A feasibility study of ACT with older people in an inpatient setting
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Feasibility Study of the Process of Therapeutic Change Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Older People
IRAS ID
223222
Contact name
Hamish McLeod
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lanarkshire
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
The majority of evidence for psychological interventions for depression, anxiety and psychosis, with older people (OP) has focused on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). However, it has been suggested that due to the chronicity and variety of mental health difficulties within this client group, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be more suitable (Petkus & Wetherell, 2013). This is because ACT helps clients to relate differently to their difficulties and reconnect with values, rather than trying to achieve full symptom elimination (which may be unfeasible). The aim of this study is to explore the acceptability and feasibility of an ACT based group intervention for OP in an inpatient setting; we will focus particularly on determining whether values identification and enactment are an important ingredient in determining participants’ engagement with ACT. This study will take a mixed methods approach within a feasibility design. Participants who are over 65 and current inpatients on a functional inpatient ward will take part in a five-session ACT group and complete pre-, session-by-session, and post-intervention measures. They will also be invited to take part in a qualitative interview following intervention. The results will help inform whether participants find ACT an acceptable intervention, adding to its growing evidence base of ACT and OP. In addition, by measuring values clarity session-by-session the study will generate data that helps explain possible mechanisms of change for this client group.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
17/WS/0191
Date of REC Opinion
22 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion