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| International Symposium - Values in Behavior Analysis: Assessment and Clinical Implications |
| Sunday, May 28, 2006 |
| 2:30 PM–3:50 PM |
| Kennesaw |
| Area: CBM; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Ann Branstetter-Rost (Missouri State University) |
| Discussant: Ann Branstetter-Rost (Missouri State University) |
| Abstract: This symposium will focus on the utility and assessment of values in clinical behavior analysis. Our first paper will discuss issues of measurement and present data comparing two methods of values assessment. Papers two and three will be related to clinical implications, including a correlational presentation of the relationship between valued living and psychological distress and an experimental study of the role of values in pain tolerance. |
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| Assessing Values in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. |
| JOHN TANNER BLACKLEDGE (University of Nevada, Reno), Joseph Ciarrochi (University of Wollongong, Australia) |
| Abstract: Accurate assessment of client values, client effectiveness in moving toward values, and of client reasons for declaring values (e.g., social pliance vs. tracking-and augmental-based origins reflecting a client’s earnest and heartfelt endorsement of a value) is vital for the successful course of ACT treatment and empirical assessment of the treatment’s general effectiveness. The development of two new methods of assessing ACT-relevant values, the reasons behind them, and effective movement towards them (the Personal Values Questionnaire and the Social Values Survey) will be discussed. These instruments represent a substantial revision of Kennon Sheldon’s Personal Strivings questionnaire, and are currently being used in an experimental capacity in a growing number of studies. |
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| Valued Living, Experiential Avoidance and Psychological Well-being. |
| JESSICA G. VAN DYKE (University of Mississippi), Leslie Rogers (University of Mississippi), Kelly G. Wilson (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: In recent years, several psychotherapy interventions have focused on valued living. To date, little is known empirically about the relationship between valued living across multiple domains and psychological distress. The Valued living questionnaire is a self report measure of importance and consistency of values across life domains. Wilson and Murrell (2004) suggest that extreme responders in either direction have often been found to lack behavioral flexibility. The current study investigates the relationship between consistency scores with valued domains as indicated by participant ratings on the Valued Living questionnaire and their relationship to psychological well-being as indicated by the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2. In addition to investigating valued this relationship, we will also discuss how values living scores are related to experiential avoidance. |
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| Pain Tolerance: Testing the Effects of Personal Values in the Context of Acceptance. |
| TANYA N. KIMBROUGH (University of Mississippi), Chris S. Lorance (University of Mississippi), Christopher C. Cushing (University of Mississippi), Ann Branstetter-Rost (University of Mississippi), Jonathan Weinstein (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: Acceptance has recently been empirically shown to increase individual’s pain tolerance in both acute and chronic pain situations. The primary difficulty with artificial pain paradigms in a college lab setting is in facilitating a sense of purpose, or value, for the participant to endure the pain stimuli. The current study attempts to remedy this impediment by specifically testing the effects of a value-based intervention, in conjunction with an acceptance intervention. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Condition 1 was instructed them in principles of acceptance to utilize in coping with pain. Condition 2 rank ordered personal values, and were instructed in principles of acceptance, with an added values component. The component consisted of instructing the participant to focus on their valued life area and to imagine they are completing the pain task as a step in following through with their value. Following the intervention, participants completed a cold pressor task. The results indicate that personal values create a strong impact on an individual’s ability to endure acute pain. Such an intervention appears to be an effective method for empirically evaluating the effects of values as an entity apart from acceptance. |
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