Use of ACT with people who have TBI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
This piece of research will comprise of two pilot studies entitled: REACT – Recovery Enhancement from TBI using ACT; A Pilot Study.
IRAS ID
154505
Contact name
Hamish J McLeod
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 24 days
Research summary
Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) feasible and acceptable for adults with severe Traumatic Brain Injury (sTBI) in inpatient services?
STBI is associated with depression, anxiety and low self-awareness. A key factor in recovery is adjustment to the effects of injury. Psychological intervention may facilitate this change; however what works is unclear. ACT seeks to improve psychological flexibility; the ability to be present with difficult thoughts and emotions, rather than fighting them, and to accept ourselves as we are, not what we believe we should be. Current research is limited, but what is published suggests it may be useful for this group.
Due to the limited research this pilot study aims to conduct preliminary analysis on the acceptability and feasibility of ACT for people with sTBI whilst also examining the suitability of the study protocol in order to make recommendations for future studies. Clients and staff from three Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trusts will be recruited, one of which will serve as the intervention centre.
For clients in the intervention group they will be asked to complete questionnaires a week before and after participation in the 6 week ACT programme. For client in the comparison group they will be asked to complete questionnaires a week before and after receiving 6 weeks of treatment as usual (TAU). The treatment group will also receive TAU. All participants will be invited to participate in a focus group at the end of this 8 week period to discuss their involvement in the study.
Staff will be asked to complete a parallel version of one of the client questionnaires within a similar timeframe. In addition staff at the intervention centre will be invited to attend a focus group and complete an additional questionnaire after the eight week period.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
14/WS/1152
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jan 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion