Increasing valued behaviors precedes reduction in suffering : Findings from a randomized controlled trial using ACT
Journal article
Gloster, Andrew, Klotsche, Jens, Ciarrochi, Joseph, Eifert, Georg, Sonntag, Rainer, Wittchen, Hans U. and Hoyer, Jürgen. (2017) Increasing valued behaviors precedes reduction in suffering : Findings from a randomized controlled trial using ACT. Behaviour Research and Therapy. 91, pp. 64-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2017.01.013
| Authors | Gloster, Andrew, Klotsche, Jens, Ciarrochi, Joseph, Eifert, Georg, Sonntag, Rainer, Wittchen, Hans U. and Hoyer, Jürgen |
|---|---|
| Abstract | Background: Psychological flexibility theory (PFT) suggests three key processes of change: increases in value-directed behaviors, reduction in struggle with symptoms, and reduction in suffering. We hypothesized that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) would change these processes and that increases in valued action and decreases in struggle would precede change in suffering. Method: Data were derived from a randomized clinical trial testing ACT (vs. waitlist) for treatment resistant patients with primary panic disorder with/without agoraphobia (n ¼ 41). Valued behavior, struggle, and suffering were assessed at each of eight sessions. Results: Valued actions, struggle, and suffering all changed over the course of therapy. Overall changes in struggle and suffering were interdependent whereas changes in valued behavior were largely independent. Levels of valued behaviors influenced subsequent suffering, but the other two variables did not influence subsequent levels of valued action. Discussion: This finding supports a central tenet of PFT that increased (re-)engagement in valued behaviors precedes reductions in suffering. Possible implications for a better understanding of response and non-response to psychotherapy are discussed. |
| Keywords | psychological flexibility; ACT; valued behavior; suffering; process; treatment resistance |
| Year | 2017 |
| Journal | Behaviour Research and Therapy |
| Journal citation | 91, pp. 64-71 |
| Publisher | Elsevier Ltd |
| ISSN | 0005-7967 |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2017.01.013 |
| Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85011074134 |
| Open access | Published as green open access |
| Research or scholarly | Research |
| Page range | 64-71 |
| Funder | Australian Research Council |
| Research Group | Institute for Positive Psychology and Education |
| Author's accepted manuscript | License File Access Level Open |
| Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
| ARC Funded Research | This output has been funded, wholly or partially, under the Australian Research Council Act 2001 |
| Grant ID | DP140103874 |
| Additional information | This record includes an accepted manuscript. © 2017. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
| Place of publication | United Kingdom |
| Editors | M. G. Craske |
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| License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 | |
| File access level: Open | |
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