Moving Towards Acceptance and Values: A Qualitative Study of ACTforIBD Compared to IBD Psychoeducation

AbstractThe current study explored perspectives of those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and comorbid anxiety and/or depression on a hybrid acceptance and  committment therapy (ACT) intervention, compared to an active control. This qualitative study was nested within a randomized controlled trial (RCT) where an experimental group received an 8-week blended delivery ACTforIBD intervention (four sessions telehealth, four sessions pre-recorded self-dire cted), while an active control group received a psychoeducation program of similar intensity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-intervention and at a 3-month follow-up. Themes were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Twenty individuals participated; ten in each condition. Sev en themes were constructed, including three shared themes between groups:I Am Worth Advocating For, Present Moment Is My Biggest Ally, andAmbivalence About Self-Directed Modules. Two themes were identified for the ACTforIBD group:Symptoms Are Going to Happen andMoving Toward Values while two themes identified from the ActiveControl group were:Reset and Refresh andIt ’s Ok to Say No. Acceptance and values modules from ACTforIBD were perceived as useful in reducing psychological distress for those with IBD, while the ActiveControl group felt their program affirmed existing effective coping strategies. Access to external resources for self-directed modules and networking may increase engagement with content long term.
Source: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research