Abstracts Category : Other

Exploring the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) within a clinical eating disorder group program for adults

by Amanda Jane Jefferys

Professional Doctorate - Doctor of Clinical and Health Psychology (DClinHlthPsyc) Structured Abstract Scope: Traditionally, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been considered the most effective treatment for Bulimia nervosa (BN). Anorexia nervosa (AN) however has had a variety of treatment modalities applied, including CBT, with more variable and sometimes poor results. Further, patients are often known to shift from one such sub-type of Eating Disorder (ED) to another. Resultant ambiguity in best practice treatment recommendations for the varying ED conditions make it difficult for clinicians to work confidently with adult patients with EDs. Recent evidence suggests emotional avoidance and control strategies are major components in the onset and maintenance of EDs, and that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be a promising treatment modality warranting further research. ACT focuses on reducing emotional avoidance and control strategies through teaching mindful acceptance and fostering committed action in valued areas of life, and has been successfully applied to ED treatment in both individual and group formats. Purpose: The aim of the research reported in this thesis is to explore whether a group-based ACT program for adults with a range of ED conditions has the potential to reduce ED symptoms and behaviours, improve Body Mass Index (BMI) and improve quality of life. ACT FOR AN ADULT CLINICAL EATING DISORDER GROUP 11 Methodology: A pilot day group program involving adults with BN, AN or an Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) is developed. Traditionally, CBT treatment programs have been devised and are specific to a particular sub-type of ED, for example AN, BN, or EDNOS. This research is novel in exploring the potential of group program treatment where all EDs were treated concurrently, within a specific and structured ACT treatment design. The research was conducted in a single group pre/post design and sixteen participants were recruited from a NSW Health Community Health group program. The participants were assessed for physical, psychological and general well-being improvements during pre-admission screening (performed in the two-week period prior to attendance at the group program and again at post discharge (within 1 week) from the group program. Participants were required to attend treatment within the group program for a minimum period of six weeks. Measures included The Eating Disorder Examination (EDE-16.0D), which monitors a range of clinical eating disorder specific symptoms, behaviours and Body Mass Index (BMI). Also the Quality of Life Measure (Q-LES-Q) was used to ascertain improvements in functionality across a broad range of quality of life (QOL) sub-scales. Results: Significant reductions were observed between pre- and post- measures on the following sub-scales of the EDE-16.0D: eating restraint (p= 0.012), eating concern (p=0.004), weight concern (p=0.007), and shape ACT FOR AN ADULT CLINICAL EATING DISORDER GROUP 12 concern (p= 0.002). Improvement was also foundAdvisors/Committee Members: University of Newcastle. Faculty of Science, School of Psychology.