Evaluating a group for adjustment in Neurological conditions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
“Time to ACT”: Multi-site evaluation of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group intervention for adjustment difficulties in neurological conditions
IRAS ID
179048
Contact name
Saskia Keville
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hertfordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
With an increase of over 38% in neurological related hospital admissions between 2008-13, there are now over 12.5 million cases of individuals with neurological conditions in the UK (Neurological Alliance, 2014). Following diagnosis of a neurological condition, there is often a period of adjustment to new life circumstances, with changes to relationships, ability to work and leisure activities (Anson and Ponsford, 2006). With a future often fraught with uncertainty, psychological difficulties such as Anxiety and Depression are common (Lezak et al, 2012). It is estimated that following diagnosis of a neurological condition, up to 60% of individual’s will experience mental health difficulties (Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service, 2012).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been gaining popularity in supporting those with neurological conditions (Gillanders and Gillanders, 2014). ACT is based on emotional acceptance and supporting individuals to live a valued life, despite ongoing symptoms (Hayes, 2004). Research into the use of ACT with this population has found it to be effective in reducing levels of psychological distress and increasing psychological flexibility (Kangas and McDonald, 2011; Whiting et al, 2012).
With limited resources and an ever increasing desire to improve interventions offered to patients, services are now looking at new and innovative ways of offering increasingly effective and satisfactory treatments. Therefore, in early 2014, Ilan Ben-Zion devised a six week ACT group intervention for adjustment following diagnosis of a neurological condition. The intervention provides a combination of ACT techniques, in addition to a space for group members to build relationships and share their difficulties, to help individuals increase acceptance of their difficulties and reduce psychological distress.
Following an initial pilot, findings illustrated that participants’ psychological distress reduced and psychological flexibility increased. Therefore, this research project aims to further evaluate the intervention under controlled conditions.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/1054
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion