scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Happiness and Hope of Hamedanian Multiple Sclerosis Patients

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-23
Author(s):  
Moloud Moslem Khani ◽  
Mohammad Esmaeel Ebrahimi ◽  
Ali Sahebi ◽  
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...  
2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 200-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean C. Sheppard ◽  
John P. Forsyth ◽  
Edward J. Hickling ◽  
JeanMarie Bianchi

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system for which there is no known cure. The condition is associated with a range of physical, psychological, and emotional difficulties and often results in reduced quality of life (QOL). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a newer cognitive-behavior therapy that balances 1) mindfulness and acceptance processes with 2) commitment and behavior change processes in the service of reducing suffering while fostering engagement in value-guided actions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a half-day ACT workshop focused on teaching mindful acceptance, cognitive defusion, and value-guided action strategies to a group of individuals (N = 15) with MS. The usefulness of the workshop was evaluated in terms of its impact over a 3-month follow-up period on indices of MS-related impairment, emotional distress, and QOL. The results were mixed, with significant improvements observed in the areas of depression, extent of thought suppression, impact of pain on behavior, and QOL but no change in extent of physical symptoms and mindfulness. These results are discussed broadly in terms of developing and improving brief ACT interventions for MS and other chronic illnesses.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth I. Pakenham ◽  
Theresa Scott ◽  
Michele Messmer Uccelli

Abstract Background: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is the most widely used and researched recent variant of cognitive behavioral therapy and has been shown to increase quality of life in people with chronic illnesses, including multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few MS health practitioners are trained in ACT. This study evaluated a 2-day ACT training workshop for Italian psychologists working with people with MS. Methods: Data were collected via online questionnaires from 34 psychologists before the workshop, after the workshop, and at 6-month follow-up. Two sets of variables were measured at each assessment: primary outcomes (well-being, negative affect, positive affect, and job satisfaction) and ACT processes (values, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and cognitive defusion). A separate online workshop evaluation questionnaire and an ACT knowledge examination were administered after the workshop. Results: Most participants (94%) acknowledged the potential beneficial effects of the workshop on their work. Almost all participants reported their intention to apply ACT clinically. More than 90% of participants indicated that the workshop was efficacious. All participants scored higher than 75% on the examination. Mindfulness increased from after the workshop to follow-up; however, there were no statistically significant changes in other variables. Correlations suggested beneficial associations between the ACT processes and the primary outcomes. Conclusions: Results suggest that ACT training is personally and professionally helpful for psychologists in the MS field.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Ieke Winkens ◽  
Caroline van Heugten ◽  
Ieke Winkens ◽  
Iris de Marez Oyens ◽  
Nicole Geschwind ◽  
...  

Objective: People with multiple sclerosis often suffer from distress, reduced societal participation and low quality of life. Evidence-based psychological treatment options for multiple sclerosis are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on participation and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. Methods: We performed a non-concurrent multiple baselines design study. Six female patients with multiple sclerosis participated. Randomization was implemented by assigning participants randomly to a baseline (waiting) period of three, six or nine weeks. We measured quality of life, and participation on a daily basis, and acceptance and cognitive defusion on a weekly basis. Statistical analyses were performed using randomization tests. Results: After Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, five participants showed statistically significant increases in quality of life and three participants showed statistically significant improvements in participation. Acceptance increased in two patients, and cognitive defusion improved in one patient. Conclusion: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy seems promising for improving the quality of life and participation in people with multiple sclerosis. Mechanisms underlying improvement are not clear yet. Further large-scale controlled studies with more representative samples and a longer follow-up period are justified.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-454
Author(s):  
Jalal Younesi ◽  
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Javad Kazemi ◽  
Asghar Dadkhah ◽  
Akbar Biglarian ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the Sense of Coherence (SOC), Locus of Control (LoC), and Posttraumatic Growth (PTG) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These factors were explored according to the prevalence of psychological problems in these patients. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test and a control group design. The study population included all patients with MS from Iran’s MS Association in Tehran City, Iran. The study sample included 30 patients (n=15/group) who were selected by purposive sampling technique and according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. After obtaining necessary permissions and informed consent, a pre-test was initially performed. The instruments used in this study were ‎the 29-item Antonovsky’s Sense of Coherence Scale; the 29-item Julian Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, and the 21-item Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Posttraumatic Growth scale. Several studies supported the reliability and validity of these scales. The experimental group received 8 sessions (once a week, each session: 1.5 h) of group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). However, the control group received no intervention. After the intervention, according to the instructions, the post-test was performed. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V. 21. Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was performed to examine between-group differences data. Results: The study findings indicated that ACT was effective on the SoC; however, it had no significant effect on the LoC and PTG (P=0.05). Discussion: Participation in ACT sessions could enhance the SoC of patients with MS. Accordingly, it can be improved by accepting and enhancing these patients’ commitment to change through psychotherapy approach and increasing their SoC.


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