Clients' Experiences of an ACT Group for Anxiety and Depression
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression and Anxiety: Clients’ Experiences in a Group Context
IRAS ID
168780
Contact name
Amy Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London Metropolitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 29 days
Research summary
Evidence is gradually accumulating to support the effectiveness of a range of group psychological therapies. However, many clients receiving talking therapies supported by a strong evidence base either do not respond or continue to experience profound symptoms following treatment. Furthermore, there is little guidance in the literature regarding how to treat clients with comorbidities. This has led to an increased interest in transdiagnostic approaches, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Transdiagnostic approaches focus on using the same treatment principles and applying them to common maintaining processes across mental health difficulties. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of ACT delivered in group contexts for clients experiencing depression and/or anxiety has gradually accumulated. However, qualitative research in this area is severely limited. This study aims to address this gap by investigating clients’ experience of ACT in a group context who present with depression and/or anxiety. The themes that arise from clients’ accounts could highlight to healthcare professionals ways to improve therapy effectiveness, satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. This study will provide individuals with an opportunity to have their voices heard and experiences taken into account.
Clients aged between 18 and 65 years of age who have attended an ACT group for depression and/or anxiety will be recruited. They will be included if they do not experience severe levels of depression and/or anxiety. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted in an NHS setting different from where they attended the ACT group. Questions will be asked around their experience of the ACT group. The interview will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis will be used to analyse the interview transcripts. Following this the thesis for a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology will be written up.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/YH/0247
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion