Date of Award

12-2009

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Alyce M. Dickinson

Second Advisor

Dr. Scott T. Gaynor

Third Advisor

Dr. John Austin

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Eric Fox

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

This study examined the effects of a short Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) computer module on safe postures. Participants were 6 college students who performed an assembly task. Three postures were targeted: head/neck, back, and arm. The design was a noncurrent multiple baseline across participants design. Across the 6 participants, safe performance improved significantly for 35% of the postures (p < .05). Safe performance of another 24% of the postures improved, but not significantly. When an ACT booster training session was implemented for 5 of the participants, no significant improvements occurred for any of the postures. These results suggest that ACT may be useful in improving safe postures for some individuals for some postures. However, they also suggest that other interventions may be more effective. Additional research that examines more comprehensive ACT training in applied settings is needed, as well as research that examines the specific conditions under which ACT may be effective.

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