A pilot randomized controlled trial of online acceptance and commitment therapy versus compassion-focused therapy for chronic illnessShow others and affiliations
2022 (English)In: Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, ISSN 1063-3995, E-ISSN 1099-0879, Vol. 29, no 2, p. 524-541Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
Literature suggests that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is effective in improving well-being and in reducing psychopathological symptoms commonly experienced by people with chronic illness (CI). Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) reduces psychological distress, especially in individuals with high levels of shame and self-criticism, but few studies have explored CFT in CI. Additionally, studies almost exclusively compared ACT and CFT with inactive controls (wait-list; treatment as usual). Also, there is an interest in developing cost-effective mental health solutions, such as low-intensity online psychological interventions. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the acceptability and compare the efficacy of four-session online ACT (n = 25) and CFT (n = 24) interventions in a sample of people with CI. Results showed both interventions were acceptable, with attrition rates at post-intervention comparable to those found in similar studies (around 50%). Intention-to-treat analyses showed that participants presented significantly less illness-related shame, less uncompassionate self-responding and more valued living after the intervention, although no difference was found between conditions. Results were sustained at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results did not find statistical differences between conditions through reliable change index (RCI). Correlation between demographics and RCI showed that, at post-intervention, younger participants presented more behavioural awareness, men presented more valued action, and participants with CI for shorter periods presented less uncompassionate self-responding and less anxiety. Results suggest that low-intensity (four sessions) online ACT and CFT are cost-effective approaches to promote mental health of individuals with CI. Results and limitations are thoroughly discussed.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
John Wiley & Sons, 2022. Vol. 29, no 2, p. 524-541
Keywords [en]
acceptance and commitment therapy, chronic illness, compassion focused therapy, low intensity, online intervention, randomized controlled trial
National Category
Applied Psychology Clinical Medicine
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-109197DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2643ISI: 000681492100001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85111855501OAI: oai:DiVA.org:oru-109197DiVA, id: diva2:1806136
2023-10-192023-10-192023-10-30Bibliographically approved