The current study aims to explore the impact of a two-session group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention compared to an assessment-only control on psychological outcomes in healthy older adults. The proposed study has two main objectives. 1. Examine the impact the intervention on targeted ACT processes over time 2. Examine the impact of the intervention on aspects of eudaimonic well-being over time
Older adults are a growing segment of our population, and this period of life presents a variety of physical, emotional, environmental, and cognitive changes, even for healthy individuals. The current study aims to explore the impact of a two-session group Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention compared to an assessment-only control on psychological outcomes in healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned (stratified by sex) to the ACT group condition or to an assessment-only control group. After randomization, those in the assessment-only control group will be asked to complete four assessments via mail (baseline, one-month, three-month, and six-month). The intervention group will participate in a brief group ACT intervention occurring over two sessions (90 minutes each, approximately one week apart). Intervention participants will also complete assessments at baseline and at one-month, three-months, and six-months post-intervention. The specific aims and hypotheses of the current study are: Specific Aim #1: To examine longitudinal between-group differences in targeted ACT processes including psychological flexibility (openness to experience, behavioral awareness, and valued action) and satisfaction with social roles and activities from baseline to follow-up. We hypothesize that there will be significant time by group interaction, such that psychological flexibility and satisfaction with social roles and activities will increase significantly more in the intervention group relative to the assessment-only control group. Specific Aim #2: To examine longitudinal between-group differences in eudaimonic well-being (purpose in life and personal growth) from baseline to follow-up. We hypothesize that there will be significant time by group interactions, such that purpose in life and personal growth will increase significantly more in the intervention group relative to the assessment-only control group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
81
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an acceptance- and mindfulness-based psychotherapy that aims to foster psychological flexibility.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Differences in change over time between conditions on The Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes (CompACT)
The CompACT is a self-report measure of psychological flexibility. Total scores on the measure range from 0-138 with higher scores indicative of greater psychological flexibility.
Time frame: baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month post-intervention follow-up
Differences in change over time between conditions on the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System's (PROMIS) 8-item Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities scale
The PROMIS 8-item Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities scale is a self-report measure. Total scores on the measure are converted to T scores.
Time frame: baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month post-intervention follow-up
Differences in change over time between conditions on the Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being 14-item Purpose in Life Scale
Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being 14-item Purpose in Life Scale is a self-report measure. Total scores range from 14-84, with higher scores indicative of greater purpose in life.
Time frame: baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month post-intervention follow-up
Differences in change over time between conditions on the Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being 14-item Personal Growth Scale
Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being 14-item Personal Growth Scale is a self-report measure. Total scores range from 14-84, with higher scores indicative of greater personal growth.
Time frame: baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month post-intervention follow-up
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