|
| ACT Outside the Clinic: Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Non-clinical Populations |
| Sunday, May 25, 2008 |
| 4:00 PM–5:20 PM |
| Boulevard C |
| Area: CBM/CSE; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Regan M. Slater (University of Mississippi) |
| Discussant: Akihiko Masuda (Georgia State University) |
| Abstract: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of clinical disorders and presentations (Hayes, Luoma, Bond, Masuda, & Lillis, 2006). In this symposium, we will discuss the application of ACT to three diverse non-clinical populations. |
| |
| Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) for Academic Success. |
| REGAN M. SLATER (University of Mississippi), Emily Kennison Sandoz (University of Mississippi), Laura Ely (University of Mississippi), Kate Kellum (University of Mississippi), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: This study will address the viability of an ACT-related intervention with university students who are either on academic probation or in danger of failing. Assessment of ACT-related components as well as study skills and psychological distress were used over the course of the study. Effects of the intervention on academic success were considered and will be discussed. |
| |
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Police Force: Evaluating its Efficacy and Mechanisms for Change. |
| LINDA BILICH (University of Wollongong), Joseph Ciarrochi (University of Wollongong), Virginia Bayliss (New South Wales Police Service ), Frank Deane (Illawarra Institute for Mental Health) |
| Abstract: Recent research has revealed that police officers experience a high level of stress that appears to relate to administrative and organisational pressure rather than from operational work experiences (Hart and Cotton, 2002). The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of a Mindfulness-Based Emotional Intelligence Training (MBEIT) intervention that is designed to promote emotional well-being and workplace effectiveness amongst New South Wales police officers. The intervention is heavily based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (Hayes, Strosahl and Wilson, 1999). ACT promotes emotionally intelligent behaviour in line with meaningful values by increasing people’s ability to utilise emotions as information, and to act effectively in the context of emotions and emotionally charged thoughts through mechanisms such as acceptance and defusion.One hundred twenty-three police officers volunteered to participate in the study, and were assigned to either the “intervention” or the “control” condition. Preliminary analysis suggests that over the course of the intervention, police officers’ general mental health improved significantly in comparison to the control group. In addition, success with family values increased over time. Acting consistently with one’s values is proposed to be essential for the improvement in mental health and well-being. It is expected that the project will benefit the NSW police directly in the prevention of stress and sickness, and improvement in workplace effectiveness. |
| |
| Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) to Address Burnout in Staff Caring for Clients with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). |
| SCOTT BETHAY (University of Mississippi), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: This paper will describe the factors that have been posited as determinants of burnout in ID staff, and will briefly discuss current theories that attempt to correlate these factors. Next, a brief overview of a behavior-analytic account of burnout and associated behaviors will be provided. Finally, the development and implementation of a burnout intervention which combines ACT with practical training in the principles of applied behavior analysis will be discussed. |
|
| |