in Latina Mothers and their Children
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Latina families
Marie-Christine Andre, M.A., Suffolk University
Jadig Garcia, M.A., Suffolk University
Angela Currie, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Interventions targeting Latino/a mental health have been the focus of recent studies given the increase of mental health problems in the Latino population. Yet, few interventions have examined the role of ACT processes in Latina families. This study sought to ameliorate that gap by investigating the relationship between maternal emotion regulation, emotion expression, and depressive symptoms in a sample of 38 Latina and 22 European-American mothers with preschool-aged children recruited from urban Head Start centers. Our results suggest that Latina mothers endorsed more depressive symptoms (p<.05) and more frequently reported using suppression as a strategy than the European-American mothers (p<.05). Specifically, the more depressive symptoms the Latina mothers endorsed, the more they perceived their children as being significantly less regulated (p<.05). However, no relationship was observed between the Latina mothers’ endorsement of depressive symptoms and the teachers’ perception of the children’s emotion regulation. Implications for future research will be discussed.
62. The effectiveness of three life style interventions for overweight persons experiencing stress: ACT face-to-face, ACT –mobile and CBT –based web-intervention
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: lifestyle intervention, ACT, mobile intervention, web-intervention, stress, overweight, adults
Essi Sairanen, MA., University of Jyväskylä
Raimo Lappalainen, Ph.D., University of Jyväskylä
Marjukka Kolehmainen, Ph.D., University of Eastern Finland
Riitta Korpela, Ph.D., University of Helsinki
Miikka Ermes, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tampere
Lifestyle-related health problems such as overweight and stress are very common problems and there is a need for evidence-based interventions models. Many of the current disease prevention and management models are not sufficiently cost-effective and they do not reach those who need them most. Therefore, more alternatives and controlled studies are needed to evaluate models of prevention and treatment based on self-management. This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness and applicability of different lifestyle interventions with persons having metabolic syndrome risk factors and perceived stress. Approximately 300 overweight persons reporting stress symptoms were recruited and randomized either into a face-to-face ACT group, ACT mobile, Internet-based CBT intervention, or control group. The subjects were measured three times during the study (pre=week 0, post=week 10, and follow-up=week 36). Psychological wellbeing, lifestyles and habits, eating behaviors, and user experiences were measured with online surveys. In addition, laboratory measurements for physical wellbeing were performed, including e.g. blood samples for blood lipids and glucose and body composition analysis. This study provides knowledge of effects of different psychological interventions for enhancing overall wellbeing among persons with metabolic syndrome risk factors and perceived stress.
Friday, June 20th, 8:30pm-9:30pm - Poster Session #2
1. Coping after cancer: Experiential avoidance and anxiety sensitivity to painful experiences in cancer survivors
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Cancer Survivors
Stacy Lorenz, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Stephanie Parazak, B.A., Xavier University
In 2008, there were an estimated 28.7 million cancer (CA) survivors worldwide. CA survivors often experience decreases in physical/psychological functioning and increased risk of additional chronic illness. Survivors with elevated anxiety symptoms have increased levels of fear of cancer recurrence. Specifically, anxiety sensitivity (AS; fear of anxiety-related sensations) may be particularly relevant for CA survivors. We compared experiential avoidance, mindfulness and AS of CA survivors (n=189) with non-CA survivors (n=193) in a sample of persons in online chronic illness support groups. Notably, endorsement of the experiential avoidance item “my painful experiences make it difficult to live a life I value” was much higher in CA survivors [F(1,263=6.212;p=.013]. CA survivors had higher physical AS [F(1,256)=7.924;p=.005] negative affect [F(1,250)=10.561;p=.001],and lower mindfulness [F(2.252)=7.544;p=.006]. These results suggest that CA survivors may be more sensitive to and vigilant about unpleasant private events that make it difficult for them to pursue valued life activities.
2. What is the relative utility of ACT-based approaches in older adults with co-morbid chronic illnesses?
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Aging, Health
Amy Olzmann, B.S., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Amy Houston, M.A., Xavier University
The elderly population is expected to more than double over the next decades. Older adults (OAs) are at high risk for age-related chronic illnesses (CIs). Generally, OAs report more visits to physicians and hospitals, and more visits with medications prescribed. We surveyed members of online CI support groups and compared older adults 65+ to those under 65 regarding healthcare utilization (HCU), perceived illness-related disability (PD), and ACT-related variables (i.e., experiential avoidance, mindfulness and acceptance). In our sample, OAs reported lower HCU (F(1,403)=5.087, p=.025) and lower PD (F(1,383)=4.295, p=.039). OAs also reported lower subjective pain ratings (F(1,315)=15.564, p<.001). In our sample, OAs reported lower levels of experiential avoidance, higher CI Acceptance-Activity Engagement and higher Mindfulness (all p’s<.05). Although our online sample of OAs may be especially resilient, these findings are counter to what we initially expected. These results are encouraging regarding the positive utility of ACT interventions with OAs with CIs.
3. The Association of Acceptance and Avoidance with Medical Rehabilitation Outcomes
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Medical Rehabilitation
Victoria L. Carhart, M.A., Bowling Green State University
Kyoung deok Baik, M.S., Bowling Green State University
Rolf Ritchie, B.A., Bowling Green State University
Mariya Zaturenskaya, M.A., Bowling Green State University
William H. O’Brien, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
Research with medical populations suggests that acceptance is related to better psychosocial and health outcomes, while avoidance is related to worse outcomes. A behavioral model may explain these findings, in that acceptance and avoidance may affect outcomes via effects on treatment engagement. This study examined the associations among these constructs and treatment outcomes in a medical rehabilitation population. Self-reports of acceptance and avoidance were collected for twenty adult medical rehabilitation inpatients. These variables were then used to predict depression, physical and occupational therapist-rated therapy adherence, and functional status outcomes. Results demonstrated that acceptance was related to less depression and avoidance was related to greater depression. However, these variables were not significantly related to functional status outcomes. These results offer preliminary, yet promising, evidence of the importance and presence of acceptance and avoidance in a medical rehabilitation population. Future research on the role of psychological variables in rehabilitation recovery is warranted.
4. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy experiential exercises in large-group brief workshops as "preventative behavioural medicine" in workplaces with high-stress environments and/or risk of vicarious trauma
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Workplace stress and vicarious trauma
Stephanie Swayne, MSW, RSW, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; private practice
Stress and secondary (vicarious trauma) in the workplace contribute to numerous negative outcomes, including increased sick time, decreased morale, and decreased performance. This poster will describe two series of brief ACT workshops on stress and vicarious trauma, conducted with large groups (60 and 20) in professional contexts where these issues are under recognized and even stigmatized – a correctional setting and a medical school. The aim of the workshops was to "teach" ACT principles and processes through group experiential exercises, with a view to "arming" the participants with tools for "inoculating" themselves against stress and vicarious trauma by enhancing psychological flexibility - opening them up to values-driven, mindful living and choices in the face of the stressors and traumatic events that they face on a regular basis while at work. This poster will include relevant research on stress and vicarious trauma in the workplace, the exercises that were used in the workshops with these two groups, and the feedback and outcomes from the participants.
5. The Psychological Picture of Gastrointestinal Disorders
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Chronic Disease
Jeralee Briggs, M.S., M.A., Western Michigan University
R. Wayne Fuqua, Ph.D., Western Michigan University
Living with chronic gastrointestinal disorders including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is physically and mentally challenging. In order to better understand the relationship between physical disease expression and psychological health, and to identify risk and protective factors for psychopathology, the present study measured physical and mental health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, behavioral activation, and acceptance. Participants diagnosed with IBS or IBD were recruited via social networking websites and completed online disease background questions and mental health measures (Duke Health Profile, Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and a modified version of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Acceptance and Action Questionnaire). Data were analyzed within and across disease type. Results reveal that scores on mental health measures differ according to aspects of physical disease expression, including perceived severity of physical symptoms, time since diagnosis, and disease type. Future research and treatment implications are discussed.
6. Cognitive fusion mediates the impact of stigma on well-being in adults living with multiple sclerosis
Primary Topic: Behavioral medicine
Subtopic: Stigma
Amy House, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University
Abbey Valvano, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University
Lauren Penwell-Waines, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University
Rebecca Rahn, PA, Georgia Regents University
Suzanne Smith, M.D., Georgia Regents University
Lara Stepleman, Ph.D., Georgia Regents University
Among those who live with chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), perceptions of stigma related to the illness can negatively impact well-being. Cognitive fusion (CF) may be one process through which stigma influences well-being. The aim of this project was to determine whether CF mediated the relationships between MS-related stigma (MRS) and three indicators of well-being (quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression) in a cross-sectional study of adults living with MS (n = 128). Three mediation analyses were conducted using bootstrapping (Hayes, 2009). Results indicated that CF fully mediated the relationship between stigma and anxiety, and partially mediated the relationships between stigma and QoL and between stigma and depression. These results point to the possibility that interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which aim to reduce cognitive fusion, may mitigate the influence of stigma and thus have positive impacts on the well-being of those living with MS.
7. Cognitive Defusion and Cognitive Restructuring: Comparing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Interventions with Individuals who Worry
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Worry and Anxiety
Renata Way, M.A., The Wright Institute
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health issue that plagues majority of Americans. At the core of GAD is chronic worry. So, treating GAD essentially means that targeting worry is an essential part of treatment. With the myriad of interventions in the field of psychology, the challenge becomes choosing an intervention that is not only efficacious at treating worry, but is flexible to meet the needs of the individual. One such treatment that has been renowned as the most effective modality for treating worry is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). However, a third-wave behavioral intervention, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) boasts similar results at treating worry by increasing acceptance and decreasing the subjective experiences of worry. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine which modality is most effective at ameliorating worry when compared to a wait-list group. Specifically, this dissertation examines two interventions within each modality that is at the crux of each theory and is widely used to treat worry. Cognitive defusion and cognitive restructuring (CR) are said interventions. In the present study, 86 participants with varying degrees of worry underwent a 6-week web-based treatment. Before and after the treatment, participants completed a series of questionnaires to gather measures of acceptance, anxiety, depression, stress, extent of worry, and dysfunctional attitudes towards worry. Several directional research hypotheses were tested using information obtained from participants prior to beginning the study and at post-treatment. Mixed ANOVA was used to calculate differences from pre to post treatment. Additionally, an analysis of covariance was conducted to examine the effect of acceptance and thought suppression on worry and anxiety. Results of this study indicate there is a statistically significant effect of time and group as well as a statistically significant time by group interaction on some outcome measures. Implications for these findings and recommendations for future research are provided.
8. The Association between Race and Mindfulness in a Sample Primed for Stereotype Threat
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Adeline Leon, MSW, Illinois Institute of Technology
Race and ethnicity are associated with performance differences on cognitive tasks, with Caucasians outperforming minorities. This may be explained by “stereotype threat,” an inhibited performance due to an association with a group whose members are believed to underperform on the task at hand (Steele, 1997). Awareness of this stereotype leads to a perceived psychological threat, in which poor performance is viewed as evidence that the individual retains the group’s perceived shortcomings (Martens et al, 2004). These negative thoughts and feelings contrast with the concept of mindfulness, which focuses on acceptance and being non-judgmental. Thus, when minority individuals’ cognitive performance is impeded by this threat, they may also exhibit lower mindfulness levels. This study explores the relationship between mindfulness, measured by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS), and race in a sample of women (N= 128) primed for stereotype threat while completing a spatial reasoning task. The analysis revealed a significant relationship between race and scores on the TMS-decentering scale (t= 2.24, p =.03), with higher scores for Caucasians (mean= 19.5) than non-Caucasians (mean= 17.2). Overall, there appears to be a significant association between race and mindfulness when minorities are primed for stereotype threat, suggesting that increased mindfulness may be beneficial for minorities when completing these cognitive tasks.
9. ACT with Wisdom: Utilizing a Group Model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Increase the Level of Psychological Resilience in Older Adults
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Older Adults, Wellness
Blaise Amendolace, Psy.D., Florida Atlantic University
Jacquelyn Browne, Ph.D., LCSW, Nova Southeastern University
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has proved to be an empirically supported treatment approach for a wide range of presenting problems and populations. However, little empirical support has been provided for ACT’s efficacy in working with older adults in a group setting. The following presentation provides the findings from structured eight-week life-enrichment group utilizing the core principles of ACT in an attempt to increase psychological resilience in older adults. The findings provide useful strategies for successfully implementing such a group, and provide suggestions for improving the delivery and implementation of this pilot group program.
10. ACT for Interpersonal Distress: Clinical Outcomes
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Greg Baron, M.A., Pacific University
Aaron Bergman, M.A., Pacific University
Julija Stelmokas, M.S., Pacific University
Michael Christopher, Ph.D., Pacific University
The Pacific Psychology Clinic in Portland, OR serves community members suffering from a wide variety of mental health concerns through sliding scale, student-run services. Research supports the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT) delivered by student clinicians (Lappalainen, Lehtonen, Skarp, Taubert, Ojanen, & Hayes, 2007) andhas been shown to be an effective transdiagnostic treatment approach (Ruiz, 2010).The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a manualized, doctoral student-led ACT group for interpersonal problems. The creation of the group followed a mentor model where an experienced student clinician worked with a new practicum student. Six participants completed the 10-week group, completing pre, mid, and post measures of psychological flexibility, interpersonal distress, emotional regulation, and overall functioning. Z-score analyses, reliable change indices, and qualitative feedback suggest group members improved as a result of their participation in the group. Findings, limitations, and directions for future research will be discussed.
11. Mindfulness: Acceptance verses Control-based Conceptions
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Peter Hitchcock, B.A., Drexel University
Lindsay Martin, M.A., Drexel University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University
Mindfulness is often associated with acceptance-based concepts such as 'flexibility,' 'willingness,’ etc. However, many clinicians report anecdotally that clients often have different interpretations (e.g., 'relaxation,' 'turning off the brain'). Assessment of a client’s understanding may help guide the course of treatment; it is plausible that clients with strong control-based understandings of mindfulness may benefit from additional psychoeducation and/or experiential work. We are examining college-aged students’ conceptions of mindfulness. Participants (n=60) will answer one open-ended prompt. Then they will rate the degree to which they agree with 15 acceptance-based (e.g., “Mindfulness is being with one's experience without trying to change it”) and 15 control-based (e.g., “Mindfulness is a way of transcending difficult emotions”) sentence stems, using a visual analog scale. Raters will conduct content analyses on the open-ended responses, identifying response themes, then coding by thematic category. Descriptive statistics will be generated for the sentence agreement ratings.
12. Trauma Pathology and Fear of Self-Compassion: A Rehashing of Experiential Avoidance or a Distinct Predictor?
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Self-Compassion; PTSD
Lynsey R. Miron, M.A., Northern Illinois University
Holly K. Orcutt, Northern Illinois University
Evidence suggests that increasing self-compassion is a worthwhile therapeutic target and may protect against the development of PTSD. More recently, researchers have noted that particular individuals respond to self-compassion with fear and resistance, a phenomenon known as fear of self-compassion (FOSC). The present study investigated the role of FOSC in the development of posttrauma symptoms (PTS) in a sample of trauma-exposed undergraduates (N = 246). Further, we examined whether FOSC predicted unique variance in PTS beyond experiential avoidance (EA) scores. Hierarchical multiple regression results revealed that EA directly predicted variance in PTS (β = .23, p < .05), while FOSC did not (β = -.08, ns). A significant interaction between EA and FOSC was observed (β = .39, p < .05), where individuals with heightened EA and FOSC met symptom criteria for a probable PTSD diagnosis, while those with other variable combinations (e.g., high EA, low FOSC) did not.
13. The Effects of Three Mindfulness Skills on Chocolate Cravings
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Julien Lacaille, McGill University
Jinshia Ly, McGill University
Natalie Zacchia, McGill University
Sophia Bourkas, McGill University
Emma Glaser, McGill University
Bärbel Knäuper, McGill University
There is accumulating evidence that mindfulness-based interventions are useful in reducing food cravings. However, existing studies have applied many mindfulness skills together, rendering it unclear which skills are essential and which are unnecessary. Based on recent investigations into the efficacy of individual mindfulness skills at managing cravings, the goal of the present study was to compare the efficacy of two-week mindfulness-based interventions, targeting different combinations of specific mindfulness skills (awareness, acceptance, disidentification), at reducing trait and state chocolate cravings. We compared the efficacy of the mindfulness interventions to an active control intervention (distraction). Overall, disidentification emerged as the most efficacious mindfulness skill. After two weeks of practice, those trained in disidentification reported less intense state cravings after a craving induction task compared with those trained in distraction. Mediation analyses revealed that this effect was mediated first by a greater increase in the disidentification skill, and subsequently by a greater decrease in trait chocolate cravings. Manipulation checks revealed that training the disidentification skill was more successful than training the other skills. Disidentification is shown to be a crucial mindfulness skill that can be taught to help better cope with food cravings.
14. Dealing with food cravings: Cognitive Restructuring vs. Cognitive Defusion
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Eating Disorders
Natasa Georgiou, M.A., University of Cyprus
Maria Karekla, Ph.D., Univerity of Cyprus
Dealing with food cravings: Cognitive Restructuring vs. Cognitive Defusion Coping with food cravings seems to be crucial in weight management. Individuals tend to use avoidance type strategies, so as to resist eating desires and avoid overeating (Lowe, 2003). Cognitive behavioral practices tend to utilize cognitive restructuring as a way of dealing with unwanted thoughts and emotions, however this approach maybe more in line with control and avoidant strategies and as a result not work in long-term. Cognitive defusion may present as a better approach in combating cravings (Hooper et al, 2012; Moffitt et al, 2012; Forman, 2007). This study aimed to compare two techniques (Cognitive Restructuring vs. Cognitive Defusion) in order to investigate their effectiveness in dealing with food cravings. Sixty five participants (M age = 33,9 yrs) received a 30-minute instruction session of either cognitive restructuring (CR) or defusion (CD), and a control group (C) received only information on obesity. Participants were provided with pieces of chocolate and carrots, and were asked to carry these with them at all times. A taste test followed after a week. Participants in the CD group ate significantly less chocolates (M=3.9) compared to CR (M=5.8) and C groups (M=9.7). CD resulted in less self-reported cravings compared to CR and C groups. At a final taste test, both CD and CR groups ate significantly less chocolates compared to the C group. Groups did not differ in amount of vegetable eaten at taste test. Effective approaches in the management of food cravings and implications for weight management programs will be discussed.
15. Psychological Flexibility and Mental Health Issues of parents of children having disabilities
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Parents of children having disabilities, Group Format, Mental Health
Shinji TANI, Ph.D., Ritsumeikan University
Kotomi KITAMURA, Ph.D., Osaka University of Human Sciences
Toshiko Okamoto, Reinan Hospital
Akihiro OKAMOTO, Reinan Hospital
We have conducted four researches to show the effectiveness of ACT WS to mental health issues of parents of children having disabilities. Each WS was conducted in different areas in Japan. Social workers and occupational therapists who are working with the parents in the area attended to the WS as assistants to continue to help the parents after finishing the WS. All WS was conducted with a group format. Two pre-test and two post-test were implemented in all research. BDI-II and GHQ-28 were used as the outcome measures and AAQ-II was used as the process measures. The purpose of this research is to synthesize the four researches we conducted and show the mental health condition of the parent of children having disabilities and explore the relationships between psychological flexibility (AAQ-II) and mental health (BDI-II and GHQ-28). 77 parents provided the pre-test assessments and 68 parents finished the ACT WS (6 parents attended BPT WS as a TAU control group and 3 parents were absented to the ACT WS for private reasons). 58 parents-data who answered all questions necessary for calculating the score of outcome and process measure were used to analyze the relationships between the outcome measures and the process measure. Results 1) Characteristics of parents of children having disabilities. The means score of AAQ-II was 41.0, SD=9.1. The mean score of BDI-II was 13.1. AS the cut-off score of BDI-II in Japanese population is 13/14, 34.7% of the parents showed the above cut-off score. The mean score of GHQ-28 was 8.73,The cut-off score of GHQ-28 is 5/6. 57.3 % of the patient showed above the cut-off score. 2) The changes of the outcome measures. The significant change of the score of BDI-II was found between pre-test and post-test (t=3.80, p<.001) and the effect size is medium (r=.45). The significant change was also found in GHQ-28 (t=3.38, p<.001, r=.41). 3) The changes of the process measure. The change of the score of AAQ-II was not significant between pre-test and post-test. 4) The interrelationships between the process measures and the outcome measures. The score of the AAQ-II at the pre-test was significantly correlated with the amount of the change between pre-BDI-II (GHQ-28) and post-BDI-II (GHQ-28). This indicated participants showing the lower AAQ-II score at the pre-test got the larger change of the two outcome measures after finishing the WS. These results indicated that Psychological Flexibility played an important role in improving the mental health of parents of children having disabilities.
16. The preliminary psychometric properties of an Italian version of Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) for Adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
The paper presents a pilot study assessing the psychometric properties of the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI; Walach, Buchheld, Buttenmuller, Kleinknecht, Schmidt) on a non-clinical sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 500 high school students). This 14-item instrument captures several important aspects of Mindfulness according to the ACT model, and in its original version has been validated for adults. Preliminary analyses support the reliability and validity of the most of the 14-items even for youth, correlating with dissociation, psychological distress, cognitive fusion, thought suppression and avoidance.
17. Development and validation study of the Italian Version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emerging research suggests that an increase of Acceptance and Mindfulness abilities, since from youth, leads to significant reductions in physiological and psychological distress. Moreover there is a growing agreement about the reliability of children and adolescent reports about their inner experiences. Departing from these assumptions we translated an Italian version of the “Child Acceptance and Mindfulness Measure” (CAMM; Greco, Smith& Baer, 2009) an instrument which is focused on Acceptance and Mindfulness in youth. In this study CAMM was administered to a non-clinical sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 500 high school students) together with other self-reported measures focused on psychological distress, cognitive fusion, thought suppression, avoidance. Theoretical implications of this study for clinical practice will be discussed with suggestions for further researches in adolescence. Achieved results could also allow a preliminary validation of the CAMM for the Italian population.
18. Psychological Flexibility, Ethnicity, and Binge-drinking Behaviors in College Students
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Substance-Use
Bethany Grix, M.S., Illinois Institute of Technology
M. Ellen Mitchell, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology
There is limited research exploring the relationships between psychological flexibility and values-based committed action in the context of substance related disorders. (e.g., Luoma, et al., 2011). Therefore, the current study investigated the relationship between binge-drinking behaviors, psychological flexibility (AAQ-2), values-based committed action (VLQ), alcohol-related consequences (YAACQ), and health-related quality of life (SF-36), in a college-aged sample. One-hundred and eighty-nine undergraduate students from a Midwestern university completed an online survey. As a part of the larger study’s analyses, a logistical regression was computed to assess the impact of AAQ-2 scores and ethnicity on the likelihood that college students would engage in binge-drinking behaviors (Yes/No). Results revealed that psychological flexibility and ethnicity were significant negative predictors of whether or not students engaged in binge-drinking behavior X² = (5, N=189) = 15.5, p<.05. The odds ratio for psychological flexibility indicated that respondents were 0.95 times less likely to endorse binge-drinking with each additional point on the AAQ-2. Individuals who identified as Hispanic and Asian were 0.30 and 0.33 times less likely to endorse binge-drinking behavior, respectively. Even though research related to these constructs are in the early stages, results suggest that increased psychological flexibility may serve as a protective factor for college students’ binge-drinking behavior, lending support for potential target interventions within this population. Results suggest that ethnic and/or cultural differences may also contribute to differences in college-aged binge-drinking behavior, consistent with previous literature (Grant et al., 2004).
19. Reliability and Validity of an Italian version of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) for Youth
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
The Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS; Brown & Ryan) is a self-report instrument, coherent with the ACT model, which assesses individual differences in the frequency of mindful states over time (focusing on the presence of attention to and awareness of what is occurring in the present) and, in its original version, it was directed to undergraduate students. This paper presents a pilot study assessing the reliability and validity of MAAS on a sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 600 high school students). The aim of this research is to check which items detect good psychometric properties when applied to mindlessness adolescents. Correlations with other self-report measure have been investigated. Data collection is still currently in process, but preliminary analyses seem to confirm the Italian validation of MAAS on youth.
20. Validation study of the Italian Version of the Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth (AFQ-Y)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
This is a preliminary validation study of “Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth” (AFQ-Y; Greco, Baer & Lambert, 2008). The AFQ-Y items are tied to the ACT model of human suffering, and they were generated to represent a theoretically cohesive conceptualization of psychological inflexibility. This is promoted by cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance and inaction or behavioral ineffectiveness in the presence of unwanted internal experiences. Cognitive fusion is the mechanism in which the thought and the thing that refers to it are stuck together. Experiential avoidance, instead, is the phenomenon that occurs when a person is unwilling to remain in contact with a particular private experience and he takes steps to change form or frequency of these events, even when it causes psychological harm. In this study, reliability and validity of the 17-items version of the AFQ-Y have been tested on a non-clinical sample (n = about 500 high school students) of Italian adolescents, even considering correlations with other self-reported measures about anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and dissociation (SAFA, STAI-Y, A-DES), cognitive fusion, avoidance and thought soppression (CAMM, WBSI). Clinical implications of this study will be discussed for further researches in adolescence.
21. Avoidance and cognitive fusion in mental suffering: Adaptation and validation study of an Italian version of the Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS) in Italian adolescents with psychological distress
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
The Psychological Inflexibility in Pain Scale (PIPS; Wicksell, Renöfält, Olsson, Bond & Melin, 2007) is a 16-item instrument measuring, according to the ACT model, avoidance and cognitive fusion with pain in adults affected by chronical disease (such as fybromialgia and migraine). This paper presents a pilot study on psychometric properties of PIPS applied to a non-clinical sample of adolescents (n = about 500) with high-scores at psychological distress (evaluated with different assesment measures) even in absence of chronical disease. The aims of this study are: - assess the adequacy of PIPS in measuring psychological pain (through correlations between high score at PIPS and high score at anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, dissociation); - identify the translated items with higher validity and reliability scores for Italian youth. Data and clinical implications of this study will be discussed.
22. The Role of Mindfulness and Experiential Avoidance in the Relation Between Disordered Eating Cognitions and Body Checking Behaviors
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Disordered Eating, Mindfulness, Experiential Avoidance, Body Checking
Brittany Lang, B.S., Midwestern State University
Laura Spiller, Ph.D., Midwestern State University
Body checking, repeated assessment of one’s bodily features, is an example of the over-evaluation of shape and weight theorized to be the core component of clinical eating disorders. The current study investigated the relationships between disordered eating cognitions, body checking behaviors, mindfulness, and experiential avoidance, as well as tested whether mindfulness or experiential avoidance moderates the relation between disordered eating cognitions and body checking behaviors. Participants were 209 college undergraduates who completed questionnaires online. Eating disordered cognitions were correlated with body checking behaviors, r=.46. Mindfulness was negatively correlated with eating disordered cognitions, r=-.33, and body checking behaviors, r=-.18. Experiential avoidance was positively correlated with eating disordered cognitions, r=.34, and body checking behaviors, r=.24. While total mindfulness and experiential avoidance scores did not act as moderators, the relation between eating disordered cognitions and body checking was stronger for those with higher scores on the Observe subscale of the mindfulness measure.
23. Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): case conceptualization and a combined ACT-FAP intervention with a client diagnosed with Eating Disorder (EDNOS)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Eating Disorder, FAP, ACT
Giovanna Cristina Campione, ACBS, ACT-Italia
Katia Manduchi, ACBS, ACT-Italia, IESCUM
Sonia’s problems start at least one year ago and from DSM-IV-TR (APA, 2001) point of view she meets the criteria for Eating Disorder No Otherwise Specified. The girl has a restrictive eating (no purging), reports a loss of self-confidence, some difficulties in family relationships, and to struggle in bearing self-efficacy and other people’s expectancies. The authors, the first one as therapist, the second one as supervisor, conceptualize Sonia’s case using the FAP-Matrix and integrating it with the ACT model. According to FAP model, the therapeutic relationship represents a sacred space where client’s clinically relevant behaviors can be evoked. Within the therapeutic relationship it is possible to promote significant changes using shaping and contingent reinforcement.
24. Validity and reliability of an Italian version of the Internalized Shame Scale (ISS) for Youth
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
The original version of the Internalized Shame Scale (ISS; Cook, 1994, 2001), with its subscales (Internalized Shame and Self-esteem), appears to be a reliable instrument for measuring trait shame in college students, since shame is a relatively enduring and stable personality characteristic. ISS must be understood and interpreted within the biologically based theoretical framework (Nathanson, 1992) according to which there are eight categories of shame cognition that are reactions to biological triggers and which provides to motivate an individual to maintain or increase positive affects and decrease the negative ones. Adolescence is a developmental age during which there is a rapid magnification of shame. The affects of shame accounts for many disregulations of self-functioning: awkwardness, clumsiness, the retreat inward to reduce visibility, frequent or unexpected rages and other affective eruptions. The purpose of this study is to validate an ISS version for Italian non-clinical population, in particular for youths (sample: n = about 500 high school students). Psychometrical properties of each of the 30 items and correlations with other affect constructs theoretically linked with shame (such as anxiety and depression) have been investigated through some self-report measures. Data collection is still currently in process. Clinical implications of this study will be discussed for further research in adolescence.
25. A Preliminary Study on Validating the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ) in Italian Adolescents
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness, Acceptance, Validation, Measures, Youth
Emanuele Rossi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Erika Melchiorri, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Elisa Lijoi, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Nicoletta Risté, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
Patrizia Violini, Psy.D., Associazione Italiana Scienze Comportamentali e Cognitive, AISCC
The Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ; Hollon & Kendall, 1980) is a 30-items instrument measuring depressogenic thoughts frequency. The ATQ-B is a revision to this instrument by Zettle and Hayes (ATQ-B, Zettle & Hayes, 1986) that measure the believability of these depressive thoughts. The authors recommend to use both subscales which assesses separately the frequency (F) and degree of believability (B) of (or fusion with) negative thoughts associated with depression. This preliminary study moved from the original version of ATQ (F & B), translated and back-translated in Italian and administered to a sample of Italian adolescents (n = about 600) to validate an Italian version of ATQ (F&B) for youths. Psychometrical properties of its items will be analyzed in subjects with highest scores at test assessing anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms and dissociation, indicating the level of appropriation of the instrument under study and its future application in the management of negative automatic thoughts in an ACT perspective.
26. Impact of ACT self-help books: A review of the literature and recommendations for future research
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Self-help book
Catherine Ethier, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frédéric Langlois, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frédérick Dionne, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Recently, Hayes, Barnes-Holmes and Wilson (2012) mentioned that it would be essential to proceed to rigorous testing of the ACT oriented self-help books available. In order to prepare the ground for eventual researches in the field, this poster aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ACT self-help books. Therefore, a review of corresponding articles from PsycInfo, PubMed, Medline and the ACBS website, was done with selected keywords such as: self-help, book, bibliotherapy, , effectiveness and/or ACT. Seven studies were retained because of their focus on ACT self-help books’ efficacy. We calculated and presented the effect sizes of each of the studies. The results showed that ACT oriented self-help books presented both preventive and ameliorative impacts. In fact, positive impacts on general mental health, depression, anxiety and stress were found in almost every study. It was also shown that the use of an ACT self-help book diminished the probability to developed distress among the non-distressed population. The different results are detailed. The limits are discussed as well as future directions.
27. Culturally-informed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Pilot study of Puerto Rican veterans with Fibromyalgia
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Latinos
Yari Colon Torres, Ph.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Karen Malaret-Gomez, Psy.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Sarel Rivera-Rios, Psy.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System
Beth Wecksell, Psy.D., VA Caribbean Healthcare System
There is a call for evidenced-based treatments that better meet the needs of different cultural groups (Sue, et al., 2009). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has shown to be effective with multiple health-related problems, particularly chronic pain. However, there is no information on how ACT has been implemented for use with Puerto Rican adults. In a poster presented at the 10th annual world Conference of the Association of Contextual and Behavioral Science in Washington D.C. , Colon, Berrios, Navas and Abreu (2011) discussed efforts to culturally adapt ACT for the treatment of Fibromyalgia with Puerto Rican veterans. The aim of this poster is to present the results of a pilot study that compared pre-treatment and outcome measures to examine the potential utility of culturally-informed ACT group therapy for Puerto Rican veterans with Fibromyalgia. Instruments administered were the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire- II (Patrón-Espinosa, 2010), Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (Gonzalez-Menéndez, Fernandez-García, & Torres-Viejo, 2010), and the Valued Living Questionnaire (Wilson & Luciano, 2002). The poster will describe the eight-week ACT intervention that has been specifically designed for Puerto Rican veterans with Fibromyalgia. It will include the following information: 1) Descriptive data and exploratory analyses, 2) Benefits and limitations, and 3) Recommendations and future directions. The hope is to contribute to the discussion of the cultural adaptation of ACT, and foster fertile ground for feasibility and efficacy studies of culturally-informed ACT for Fibromyalgia.
28. ACT & FAP for couples in group: working around the Hexaflex with love courage and awareness
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Couples, Cyber-Sexual Addiction,
Katia Manduchi, Ph.D., Iescum, private practice Italy, Acbs, Act Italia
Robert Allegri, Ph.D., Iescum Alumni, private practice Italy, Acbs Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., Universty of Washington, Acbs, private practice
The diagnosis of sexuality and more in general relationship psychological problems, results difficult because using quantitative standards tends to produce discriminative and inappropriate classes. Third Generation approaches like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and FAP (Functional Analitic Psychotherapy) can overcome this problem by introducing qualitative measurements: AAQ2, VLQ and specific sexual/relational self monitorated sheets. Two different protocols are presented, the first specifically tailored for couples that are dealing with relational/sexual/emotional problems. The second specifically designed for individuals with Sexual/Cybersexual behavioral problems. The structure of both protocols is projected on ACT and FAP and composed by 6 sessions of 2 hours, that can be realized live or Online. During the sessions the group will explore the 6 processes of the hexaflex, integrated by the 3 FAP components (love, courage and awareness). At the end of the 6 sessions we suppose to find an improvement in the measures above mentioned.
29. Towards a Functional-Contextual Solution for Anger-Related Problems: Results and Lessons from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Problematic Anger in Low Income Minorities in Substance Abuse Recovery
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Anger, Group-Based Training
Koke Saavedra, Psy.D., Private Practice, Berkeley, CA
Katherine Plambeck, M.A., The Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA
We present the unpublished empirical outcomes of a small, pilot group-based RCT (n=12) of ACT (vs. ACT + TAU) for ‘problematic anger’, i.e., frequency of unworkable behaviors in the presence of 'anger' experience. Participants are low income minorities (over 90% African American) treated in the natural setting of a California-funded substance abuse recovery center. Average data supports ACT as a new, promising intervention approach for problematic anger (Cohen d = .78). Most importantly, the effectiveness of ACT correlates with problem severity, i.e., effectiveness increases as severity of anger (baseline frequency of problematic behaviors) increases. This finding is counter to extensive research on CBT, which has generally failed to help with severe anger. Data also show that ACT change processes are consistent with its functional-contextual theory, rooted on well-established operant contextual behavioral principles, as well as distinct from traditional topography- or antecedent-focused CBT, as measured by the STAXI and an acceptance measure. A brief literature review is also offered, which show how little we have done in applied/ACT anger research. We see this ACT pilot as suggesting new avenues to loosen the grip of anger experiences over human action and thus the massive human suffering associated with anger in our world-wide human community.
30. Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Stepped-Care Approach to the Treatment of Adolescent Depression
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Depression
Rachel A. Petts, Western Michigan University
Julissa A. Duenas, M.A., Western Michigan University
Scott T. Gaynor, Ph.D., Western Michigan University
Adolescent depression is a significant mental health concern; thus, research on treatment outcome and potential mediators of outcome is indicated in this population. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of using a stepped-care approach to treat adolescent depression in a school setting. Depressed adolescents, aged 14-20, were invited to begin participation in a minimal intervention phase (i.e., three weeks of Motivational Interviewing Assessment (MIA)), and then entered a more involved intervention phase (i.e., ten weeks of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)), if they did not respond to MIA. The current study also sought to assess potential mediators of ACT, including activation and defusion/acceptance. Data collection is currently underway using a single subject design. To date, twelve adolescents have entered the study and six have completed the protocol. Changes in outcome and process measures were analyzed with reliable change indices. Three subjects demonstrated a clinically significant response in depression scores post-ACT; two of these subjects also had a reliable change in activation and one of these subjects had a reliable change in defusion/acceptance. Two subjects have yet to complete follow-up data; however, a reliable change in activation was demonstrated for both of these participants during treatment. One participant demonstrated a reliable change in depression scores and activation during MIA, but did not have further improvement during the ACT phase. Results thus far suggest ACT may be an effective treatment for adolescent depression. Further, increased activation and defusion/acceptance may be plausible mechanisms of action in ACT.
31. The Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-based Online Intervention to Lower Distress in Public University and Community College Settings
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Viann N. Nguyen, M.P.H., University of Minnesota
Christiaan S. Greer, University of Minnesota
Liza Meredith, University of Minnesota
Kelli G. Howard, University of Minnesota
Jacob A. Paulsen, University of Minnesota
Therese Bermingham, University of Minnesota
Patricia A. Frazier, Ph.D., University of Minnesota
Self-help internet-based interventions are effective for treating depression and anxiety. However, most of these interventions use cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques. The present study assessed the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based online intervention in lowering distress in public university (N = 103) and community college (N = 73) students. Both samples completed three online modules regarding stress and its effects, and strategies to increase perceived control over stress. They then completed several mindfulness exercises, which involved listening to mindfulness videos, meditating, and completing written logs regarding their experiences while completing the exercises. Pre- and post-outcome measures were the DASS Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scales. Completion rates were 73% at the public university and 67% at the community college. Participants in both samples significantly (p<.05) decreased their distress, with mean within-group effect sizes of d = -.26 and -.43, respectively. Mindfulness-based online interventions may be an effective tool for lowering distress in college settings.
32. Effectiveness of ACT Groups for Adolescents in an In-Patient Setting
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Adolescents
Cecily Anders, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Dr. John Klocek, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Staff clinicians at an in-patient facility for adolescents were asked to refer adolescents to a group for people who experience distressing thoughts, emotions, or memories related to anxiety, depression, and/or anger. Fifty-five adolescents were selected to participate in a group and thirty adolescents completed a group. The clients learned about and actively participated in exercises related to mindfulness, acceptance, values, and goals. The groups were based on frequently used ACT interventions (Harris, 2009). The group members were asked to practice mindfulness, labeling thoughts as helpful or unhelpful, accepting their emotions, and overcoming barriers to their goals for homework. Pre and post measures for depression, anxiety, acceptance, and/or mindfulness were given to clients based on their current diagnoses, as part of routine health care administration. It is hypothesized that symptoms will be reduced and knowledge of ACT skills will be increased.
33. Lessons Learned and Practical Applications for Adolescent In-Patient ACT Groups
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Adolescents
Cecily Anders, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Dr. John Klocek, Baylor University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience
Staff clinicians at an in-patient facility for adolescents were asked to refer adolescents to a group for people who experience distressing thoughts, emotions, or memories related to anxiety, depression, and/or anger. The group members learned about and actively participated in frequently used ACT interventions related to mindfulness, acceptance, values, and goals (Harris, 2009). The poster will include information on collaborating with administration and staff in the context of a full and fixed therapeutic programming schedule, educating staff clinicians, selecting adolescents for the group, the length of the group, the content of the manual, barriers to participation (such as competing recreational activities, adolescent interpersonal conflicts, staff clinician turnover, and an increase in distressing symptoms during mindfulness exercises), the pros and cons of voluntary participation, selecting mindfulness exercises for the group, creating useful homework sheets, and the continued use of ACT treatments at the facility.
34. Psychometric Properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire French Version (AAQ-II, 7 items)
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Assessment, ACT Questionnaire
Jean-Louis Monestès, Ph.D., Laboratoire Epsylon (EA 4556) Montpellier & CHU de la Réunion
Marcos Balbinotti, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frank Bond, Ph.D., University of London
Joel Gagnon, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Frédérick Dionne, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Experiential avoidance is defined as the tendency to rigidly escape or avoid private psychological experiences (thoughts, emotions, sensations, memories, urges), even when doing so is futile or interferes with valued actions. High experiential avoidance contributes to the development and maintenance of various forms of psychopathology, through the narrowing of one’s behavioral repertoire (Boulanger et al., 2010; Hayes et al., 2004; Ruiz, 2010). Experiential avoidance is measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II, Bond et al., 2011), a 7 item self-administered questionnaire answered on a 7 point Likert-type scale (from 1=“never true” to 7=“always true”). The 10 items version of the AAQ-II was validated in French (Monestès, Villatte, Mouras, Loas & Bond, 2009), but the 7 items version properties have not yet been studied in this language. The present study evaluates the psychometric properties of the 7 items AAQ-II French version in a group of 427 non-clinical participants. Overall, the French version of the AAQ-II presents good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: .88). Its concurrent validity and construct validity appear strong. Results of correlational analyses showed that experiential avoidance (AAQ-II) is significantly related to defusion (CFQ, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, Gillanders et al., 2014; r = 0.77, p < 0,05), and mindfulness (MAAS, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale; Brown & Ryan, 2003; Jermann et al., 2009; r = -0.37, p < 0,05). A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the French version of the AAQ-II presents with an unifactorial structure (CFI = .928, SRMR = .0477, RMSEA = .127), reproducing the structure of the original English version. These psychometric properties ensure the use of the AAQ-II French version in research as well as in clinical practice.
35. Validation of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) in a French-Speaking Population
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: Assessment, ACT Questionnaire
Frédérick Dionne, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada)
Marcos Balbinotti, Ph.D., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
David T Gillanders, Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Joël Gagnon, B.Sc., Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Jean-Louis Monestès, Ph.D., ., Laboratoire Epsylon (EA 4556) Montpellier & CHU de la Réunion
One central concept in ACT is cognitive fusion. Cognitive fusion is the pouring together of verbal/cognitive process and direct experience such that the individual cannot discriminate between the two. Cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance are key processes in the development and maintenance of psychopathology. Despite the relevance of the concept of fusion, very few questionnaires are available for the clinician and researcher, and none in French. The 7-items CFQ was administered to a sample of 434 non-clinical and 130 clinical participants. Respondents indicate how frequently they have the experience described in each statement using a 7-point Likert scale from 1 (always true) to 7 (never true), where high scores reflect more cognitive fusion. Results of correlational analyses showed that cognitive fusion is significantly related to two dimensions of psychological flexibility, namely mindfulness (MAAS; r = -.50 for non-clinical and .45 for clinical population, p < 0,001) and acceptance (AAQ-II, r = .77 for non-clinical to .56, for clinical population, p < 0,001). Principal Components factor analysis confirmed the unidimensional factor as the original CFQ (Gillanders et al., 2014). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using AMOS 22 and the unidimensional structure of the CFQ was confirmed (CMIN/DF = 0,69; p > 0,05; GFI = 1,0; AGFI = ,99; SRMR = 0,01; RMSEA = ,00; CFI = 1,0). Furthermore, results showed that the CFQ presents excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha of .92) in the non-clinical sample and fair (Cronbach’s alpha of .74) in the clinical sample. The French version of the CFQ has a valid construct and internal consistency for use on clinical and research purposes.
36. Correlates of perceived disability and psychological flexibility in older adults with chronic illness: Are ACT interventions the next best step?
Primary Topic: Clinical Interventions and Interests
Subtopic: psychological flexibility
Amy M. Houston, M.A., Xavier University
Abbie Beacham, Ph.D., Xavier University
Amy E. Olzmann, B.S., Xavier University
Most older adults (OAs) have >1 chronic illness (CI), and treatment is 3-5 times more expensive than those <65. Psychological flexibility and perceived illness-related disability (PD) have been associated with functional/medical outcomes. Relatively little is known about these factors in OAs with CIs. We examined correlates of facets of psychological flexibility and PD in OAs (N=110; Mage=69.99,SD=4.24) in online CI support groups. Notably, in our sample, OAs had similar numbers of CIs but lower PD compared to younger counterparts. PD was inversely related to life satisfaction, CI Acceptance-willingness/activity engagement, and positive affect (r’s=-.302 to -.519,p’s<.02) but positively associated with experiential avoidance and negative affect (r’s=.317 and .302,p’s <.05). Similarly, experiential avoidance was inversely related to life satisfaction, CI Acceptance-willingness/activity engagement, and positive affect (r’s=-.265 to -.515,p’s<.05) but positively associated with negative affect (r=.631,p <.001). Effective interventions for CI management in OAs are essential and could be greatly informed by ACT.
37. Evaluation of the efficacy of an ACT-based intervention on the psychological health of university students: A randomized study
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: University Students, Mental Health
Laurence De Mondehare, Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal
Simon Grégoire, Ph.D., Département d'éducation et de pédagogie, Université du Québec à Montréal
Many university students struggle with stress, anxiety and depression. Consequently, some get discouraged and drop out. During the fall semester of 2013, four 2.5 hours stress-management workshops were developed and offered to students of three Canadian universities. These workshops were based on the six core processes of ACT and included both didactic activities and experiential exercises (role play, meditation exercises, etc.). A pretest-posttest control group switching-replication design including three measurement times was used to evaluate the impact of the workshops on psychological health (i.e., stress, anxiety, depression, psychological well-being) and academic commitment. During the first part of the study, Group 1 (n = 20) acted as the intervention group while Group 2 (n = 17) acted as the control group. During the second part, the intervention was replicated and the roles of the two groups were reversed. The data were collected using self-report questionnaires at baseline (t1), week 5 (t2) and week 9 (t3) and examined using multivariate analysis of variance. Overall, the results showed that the intervention helped reduce stress, anxiety, and depression among students while it increased their level of well-being and academic commitment. This study makes three important contributions: 1) it introduces a novel ACT intervention specifically designed for university students, 2) it assess the impact of this intervention on academic commitment, and 3) it does so by using a research design rarely used in ACT studies.
38. An examination of psychological distress, mindfulness, and values among minority and majority first-year college students
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Minority college students
Jose Arauz, M.A., Suffolk University
Sara Danitz, M.A., Suffolk University
Lisa Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Susan Orsillo, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Empirical evidence indicates that students of diverse backgrounds face challenges that increase psychological distress and academic difficulties (Arbona & Jimenez, 2014; Blume, Lovato, Thyken, & Denny, 2012). The factors that contribute to this problematic phenomenon are extensive and multiply determined, although recent evidence indicates value affirmation can improve academic performance among Black university students (Taylor & Walton, 2011). One plausible explanation for the racial/ethnic achievement gap is that minority students deal with increased levels of depression and anxiety and lower endorsement of academic values in comparison to their majority counterparts. The present study seeks to better understand the significant disparity between minority and majority students through an examination of mental health, mindfulness, and values in various key domains during the first semester of college. One hundred and ninety two first year undergraduates (22% of which identified as non-White) participating in a larger study examining the impact of an intervention integrated into a first year seminar course, completed a baseline packet of questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS; Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ; Wilson, Sandoz, Kitchens, & Roberts, 2010), a measure of Academic Values (AVQ; Glick, 2014), and the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHL-MS; Cardaciotto, Herbert, Forman, Moitra, & Farrow, 2008). Data collection is completed and we will present analyses testing our hypotheses that minority students experience greater psychological distress and differing academic values in comparison to non-minority students. The results of this study have implications for the current system of higher education, which needs improvement in effectively serving and retaining these underrepresented populations. References Arbona, C., & Jimenez, C. (2014). Minority stress, ethnic identity, and depression among Latino/a college students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 61(1), 162-168. Blume, A. W., Lovato, L. V., Thyken, B. N., & Denny, N. (2012). The relationship of microaggressions with alcohol use and anxiety among ethnic minority college students in a historically White institution. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 18(1), 45-54. Cardaciotto, L., Herbert, J. D., Forman, E. M., Moitra, E., & Farrow, V. (2008). The assessment of present moment awareness and acceptance: The Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale. Assessment, 15, 204-223. Cokley, K., McClain, S., Enciso, A., & Martinez, M. (2013). An examination of the impact of minority status stress and impostor feelings on the mental health of diverse ethnic minority college students. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 41(2), 82-95. Glick, D.M. (2014). A Comparison of the effects of two interventions for reducing academic procrastination: Acceptance-based behavioral therapy vs. time management. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Suffolk University, Boston, M.A. Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Psychology Foundation. Taylor, V., & Walton, G. M. (2011). Stereotype threat undermines academic learning. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 37(8), 1055-1067.
39. Rule-following as generalized operant behavior in autistic children: Two case studies
Primary Topic: Educational settings
Subtopic: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Luis Jorge Ruiz Sánchez, Centro Psicología Avanzada (CPA)
Jonas Feder, Centro Psicología Avanzada (CPA)
Ángel Alonso Sanz, Centro Psicología Avanzada (CPA)
We replicate the findings of Tarbox et al. (2011) to create a preliminary behavior repertoire of rule-following in 2 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children were 3 and 5 years old, and had been in ABA therapy for 9 and 8 month respectively at the start of the experiment. Both children had been trained in intensive tact programs, including Yes/No tacts about pictures (e.g. Is this a car? Yes/No) and simple instruction programs (e.g. clap hands, stand up, etc.). If-Then rules specified antecedents and simple behaviors that should occur in their presence (e.g. IF you see a Car, clap hands). En pre-test children were exposed to 5 if-then rules and showed low levels of correct responding. After testing children were trained in Multiple Exemplars (MET) to respond to If-then rules. Following MET in If-then rules, results in the post-test indicate high correct responding in a generalized manner to new if-then rules never trained before. In other words, both children learned a generalized operant behavior of if-then rule-following. Results are discussed in terms of generalization of rule-following to real-life interactions and future research implications in rule-following.
40. In Search of a Behavioral Measure of Experiential Avoidance
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Measurement validation
Charles Hayes, Wichita State University
Rober D. Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University
Suzanne Gird, M.A., Wichita State University
Angie Hardage-Bundy, M.A., Wichita State University
The purpose of this study was to determine if a laboratory-based task performance could be identified to serve as a behavioral measure of experiential avoidance. Based on previous research, three separate and challenging tasks were identified as possible candidates: (a) breath-holding, (b) cold pressor, and (c) the PVSAT, a computerized serial addition task. The relationships between performance on the three tasks and two paper-and-pencil measures assessing experiential avoidance (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, AAQ-II) and distress tolerance (Distress Tolerance Scale, DTS) were mixed. Analyzing data from 120 participants showed the AAQ-II to have a low to moderate correlation with one of the performance measures for the cold pressor as well as with the breath-holding task. The breath-holding task also correlated with two of the cold pressor performance measures. The DTS did not significantly correlate with any of the behavioral measures, but did correlate with the AAQ-II. The implications of the results will be discussed.
41. Using Cognitive Defusion Measures to Account for Variability in Depression
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Assessment
Suzanne R. Gird, M.A., Wichita State University
Robert D. Zettle, Ph.D., Wichita State University
Jeffrey Swails, B.A.
A believability scale added to the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (ATQ-B; Hollon & Kendall, 1980) has been used in prior research as a measure of fusion with depressogenic cognitions. A recently published measure, the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ; Gillanders et al., 2014) was designed to measure the process of cognitive fusion more generally. In the present study, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II (AAQ-II; Bond et al., 2011), the ATQ-B, and the CFQ were analyzed to determine the ability of these measures to predict levels of depression in a college student sample as assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, & Brown 1996). The AAQ-II and ATQ-B were found to be significant predictors of depressive symptomatology, while the CFQ was not a significant predictor. Implications for the use of the ATQ-B and CFQ in future research are discussed.
42. Psychometric evidence on the brazilian version of AAQ-II
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: AAQ-II
Leonardo Martins Barbosa, Ph.D. student, University of Brasilia
Felipe Valentini, Ph.D., University of Brasilia
Sheila Giardini Murta, Ph.D., University of Brasilia
This study describes initial psychometric properties of the brazilian version of AAQ-II. In the first part of the study, 1,352 participants from eight states answered the questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis showed adequate properties: KMO = .87, alpha de Crombach = .87, unidimensional structure explaining 48% of variance. It was also found expected correlations with QSG-12 (r = .21), CD-RISC 10 (r = .35), CES-D (r = -.62) and anxiety (r = -.71). In the second part of the study, 481 online participants answered AAQ-II and the scale structure was tested through SEM. All standardized pattern regression coefficients were statistically significant and above .7. Residual covariance between itens 1 and 4 was estimated in 0.6. The model presented an adequate adjust to data (χ2 (13) = 45,89; TLI = 0,97; CFI = 0,98; RMSEA (IC 90%) = 0,07 (0,05 – 0,10). Results are promising, but adjustments may be necessary.
43. Preliminary Evidence for a Multidimensional Measure of Psychological Flexibility
Primary Topic: Other
Subtopic: Psychological Flexibility
Jaci L Rolffs, University of Rochester
Ronald Rogge, University of Rochester
Psychological flexibility has been linked to better individual functioning on both psychological and physical outcomes, serving as a key element of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, current measures of psychological flexibility typically treat it as a single dimension despite the fact that the theory posits six distinct yet related dimensions within this theory. To address this, the current study sought to develop a multidimensional measure of psychological flexibility. We are giving an item pool of over 400 flexibility items to an online sample of roughly 800 respondents. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses will be used in random sample halves to identify the six subsets of items that most clearly correspond to the six theoretical dimensions of psychological flexibility. Correlational analyses will examine how the new scales of psychological flexibility are related to the measures currently in use within the ACT literature, grounding the new scale within previous work.
44. Response Styles and Avoidance Strategies That Accompanies Bipolar Disorder
Primary Topic: Functional contextual approaches in related disciplines
Subtopic: Bipolar Disorder
Sevinc Ulusoy, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey
Kaasim Fatih Yavuz, M.D., Bakirkoy Research and Training Hospital for Psychiatry and Neurology, Istanbul, Turkey
Response Styles and Avoidance Strategies That Accompanies Bipolar Disorder OBJECTİVE: The goal of this study to investigate the relationships and interactions between stress appraisal attitudes and rumination, worry, experiental avoidance levels of individuals with bipolar disorder. The results to be obtained will present a contribution to literature about relations between stress, cognitive and emotional maladaptive processes and bipolar disorder. METHOD: 67 participants who diagnosed Bipolar I Disorder being treated in the outpatient clinic of Bakirkoy Psychiatry and Neurology Hospital and 70 healthy controls who had no psychiatric complaints between the age of eighteen to sixty five were included into the study. Sociodemographic Data Form, Leahy Emotional Schema Questionnaire (LESQ), Ruminative Thinking Style Questionnaire (RTSQ), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Stress Appraisal Measure Dispositional Form (SAM-DF) and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire II were applied to both of the groups; additionally Bipolarity Index and Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire were applied to bipolar group. RESULTS: It has been detected that the ratio of childhood abuse history, suicidal history, divorcement and singleness were more frequent in the bipolar I disorder group and also they have higher scores in ‘treat’ and ‘uncontrolled’ subscales of SAM- DF (p<0,01). In the comparison of emotional schemas of participants, ‘uncontrollability’ sub-scale mean scores of LESQ were detected higher in Bipolar Disorder group compared to healthy controls (p<0,01). When the meta-cognitive processes of the groups were assessed in terms of rumination and worry, no significant statistical difference was found between bipolar I disorder and healthy control group. In the assessment of psychological flexibility, bipolar disorder group has higher scores at AAQ- II than the control group (p<0,01). And also positive correlation has been found between SAM- DF ‘treat’ and ‘uncontrolled’ subscale mean scores and RTSQ, PSWQ, AAQ-II, LESQ ‘uncontrollability’, ‘weakness to emotions’, ‘guilty’ subscale mean scores. CONCLUSION: Data obtained from our study indicates that; while experiencing stresfull events individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder perceive the situation more threatening and uncontrollable; they have a cognitive pattern about uncontrollability of their emotions, have lower levels of psychological flexibility compared to healthy controls and all of these results can explain the usage of avoidance strategies in this population.
45. The way to better living: Psychological flexibility, emotional intelligence and satisfaction with life
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: well-being, satisfaction with life, emotional intelligence
Joanna Dudek, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Pawel Ostaszewsk, Ph.D., University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Psychological well-being is an increasingly important domain of current psychology research. Psychological flexibility (PF) and emotional intelligence (EI) are two factors contributing to well-being that are currently under the focus of scientific investigation. The purpose of our study was to examine links between psychological flexibility, emotional intelligence and satisfaction with life. As enhancing PF is a primary goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and enhancing EI is one of goals of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), we wanted to find out whether one of the two treatments might be more useful for certain populations. We investigated 160 respondents using AAQ II, SSEIT and SWLS. Results showed that higher level of EI and higher level of PF were connected with higher satisfaction with life. In the group with lower level of PF, there were no significant differences in life satisfaction between people with higher and with lower levels of EI. However in the group with higher PF level, higher EI was connected with even higher life satisfaction. The study suggests that ACT, aimed at enhancing PF, should be a primary intervention for increasing life satisfaction. However, for people with lower EI and high PF, FAP might be more useful.
46. ACT and connect to make your life better. Quality of life in women with lipoedema – contextual behavioral approach
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: lipoedema, quality of life
Joanna Dudek, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Pawel Ostaszewsk, Ph.D., University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Stanislaw Malicki, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Lipoedema is a chronic disease of an unknown etiology. It’s relatively common (it affects about 11% of women irrespective of body size) but underdiagnosed, and often misdiagnosed as obesity. The main symptom is the accumulation of the fat in lower parts of the body. The fat cannot be lost through diet and exercise as is the case with “normal” fat of obesity. Quality of life in women suffering from lipoedema might be affected by many factors, such as unfamiliarity of the condition, and medical and psychosocial consequences (e.g. chronic pain, stigmatization and self-stigmatization, depression). In our study we wanted to investigate how psychological flexibility, social connectedness, self-compassion, disordered eating, commited action, body image flexibility, symptoms severity and body dissatisfaction affect quality of life in women suffering from lipoedema. Our aim was to find out whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) might be considered as useful interventions for enhancing quality of life in the population suffering from lipoedema. We conducted an internet-based cross-sectional study. Participants were 102 women suffering from lipoedema, mostly from the USA, the UK and Australia. Statistical analyses showed that psychological flexibility and social connectedness are important factors linked with higher satisfaction with life and higher quality of life in women with lipoedema. The results suggest that ACT and FAP might be useful in treating women with lipoedema, but further research in this area is needed.
47. Developing a prototype ACT website for distressed college students with Qualtrics survey software
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Web-based interventions
Jack A. Haeger, B.A., Utah State University
Michael E. Levin, Ph.D., Utah State University
Web-based self-help offers a promising, cost effective method for providing efficacious treatments to distressed college students, including those who may not otherwise seek help. Although successful web-based interventions are becoming more prevalent, those seeking to develop new interventions often encounter significant barriers, including high development costs, relatively slow pace of grant-funded projects, and communication issues/delays with developers. These barriers may hinder innovations in web-based treatments, initial prototype development/testing, and iterative program development. This presentation describes the development and usability testing of a prototype ACT website using Qualtrics – an online survey program that many U.S. universities subscribe to and make freely-available to students and faculty. Qualtrics allowed for an inexpensive, quick, and iterative development, while still providing researchers tools to build a sophisticated website with minimal training. Key website features and content examples will be presented, along with a development overview and usability testing results with a sample of distressed college students.
48. Psychological flexibility and donations to charity: a lab based experiment.
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Pro-social
Miles Thompson, Goldsmiths, University of London & Canterbury Christ Church University
Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London
CBS seeks to create a science more adequate to the challenge of the human condition. One persistent challenge is global poverty and human rights abuse. This lab based experiment explored the role of psychological flexibility on donations to charity. Eighty-three participants were each paid £5 for taking part. After completing questionnaires, including measures of psychological flexibility, participants were given the opportunity to donate parts of their payment to either Oxfam or Amnesty International. Participants then listened to one of three audio recordings either: i. an ACT intervention, ii. an education intervention or iii. a control condition. Then they were asked if they wished to change the way they donated, before finally being given their payment and having the opportunity to actually donate to charity. The poster will present the significant relationship between the initial measures of psychological flexibility and donations as well as the influence of the ACT intervention condition.
49. Parental Experiential Avoidance Relates to Higher Parental Stress and Lower Resilience in a Community Sample of Parents of Strong-Willed Children
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Parents, Experiential Avoidance
Anthi Loutsiou, University of Cyprus
Anastasios Matsopoulos, University of Crete
Andri Anastasiou, University of Cyprus
This study aims to establish the reliability of a cultural adaptation of the Parental Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (PAAQ), and to establish the relationship of parental experiential avoidance with parental stress, parental resilience, and child defiance in a community sample of 162 Greek speaking parents (136 mothers, 26 fathers) of 3-8 year old children. The PAAQ was translated in Greek using the front and back translation method and the original scoring instructions were maintained. Subjects participated in this study as part of the 7-week prevention program “Parenting the Strong Willed Child” (adapted for Greek parents). The 15-item adaptation of the PAAQ internal consistency was below the recommended cut-off and inter item correlations were lower than expected. Problematic items were removed resulting in an 8-item scale with borderline acceptable alpha coefficient. As expected, parents with children higher on the Defiance Scale of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory also scored higher on the PAAQ ( p=.005). Further, parents with higher experiential avoidance also reported statistically significantly higher Parental Distress on the Parenting Stress Inventory- Short Form (PSI-SF) and lower Resilience on the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS). Further psychometric evaluation of cultural adaptations of the PAAQ is necessary. Experiential avoidance appears to be a meaningful correlate in the parenting context.
50. Examining the Relation Between Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Flexibility in Female Bhutanese Refugees
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Refugee Mental Health
Sheau-Yan Ho, B.A., University of Vermont
Jessica Clifton, M.A., University of Vermont
Maggie Evans, B.A., University of Vermont
Diane Gottlieb, M.S.W., Ph.D., University of Vermont
Valerie Harder, M.H.S., Ph.D., University of Vermont
Karen Fondacaro, Ph.D., University of Vermont
Group therapy models for refugees and torture survivors point to the importance of multi-systemic and multi-component treatment, yet few studies have examined the therapeutic processes by which group therapy operates in this population. In the present study, Bhutanese females seeking psychological services from a community clinic were treated in an open adjustment group (N = 10). Group treatment utilized an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework to address psychological wellbeing. Participants were assessed for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder at baseline using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist and Harvard Trauma Questionnaire. Mid-treatment measurements included the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire. Here, we present descriptive data on how symptoms of anxiety and depression relate to and predict mid-treatment measures of acceptance and willingness to pursue valued experience. The findings of this study will begin to elucidate the mechanisms that explain therapeutic change over time in a Bhutanese adjustment group. Results also hold broader implications that may improve mental health treatment of refugees and torture survivors to address a range of presenting mental health problems.
51. Aikido: Mindfulness in Action
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: Mindfulness
Annette Dufresne, Ph.D., University of Windsor
Aikido is a practice that emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and spirit, and promotes harmony, balance, and focus. The emphasis in Aikido is on personal self-development, but it can also be used as a means of non-aggressive self-defense. This poster describes an innovative project offering Aikido classes to individuals with a serious mental illness, and discusses parallels between the use of Aikido and other mindfulness practices. The project is a partnership between two community mental health agencies and a community athletic organization. Information is provided on the elements of the program, and how it might be adapted to other centers or for other populations. Preliminary quantitative and qualitative data on the effectiveness of the project are presented. The potential for the integration of practices such as aikido into an ACT approach are explored.
52. An Intensive Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention’s Effect on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptomology in At-Risk Adolescents
Primary Topic: Prevention and Community-Based Interventions
Subtopic: OCD
Michelle Miller, University of Iowa
Emily Kroska, University of Iowa
Rosaura Orengo-Aguayo, University of Iowa
James Marchman, University of Iowa
Introduction: There is increasing support for the implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Preliminary evidence of ACT with adolescent populations indicates a need to employ prevention and community-based interventions. Method: Participants in a one-school-day intervention included approximately 120 students aged 14-18. Intrusive thoughts and OCD symptoms were not directly targeted through the intervention. The present analyses will assess change in frequency and severity of intrusive thoughts and OCD symptoms from pre-intervention to four follow-up points. At-risk adolescents are an ideal population for prevention research due to the developmental vulnerability associated with this age. Results & Conclusions: Preliminary results (1- and 3-month follow-up) will be presented. Data analysis will utilize longitudinal mixed-effects modeling. Expected results include reduction in severity and frequency of OCD symptoms after participation in the intervention.
53. The Effect of Cognitive Defusion on Behavioral and Psychological Flexibility
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: IRAP
Timothy R. Ritzert, B. A., University at Albany
Christopher R. Berghoff, M. A., University at Albany
John P. Forsyth, Ph.D., University at Albany
ACT defusion interventions are used to alter the literal context of thinking, allowing individuals to see distressing thoughts just as they are (i.e., products of language). From an RFT perspective, it is theorized that defusion disrupts the derived functions of thoughts, reducing their control over behavior and leading to greater sensitivity to direct contingencies. Although previous research indicates defusion reduces the self-reported believability and distress of unwanted thoughts, there is a paucity of research investigating the behavioral effects of defusion strategies. Specifically, it is unknown if the effects of defusion on self-report indices are associated with the underlying behavioral process of defusion theorized by ACT/RFT. The present study assessed the effect of a defusion intervention on behavior, as measured by the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP). Undergraduates high in spider fear were randomly assigned to one of two interventions targeting personally relevant thoughts related to spider phobia: a word-repeating defusion intervention or a thought distraction intervention. A third inactive control condition (reading an article) was employed to evaluate the relative impact of both interventions. Participants completed the IRAP and self-report rating scales of believability and distress of target thoughts pre- and post- intervention. Results showed that following intervention, participants in the defusion condition demonstrated quicker response latencies on the IRAP, suggesting defused behavior under greater control of direct contingencies rather than pre-existing derived relations. Likewise, participants receiving the defusion intervention showed associated reductions in thought believability. Results are discussed in the context of employing the IRAP and similar measures to assess the underlying behavioral processes of ACT-based interventions and their link with RFT.
54. Transformation of meaning of arbitrary stimuli related as similar or opposite to facial expressions of happiness
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: IRAP
William F. Perez, Ph.D., Núcleo Paradigma de Análise do Comportamento - Brazil
João Henrique de Almeida, Ph.D., Universidade Federal de São Carlos - Brazil
Julio C. de Rose, Ph.D., Universidade Federal de São Carlos - Brazil
The present study aimed at evaluating the transformation of meaning of arbitrary stimuli related as similar or opposite to facial expressions of happiness. Forty-three college students participated. Thirty of them comprised a control group that evaluated arbitrary stimuli and faces expressing happiness through a semantic differential. Thirteen participants were submitted to a relational training to establish the facial expression of happiness (A1) as similar or opposite to arbitrary pictures (A1 similar to B1 and opposite to B2, and B1 similar to C1 and opposite to C2). Seven of the thirteen participants demonstrated the expected derived relations. According to the semantic differential, B1 and C1 acquired the meaning of the facial expression of happiness; B2 and C2 acquired the opposite meaning (sadness), however only in a few scales of the semantic differential. An IRAP evaluation also indicated that C1 and C2 were more rapidly related to happy and sad faces, respectively, corroborating transformation of function.
55. Effect of acquisition of avoidance through a direct or a derived learning on an implicit measure
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: Avoidance, Transformation of functions
Tomoya Sato, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan; Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Ayumi Yamashita, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Shunta Maeda, Graduate School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Hironori Shimada, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
Tomu Ohtsuki, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan
This study investigated an effect of acquisition of avoidance through a direct or a derived learning on an implicit measure. Seventeen undergraduate students completed a delayed matching-to-sample procedure (Dymond et al., 2011) which formed stimulus relations of coordination consisting of three physically dissimilar novel stimuli (avoidance cues: AV1-AV2-AV3 and neutral cues: N1-N2-N3), threat and safety cue training (Dymond et al., 2011) and Go/No-go Association Task (Nosek & Banaji, 2001) which was intended to measure a fluency in formation of stimulus relation of coordination. In the threat and safety cue training, participants were randomly allocated to one of two groups (Derived group or Direct group). In the Derived group, avoidance was trained for AV2. In the Direct group, it was trained for AV1. Both groups showed a transformation of avoidance function. However, there were no significant differences of fluency in formation of stimulus relations between two groups.
56. Self-Control and Relational Framing
Primary Topic: Relational Frame Theory
Subtopic: Self-Control, Children, Relational Training
Midori Uemura, Waseda University
Tomu Ohtsuki, Ph. D., Waseda University
In applied behavior analysis, to choose delayed larger reward over immediate smaller reward is called self-control. Relational frame theory (RFT) suggests that temporal relational framing enables us to describe the delayed consequence, and comparative relational framing enables us to identify larger reward. Therefore, we choose delayed larger reward according to temporal and comparative relational framing. The purpose of the current study is to identify whether the self-control is related to the temporal and comparative relational framing. Thirty-three elementary school students participated in this study. They were exposed to temporal and comparative relational task to measure the relational ability, reverse task and picture arrangement to measure the ability to specify the contingency, and delay-discounting questionnaire to see self-control choice. The Participants who passed the relational test got high score on picture arrangement and preferred self-control choice. We discussed about the role of the temporal and comparative relational framing in the self-control.
57. Opportunities and challenges in disseminating ACT in South-Africa
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Dissemination
Bertus Swanepoel, M.A., Private Practice
South-Africa has a population of more than 50 million people, with a very diverse racial configuration and 9 official languages. Apartheid left a history of racial oppression and social inequality, and the need for effective psychological intervention is much needed to deal with all of these challenges. Currently there are less than five ACT South-African therapists registered on the ACBS website. The aim of this descriptive research is to identify the very unique challenges and opportunities for the dissemination of ACT in this relatively young democracy. Opportunities: In many poor countries a need for brief psychological intervention aiming at alleviating symptoms of distress such as trauma, anxiety and depression has been highlighted. It was found that low income South-African communities requested help mainly for psycho-social problems, anxiety, financial difficulties, learning problems and violence. Bearing this in mind, there seems to be a great need for support programs, as well as psycho educational initiatives in poor communities. Resources are scarce in South Africa, and an evidence based therapy model (like ACT), that demonstrates tangible benefits to clients, might convince policy makers to invest in psycho educational and support initiatives. Challenges: In South-Africa you need at least a Master’s degree in Psychology to register with the Health Professions Council, and it is very difficult to be selected for the Master’s program. Universities receive 10 – 20 times more applications for a Masters’ program in Clinical Psychology than they can accommodate (150 persons per annum). Currently none of the tertiary institutions offer ACT as a separate module, and this is reflected by the low numbers registered on the ACBS website. I believe that people will take note of ACT if it is properly recognized by tertiary institutions, as an evidence based therapy, with proper supervision. The other possible solution for proper recognition is for fellow registered Psychologists and Psychiatrists to attend Continuous Professional Development workshops, which is a compulsory requirement for continued registration with the Health Professions Council. Although only one challenge and one opportunity is highlighted, these are both very strategic in disseminating ACT in South-Africa.
58. Contextual behavioural science needs you to become a trainer!
Primary Topic: Supervision, Training and Dissemination
Subtopic: Training
David Gillanders, Chair of ACBS Training Committee
Contextual behavioural science represents a progressive science of human functioning, with tight coherence between philosophy, theory, technology, effectiveness and training. An important vehicle for pursuing these values is the growth of a community of scientists and practitioners, across the whole world. CBS’s growth is rapid. Anecdotal evidence suggests that in areas where ACBS peer reviewed ACT trainers live and work, there are growing communities of ACT and CBS practitioners. The peer review process ensures that trainers are delivering high fidelity, high quality training. The community of trainers is an important vehicle for the growth of CBS. If you delivering or are thinking of delivering training, stop by this poster and have a conversation. We’ll answer questions and give you advice and encouragement about the ACT peer review trainer process. If growing CBS is a value for you, come by – this community needs you to help it grow!
59. Does avoidance of a non-contingent negative reinforcer influence behavioral variability?
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Avoidance, Behavioral variability, Creativity, Response repertory
Aiko Oya, Doshisha University, Kyoto
Takashi Muto, Ph.D., Doshisha University, Kyoto
Variable behavior leads to new or flexible solutions for problems. However, people may behave in an avoidant manner if they receive non-contingent punishment, which has the possibility of lowering behavioral variability in the search for solutions. This study examined whether non-contingent avoidant situations with negative reinforcers would cause lower behavioral variability than acquisition situations with positive reinforcers among students. Eighty-nine students were divided into two main groups, in which the task they were asked to perform involved either acquisition or avoidance of the appearance of a computer-generated stimulus. Participants played a computer game for 20 minutes, before those in the acquisition group was instructed to make the word “GOOD” appear on the screen as many times as possible, whereas those in the avoidance group was instructed to keep the word “BAD” from appearing on the screen as few times as possible. The stimulus was provided independently of sequence variability, every 1 or 6 minutes. Each group was further divided into two groups, according to the intervals at which the stimulus was provided. Variability in the sequence of responses during the computer game was then recorded. As a result, the study found that avoidance groups showed lower behavioral variability than acquisition groups.
60. Inconsistency Compensation and the BIS, BAS, FFFS: A New Light on a Clinically-Relevant Phenomenon from Social Psychology, with Implications for Treatment Development
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Inconsistency Compensation
Peter Hitchcock, B.A., Drexel University
Lisa Hayley Glassman, M.A., Drexel University
James Herbert, Ph.D., Drexel University
Gray’s seminal theory of the behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and fight-flight-freezing systems (BIS, BAS, and FFFS) exhaustively integrated personality, animal lesion, and psychopharmacology research. The theory goes a long way toward explaining many social and political psychology studies. That is because many studies in those fields deliberately violate participants’ expectations (provoke inconsistency), then measure some kind of compensatory response (inconsistency compensation; IC). This poster will summarize recent conclusions by several researchers that IC undergirds topographically different social psychology effects. It will explain how apparently distinct IC effects can be made comprehensible by the interactions of the systems, per Gray’s theory. Many negative social phenomena, including clinically relevant phenomena such as automatic defensiveness toward threatening health information, may be underlaid by the interaction of these systems. Therefore interventions can specifically target these interactions. The poster will conclude by showing how mindfulness interventions appear uniquely well-suited to target these interactions.
61. Developing a new behavioral rigidity task for depression: Application of alphabet-maze task
Primary Topic: Theoretical and philosophical foundations
Subtopic: Defusion Depression
Yuki Shigemoto, M.A., Graduate student Doshisha University
Muto Takashi, Department of psychology Doshisha University
The purpose of this study is to develop a new rigidity task, a measure of cognitive flexibility, in depressed people. Although some rigidity tasks have used in previous studies, stimuli in these tasks were only consisted of non-verbal ‘pictures or figures’. So, previous researches couldn’t fully investigate influence of language in these situations. Thus this study investigated whether performance on rigidity task without language (Wisconsin card sorting test: WCST) would be related to the performance on rigidity task with language (Alphabet-maze: AM). AM is a maze which consist of alphabets. The purpose of the task is to move from the upper right-hand corner of the maze to the lower left-hand corner, spelling out English words on the way. Participants are told to reach the end via the shortest solution. Initial mazes are solvable by the same route, but in later mazes solving is possible by an additional much shorter route without warning. In this study, Japanese version of the task which consisted of Chinese characters was developed and administered. Participants answered questionnaires measuring related cognitive processes (eg.,Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire) and depression (eg., BDI-Ⅱ) and performed WCST and AM. Results indicated that depressed people who exhibit rigid behavior on WCST showed rigid behavior on AM.