Date of Award

8-2013

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Scott T. Gaynor

Second Advisor

Dr. Amy Naugle

Third Advisor

Dr. Galen Alessi

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Roberto Flachier

Keywords

acceptance and commitment, ACT, inpatient, depression, brief intervention

Abstract

The present study sought to investigate the utility of a brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) protocol for the treatment of depression in an inpatient setting. ACT is a generally promising treatment for a variety of psychological issues. Thirty-nine participants were randomly assigned using and weighted, blocked distribution to either Treatment as Usual (TAU) or individual sessions of ACT in conjunction with treatment as usual (ACT). The study compared re-admission rates between the ACT intervention group and the TAU group at 3 and 6 months. In addition, the study examined the proposed mechanisms of change between groups and depression rates between groups.

No differences were found between the TAU and ACT groups with regard to the primary outcome measure of re-hospitalization at 3- or 6-month follow-up. Additionally, ACT did not appear to move depression measures or the proposed mechanisms of action above and beyond the general improvement seen across the sample when compared at the group level. Differences were found in favor of ACT on one measure of mechanism of action proposed to be involved with ACT interventions, the ATQ-B, when the percent of participants that had an RCI were examined by group. This could indicate that ACT, when received, was better decreasing the believability of thoughts.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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