Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for children and young people: A systematic review and a mixed methods implementation study of ACT delivered live-online by a third sector organisation

Thynne, Imogen 2024. Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for children and young people: A systematic review and a mixed methods implementation study of ACT delivered live-online by a third sector organisation. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

	PDF - Accepted Post-Print Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 20 August 2025 due to copyright restrictions. Download (3MB) | Request a copy
	PDF (Cardiff University Electronic Publication Form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (306kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Brief Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an emerging approach in the literature, increasingly used with children and young people (CYP). Brief intervention protocols have an opportunity to provide pragmatic support, at a time when demand is high and resources are limited. However, a systematic review of the evidence is needed to understand the impact of brief ACT for CYP. The aim of this review was to evaluate the impact of brief ACT for CYP on mental and physical health outcomes, wellbeing, quality of life (QoL) and psychological flexibility. Measurement of an ACT process measure was required for study inclusion. Systematic searches of electronic databases including, PsycINFO; Scopus; Web of Science; CINAHL; and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global were conducted in March, 2023. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Psychotherapy Outcome Study Methodology Rating Form (POMRF) and relevant findings were summarised using a narrative synthesis. Eighteen studies met eligibility criteria, including a total of 2146 participants (mean age range 12.5 - 21.4 years). Within the included studies there was large heterogeneity regarding the study design and outcomes measured, none of the included studies measured physical health or wellbeing outcomes. Methodological quality was generally low, with only three studies rated as above average relative to other studies included in the review. Brief ACT significantly improved overall emotional distress across all three of the studies that measured this outcome, representing the most robust finding. Positive effects of brief ACT were also found across other outcomes including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, stress, psychological inflexibility and mindfulness. However, these results are limited by low methodological quality and the absence of consistency amongst studies measuring similar outcomes. Findings suggest that brief ACT is an emerging approach for CYP that may be helpful to support emotional difficulties, and improve QoL and psychological flexibility. However, before more concrete conclusions can be drawn further research is required that utilises more rigorous and homogenous study designs, where there is consistency in the measures used to increase the possibility of a meta-analysis and consolidate findings

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	20 August 2024
Last Modified:	20 Aug 2024 13:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/171496

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item