Effects of rational emotive psychotherapy consort on business education students' perception about image of technical vocational education and training in South-East Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: We determined the effects of rational-emotive psychotherapy on the perception of Business Education Students about TVET Image. Negative perception about TVET by youths, parents and the society has made TVET programs unattractive, uninteresting, less productive and by extension created an unhealthy organizational climate. Improving participants' perception will assist them to mitigate the effect of irrational beliefs, emotional distress, strengthening their psychosocial wellbeing and occupational health. METHOD: This study adopted a pre-test-post-test control group design. Data were collected from 568 participants comprising 104, 137, and 333 from nine federal, state and private owned universities in South-East Nigeria. RESULTS: The result showed that rational-emotive psychotherapy significantly improved the emotional distress, perceptions of TVET image and positively addressed the organizational climate among participants in the intervention group compared to the participants in the waitlist group. The result also revealed that occupational risk management practices of the participants in the intervention group improved significantly more than those in the waitlist group. From the result, we conclude that TVET institutions can apply the REBT model as an intervention program for improving the perceptions of stakeholders about TVET image in order to increase students' interest, boost their self-confidence, self-esteem, and zeal for TVET practices. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the REBT-oriented therapy helped to improve the emotional distress, irrational beliefs, and poor perception of the Business Education students who perceived TVET programs as an inferior and low-esteemed profession.

Intervention for stress management among skilled construction workers.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have demonstrated the need for a stress management intervention among construction workers. Construction workers, despite their degree of stress, are expected to contribute to the accomplishment of projects on construction sites. This study aimed to ascertain the effect of a group rational emotive behavior therapy (group REBT) on stress management among a select sample of skilled construction workers in construction industry in Nigeria. METHODS: With a randomized controlled trial design, 160 skilled construction workers completed the study and responded to the perceived stress scale-14 and work-related irrational beliefs questionnaire. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 80) or the control group (n = 80). The main method of data analysis used in the study was repeated measures within-between subjects analysis of variance statistic. RESULTS: Results show that group REBT significantly improved stress and work-related irrational beliefs scores of the skilled construction workers after they were exposed to the intervention and compared with their colleagues in the control group. The significant reduction in stress and work-related irrational beliefs scores of the treatment group were also sustained at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Group REBT was significant in reducing stress and work-related irrational beliefs among the skilled construction workers.

Using rational-emotive language education to improve communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Studies show the need for improved communication and social skills of adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of using rational-emotive language education (RELE) to pursue this need for adolescents in Nigeria. METHODS: The design of the study was a group randomized trial, with pretest, post-test, and follow-up. Sixty-eight adolescents with ASDs participated in the study. Autism Communication and Social Skills Scale for Adolescent (ACSSSA) was used for data collection. The method of data analysis in the study was repeated measures ANOVA procedure, with Partial eta squared ((Equation is included in full-text article.)), adjusted R, mean, standard deviation, and upper/lower limit. RESULTS: The RELE program significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs exposed to the treatment intervention when compared with waitlist control group. CONCLUSION: Exposure to RELE significantly improved communication and social skills of adolescents with ASDs in this study. Therefore, we recommend that language educators, speech pathologists, language therapists, special educators and counsellors, and other professionals involved in the treatment and caring for ASDs patients be trained on the application of the RELE technique so as to enable them to employ the program in their professional practices.

Effect of Rational Emotive Health Therapy on Alcohol Use Among Community-dwelling, HIV-positive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and who also experience alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms have worse clinical outcomes when compared with those who do not have AUD symptoms. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of rational emotive health therapy (REHT) on AUD among community-dwelling, HIV-positive patients in the Southeastern region of Nigeria. METHODS: The research design included a pretest/post-test control group with a total of 124 community-dwelling, HIV-positive patients with AUD symptoms participating in the study. The measures employed for data collection included Alcohol-related Irrational Beliefs Scale (AIBS) and Alcohol Use Disorder Scale (AUDS). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The result obtained at the initial assessment indicated that AUD was severe. Furthermore, REHT intervention led to a significant reduction in AUD symptoms, as shown by a reduction in AUDS and AIBS scores with time in the treatment group compared to those in the waitlist control group after the intervention. Also, the effect of REHT was positively maintained in the treatment group participants at follow-up assessment. CONCLUSION: The presence of HIV symptoms alone does not cause HIV-positive patients to be dependent on alcohol; rather, irrational beliefs about the infection may contribute to unhealthy feelings and abuse of alcohol. Rational emotive health therapy is an effective approach that can be employed by therapists and health counselors in helping HIV-positive patients to think rationally about themselves and work to be able to overcome HIV-related, as well as alcohol-related, irrational beliefs.

Positive visual reframing: A randomised controlled trial using drawn visual imagery to defuse the intensity of negative experiences and regulate emotions in healthy adults / Reformulación Visual Positiva: Un ensayo controlado aleatorizado utilizando imágenes visuales para disminuir la intensidad de experiencias negativas y regular emociones en adultos sanos

This research explores the outcome of positive visual reframing (PVR), a single session intervention where drawn images of negative experiences and open memories were redrawn and visually reframed to form new positive narratives. The study hypothesised that PVR would lead to improvements to positive and negative affect, self-efficacy and the perceived intensity and perceived resolution of a selected negative experience. Healthy adults (n = 62) were randomly assigned to the PVR or control condition. For the experimental group, statistical significance was identified for positive affect and the perceived intensity and resolution of the negative experience immediately following the PVR activity. Self-efficacy was marginally significant. The findings highlight the potential of positive visual reframing to enhance emotional regulation when negative emotions are triggered. At two weeks' post-intervention, improvements were identified in both conditions. This suggests that over time, the visual and sensory exposure created by drawing a negative memory may also lead to positive gains. The study emphasises the potential of PVR to regulate emotions and defuse the intensity of negative or open memories by visually transforming a moment of peak perceptual intensity. Future studies exploring the effectiveness of positive visual reframing to shift negative emotions in clinical and non-clinical populations are recommended

Se exploran los resultados de la reformulación visual positiva (RVP), una intervención en la que imágenes de memorias abiertas y experiencias negativas son reformuladas visualmente para formar nuevas narrativas positivas. El estudio plantea la hipótesis de que la RVP conduciría a mejoras en el afecto positivo y negativo, autoeficacia e intensidad y resolución percibidas de experiencias negativas. 62 adultos sanos fueron aleatorizados a condiciones de RVP o control. Se hallaron mejoras para el grupo experimental en niveles de afecto positivo, así como intensidad percibida y resolución de la experiencia negativa inmediatamente después de completar la actividad de RVP. Estos hallazgos ponen de relieve el potencial de la RVP para mejorar la regulación emocional cuando se activan emociones negativas. A las dos semanas se identificaron mejoras en ambas condiciones. Esto sugiere que, con el tiempo, la exposición viso-sensorial creada al extraer un recuerdo negativo también puede conducir a mejoría. El estudio hace hincapié en el potencial de la RVP para regular emociones y difuminar la intensidad de un recuerdo abierto mediante la transformación visual de un momento de máxima intensidad perceptual. Se recomiendan estudios que exploren la efectividad de la RVP para cambiar percepciones negativas en poblaciones clínicas y no clínicas

Análisis cualitativo de temas construidos y emergentes a partir de una experiencia piloto de psicoterapia centrada en la compasión (PCC) en pacientes con cáncer avanzado / Qualitative analysis of constructed and emerging themes from a pilot experience of Compassion Centered Psychotherapy (PCC) in patients with advanced cancer

Introducción: Desde el Instituto Catalán de Oncología de Duran i Reinals, se desarrolla un modelo de «Psicoterapia grupal Centrada en la Compasión» (PCC), enfocada a pacientes con cáncer en fase avanzada. El modelo trabaja constructos terapéuticos como «compasión» o«autocompasión», junto a la atención consciente (mindfulness) para mejorar el bienestar emocional y ayudar al crecimiento personal y espiritual de estos pacientes. Objetivo: El presente estudio piloto tiene como objetivo evaluar la adecuación del nuevo modelo de PCC propuesto. Concretamente evalúa la adecuación de los constructos trabajados por la terapia, la existencia de nuevos temas relevantes para el paciente no contemplados en el modelo, y la consistencia global del modelo a nivel de estructura, tareas y contenido. Método: La metodología fue cualitativa, se grabó y transcribió un ciclo de 8 sesiones de PCC y se hizo un análisis temático del contenido de las sesiones. El análisis fue realizado por dos evaluadores de forma independiente. La muestra final estuvo formada por 9 pacientes. Resultado: Los resultados obtenidos indican que hay una buena adecuación de los constructos trabajados en la terapia y del modelo en general. Sin embargo, será necesario incluir el tema de las «relaciones interpersonales», tema muy relevante para el paciente no contemplado en el modelo. Además, se obtuvo información sobre principales preocupaciones de los pacientes, dificultades a la hora de realizar algunas tareas propuestas y un feedback positivo de la propia psicoterapia y de su participación. Conclusiones: Este estudio piloto aporta información relevante que permite ajustar y mejorar la propuesta del modelo de PCC inicial (AU)

Introduction: People from the Catalan Institute of Oncology of Duran i Reinals have developed a model of «Psicoterapia grupal Centrada en la Compasión» (PCC), focused on patients with advanced cancer develops. The model works therapeutic constructs as «compassion» or «self-compassion» with mindfulness to improve emotional distress and help to the personal and spiritual growth of these patients. Objective: This pilot study aims to assess the adequacy of the new model proposed of PCC. Specifically evaluates the adequacy of the constructs therapy worked and the existence of new issues relevant to the patient not included in the model, and the overall consistency of the model for the structure, tasks and content. Method: The methodology was qualitative, one cycle of 8 sessions of PCC was recorded and transcribed, and was made a thematic analysis of the content of the sessions. The analysis was performed by two reviewers independently. The final sample consisted of 9 patients. Result: The results indicate that in general there is a good adequacy of the constructs worked in therapy and the model. However, it will be necessary to include the issue of «interpersonal relationships», very important for the patient and not included in the model. In addition, information of the main concerns of patients, difficulty performing some tasks proposed and positive feedback of psychotherapy and its participation, were obtained. Conclusions: This pilot study provides relevant information to adjust and improve the initial proposed model of PCC (AU)

Unpacking insanity defence standards: an experimental study of rationality and control tests in criminal law / Descifrar los criterios de defensa de la vesania: estudio experimental de las pruebas de racionalidad y control en derecho penal

The present study investigated the impact of different legal standards on mock juror decisions concerning whether a defendant was guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity. Undergraduate students (N=477) read a simulated case summary involving a murder case and were asked to make an insanity determination. The cases differed in terms of the condition of the defendant (rationality deficit or control deficit) and the legal standard given to the jurors to make the determination (Model Penal Code, McNaughten or McNaughten plus a separate control determination). The effects of these variables on the insanity determination were investigated. Jurors also completed questionnaires measuring individualism and hierarchy attitudes and perceptions of facts in the case. Results indicate that under current insanity standards jurors do not distinguish between defendants with rationality deficits and defendants with control deficits regardless of whether the legal standard requires them to do so. Even defendants who lacked control were found guilty at equal rates under a legal standard excusing rationality deficits only and a legal standard excluding control and rationality deficits. This was improved by adding a control test as a partial defence, to be determined after a rationality determination. Implications for the insanity defence in the Criminal Justice System are discussed (AU)

Este estudio ha investigado la repercusión de los diversos cánones legales en las decisiones simuladas acerca de si un acusado es culpable o no por motivos de vesania. Una muestra de 477 estudiantes universitarios leyeron el resumen de caso relativo a un asesinato, pidiéndoseles luego que determinasen si había enajenación mental. Los casos diferían en cuanto a la condición del acusado (déficit de racionalidad o de control) y el criterio legal proporcionado a los jurados para que tomaran la determinación (Código penal modelo, McNaughten o McNaughten mas una determinación sobre el control). Se investigó el efecto de estas variables en la determinación de vesania. Los jurados rellenaron también cuestionarios que medían actitudes de individualismo y jerarquía y la percepción de los hechos del caso. Los resultados indican que con los criterios de demencia actuales los jurados no distinguen entre acusados con déficit de racionalidad y aquellos con déficit de control, aunque los criterios legales se lo exijan. Incluso los acusados que carecían de control fueron hallados culpables en la misma proporción con un criterio legal que disculpaba el déficit de racionalidad y con otro que excluía los déficit de control y racionalidad. Consiguió mejorarse añadiendo una prueba de control como defensa parcial a determinar tras la decisión sobre la racionalidad. Se comentan las implicaciones para la defensa de la enajenación mental en el sistema de justicia penal (AU)

Psicoterapia relacional del Trastorno Límite de Personalidad - Parte II / Relational psychotherapy of borderline personality disorder, II

El presente artículo constituye la segunda parte de dos artículos dedicados a la psicoterapia relacional del trastorno límite de personalidad. En el artículo se describen los métodos relacionales de tratamiento y las distintas dimensiones en la relación terapéutica que ayudan a reintegrar los aspectos escindidos o disociados de la personalidad, entre ellas la implicación del terapeuta, la sintonía con el paciente, la indagación multidimensional de la experiencia de éste, el abordaje relacional de la transferencia y la contratransferencia. El objetivo del tratamiento es reparar los aspectos deficitarios del self, mejorar la contención de los afectos, estabilizar las relaciones afectivas y reducir la impulsividad mediante la resolución del sistema relacional escindido del paciente (AU)

The current article is the second part of two devoted to relational psychotherapy in borderline personality disorders. The relational methods of treatment are described and also different dimensions of therapeutic relationship that help to reintegrate split or dissociated fragments of personality, among others therapist involvement, attunement to the patient, multidimensional inquiry and a relational approach to transferential and counter transferential reactions. The goal or treatment is to repair deficits of self experience, to improve emotional regulation, to establish affective relationships and to reduce impulsiveness by means of integration of the split relational system of the patient (AU)

Thwarting the Diseased Will: Ulysses Contracts, the Self and Addiction.

Ulysses contracts are a particular type of advance directive that has been advocated for use in mental health settings and addictions treatment. Taking their name from the legend of Ulysses, such contracts are distinctive insofar as they are designed to thwart certain anticipated future wishes rather than realize them. In this paper, I consider what Ulysses contracts reveal about contemporary conceptions of addiction and the self. Drawing on discussions of Ulysses contracts in the psychiatric and addictions literature, as well as historical and contemporary examples of such, I show that Ulysses contracts are premised on a split between the present 'rational' self and the future 'irrational' self, thereby reproducing a very particular notion of addiction--one that serves to naturalize certain ways of thinking about freedom, choice, coercion, and the self.

[Clinical justification of medico-psychological care to the victims of technogenic accidents and catastrophes with prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms of non-psychotic register].

In the article the clinical justification of medico-psychological care to the victims of technogenic accidents and catastrophes with prevalence of anxious and depressive symptoms of non-psychotic register is described. The necessity of differentiated approach is analyzed in accomplishing of psychotherapy of this contingent of patients taking into account the high level of anxiety, emotional stress, decreased mood, low levels of the quality of life in the remote period of strong stressful factor's action.

"It's like you're actually playing as yourself": Development and preliminary evaluation of 'Green Acres High', a serious game-based primary intervention to combat adolescent dating violence

Este artículo presenta una revisión del desarrollo de "Green Acres High" [la colina de los verdes acres], una intervención primaria de verdad utilizando un juego con la finalidad de despertar la conciencia adolescente acerca de la violencia en las relaciones sentimentales y cambiar sus actitudes, así como un análisis de la descripción de los adolescentes de su experiencia con el juego. Se utilizó el análisis temático para analizar las transcripciones del grupo de discusión. La temática desarrollada, Evaluación del juego, fue organizada mediante dos temas, La evaluación positiva: fundamentos pedagógicos y La evaluación negativa: limitaciones y frustraciones de la funcionalidad. Representaban el hecho de que en general la experiencia de aprendizaje fue positiva en cuanto a los principios pedagógicos y el contenido que podían incorporarse en este juego digital pero necesitaron abordarse los aspectos técnicos del juego, dada su posible influencia en la experiencia de aprendizaje de los adolescentes. Se vio que la utilización de un juego serio era un modo válido y con sentido para que los adolescentes aprendan acerca de la violencia en las relaciones sentimentales y que se trata de una alternativa viable o un complemento a los métodos de entrenamiento tradicionales

This paper provides an overview of the development of 'Green Acres High', a serious game-based primary intervention to raise awareness of and change attitudes towards dating violence in adolescents, and an analysis of how adolescents described their experience of playing this game. Transcripts from focus group data were analysed using thematic analysis. The global theme that was developed, Assessment of the game, was represented by two organising themes, Positive assessment: Pedagogical Underpinnings and Negative Assessment: Functionality Limitations and Frustrations. These represented the fact that overall the learning experience was positive based on the pedagogical principles and content that could be embedded in this digital game but that technical issues with the game needed to be addressed as these could impinge on the learning experience of the adolescents. It was seen that using a serious game was a valid and meaningful way for adolescents to learn about dating violence and that this is a viable alternative or adjunct to traditional teaching methods

Programa emocional para presos por violencia de género (PREMOVIGE): Efectividad en variables cognitivas y conductuales / Emotional program for inmates imprisoned for gender violence (PREMOVIGE): Effectiveness in cognitive and behavioral variables

El principal objetivo del presente trabajo es comprobar si el Programa Emocional para Presos por Violencia de Género (Rodríguez-Espartal, 2012) resulta más eficaz que el tratamiento cognitivo-conductual o la ausencia de tratamiento en hombres presos por violencia contra las mujeres. Participaron 36 presos por delitos de violencia de género que cumplen condena en la Prisión Provincial Jaén II, distribuidos en tres grupos en función del tratamiento: cognitivo-conductual (n = 11), emocional (n = 13) y control (n = 12). La eficacia del tratamiento se midió por los resultados en una serie de variables cognitivo conductuales: pensamientos distorsionados sobre la mujer y sobre el uso de la violencia, expectativas de cambio, agresividad, ira, impulsividad y etapas de cambio. Los resultados muestran un mayor descenso de los pensamientos distorsionados sobre la mujer y sobre el uso de la violencia y unas mayores expectativas de cambio en aquellos hombres que han recibido el tratamiento emocional. Respecto al resto de variables, no se ha producido ningún cambio en los hombres que han recibido tratamiento, pero sí un aumento de resultados negativos en el grupo control. Los resultados subrayan la necesidad de realizar programas de intervención con maltratadores, así como de seleccionar el tratamiento más adecuado a las características de estos hombres (AU)

The main objective of this research was to analyze whether the Program for Prisoners for Emotional Domestic Violence (Rodríguez-Espartal, 2012) is more effective than cognitive-behavioral treatment or no treatment in inmates imprisoned for violence against women. Participants were 36 male imprisoned for crimes related to violence against women in the Provincial Prison of Jaén II, divided into three groups according to treatment: cognitive-behavioral therapy (n = 11), emotional (n = 13), and control (n = 12). The efficacy of treatment was measured by its influence on a series of cognitive behavioral variables: distorted thoughts about women and the use of violence, expectations about change, aggression, anger, impulsivity, and stages of change. There was a greater decrease in distorted thoughts about women and the use of violence and an increase in the expectations about change in inmates who received emotional treatment. No change was found in other variables among inmates receiving treatment but there was an increase in negative results in the control group. Our results highlight the need for batterer intervention programs and to select the treatment that best fits the characteristics of these men (AU)

Eficacia de la terapia cognitivo-conductual para los trastornos mentales / Efficacy of cognitive-behavior therapy for mental disorders

No disponible

Reduction of Self-injury and Improvement of Coping Behavior during Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) of Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder

The development of self-injury and coping was studied during dialectical behavior therapy of patients with a borderline personality disorder. Coping strategies and self-injury behaviors of 19 patients were assessed at pre-treatment, after six months of treatment, and at post-treatment. Apart from correlational analyses, Reliable Changes Indices (RCIs) were used to correct for the effects of chance, measurement error, and practice and to ensure that possible changes can be attributed to the effect of DBT, i.e., that a statistically significant change had occurred in the use of coping strategies and self-injury behaviors during DBT. At baseline, passive coping was used more frequently than active coping and little support was found for a relation between self-injury and coping. After treatment completion, fewer patients resorted to self-injury and passive coping and more active coping was used. Some indication was found for more changes in coping and self-injury in the first half year than in the second half year of treatment. Clinical implications are discussed (AU)

No disponible

A Relational Frame Analysis of Defusion Interactions in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. A Preliminary and Quasi-Experimental Study with At-Risk Adolescents

The present study aims to analyze the interactions involved in some of the Defusion exercises that are typical of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy according to a Relational Frame Theory analysis. Two protocols were compared. Defusion I protocol was built with deictic framing trials while Defusion II protocol added hierarchical framing plus the function of regulating one’s own behavior. Fifteen adolescents (12-15 years old) with high scores in the impulsivity or in the emotional subscales of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) volunteered to participate during the three tutorial classes formally available. In a first session, after responding to questionnaires on psychological inflexibility (AFQ-S) and on problematic behaviors, the three classes followed a values- oriented session. Two weeks later, 9 Low-risk participants (with less than 6 problematic behaviors) received either the Defusion I (n= 4) or the Defusion II (n= 5) protocols. Six High-risk participants (more than 6 problematic behaviors) received the Defusion II protocol. The comparison of both protocols with Low-risk participants showed that only Defusion II produced relevant changes that were improved at the 4-month follow-up. High-risk participants only received the Defusion II protocol and the results obtained replicated, in part, the effect obtained with Low-risk participants. the limitations of this preliminary study are indicated and further studies are emphasized (AU)

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las interacciones en algunos de los ejer- cicios de defusion típicos de la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso de acuerdo a un análisis basado en la Teoría de los Marcos Relacionales. Se compararon dos protocolos. El protocolo Defusion I se construyó sobre la base de ensayos de enmarcación deíctica mientras que el protocolo Defusion II añadió enmarcación jerárquica más la función de regulación del propio comportamiento. Participaron quince adolescentes (12-15 años), procedentes de tres clases de tutoría, con puntuaciones altas en la escala de impulsividad o en el índice de síntomas emocionales del Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). En la primera sesión, los participantes respondieron cuestionarios de inflexibi- lidad psicológica (AFQ-S) y conductas problemáticas, bien impulsivas o emocionales, y recibieron una sesión orientada a valores. Dos semanas más tarde, 9 participantes en Bajo riesgo (con menos de 6 conductas problemáticas) recibieron bien el protocolo de Defusion I (n= 4) o el Defusion II (n= 5). Seis participantes de Alto riesgo (más de 6 conductas problemáticas) recibieron el protocolo Defusion II. La comparación de ambos protocolos con participantes de bajo riesgo mostró que sólo Defusion II produjo cambios relevantes que fueron incrementados en el seguimiento a los 4 meses. Los participantes de alto riesgo sólo recibieron el protocolo Defusion II y se replicó parcialmente su efecto. Se indican las limitaciones de este estudio preliminar y se enfatiza la necesidad de estudios adicionales (AU)

An open trial of a comprehensive anger treatment program on an outpatient sample.

BACKGROUND: This pilot study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral treatment for anger. METHOD: Twelve (5 men and 7 women) outpatient adults completed 2-hour group sessions for 16 sessions. Participants were diagnosed with 29 Axis I and 34 Axis II disorders with high rates of comorbidity. Empirically supported techniques of skills training, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation were utilized. In this protocol, cognitive restructuring emphasized the use of the ABC model to understand anger episodes and the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) techniques of disputing irrational beliefs and rehearsing rational coping statements, but additional cognitive techniques were used, e.g. self-instructional training (SIT). Skills training included problem-solving and assertiveness. Relaxation training was paced respiration. Motivational interviewing, imaginal exposure with coping, and relapse prevention were also included. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found from pre- to post-treatment on the following measures: the Trait Anger Scale of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-II; and Anger Disorder Scale total scores; idiosyncratic anger measurements of situational intensity and symptom severity; and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. CONCLUSIONS: In order to extend the significant research findings of this pilot study, future investigations should involve larger sample sizes, populations drawn from various settings, and contact control groups.

A Review of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Empirical Evidence: Correlational, Experimental Psychopathology, Component and Outcome Studies

This article analyzes the general empirical evidence concerning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In the first place, a brief description of the ACT philosophical and theoretical roots is presented. Subsequently, the most fundamental characteristics of the ACT model for psychological intervention are described. Then, a review of the correlational, experimental psychopathology and component, and outcome studies that are relevant for the ACT model empirical status is exposed. In general, the evidence regarding all these types of studies is very coherent and supports the ACT model. Specifically, experiential avoidance is found to be related with a wide range of psychological disorders and mediates the relation between different type of symptoms and psychological constructs; component studies are showing that acceptance-based protocols are usually more efficacious than other control-based protocols; outcome studies show the efficacy of ACT in a wide range of psychological problems and suggest that it is working through its hypothesized processes of change. However, the limitations of the actual empirical status of ACT are recognized and further research is emphasized (AU)

El presente artículo analiza la evidencia empírica general concerniente a la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT). En primer lugar, se realiza una breve descripción de las raíces filosóficas y teóricas de ACT. Posteriormente, se presentan las características fundamentales del modelo propuesto por ACT para la intervención psicológica. Se revisan los estudios correlacionales, de psicopatología experimental y de componentes, y los estudios de eficacia que son relevantes para este modelo. En general, la evidencia de estos tipos de estudios es coherente y apoya el modelo ACT. Concretamente, se ha encontrado que la evitación experiencial está relacionada con un amplio rango de trastornos psicológicos y que media la relación entre diferentes tipos de síntomas y constructos psicológicos; los estudios de componentes están mostrando que los protocolos basados en estrategias de aceptación son generalmente más eficaces que los protocolos basados en estrategias de control; y, los estudios de eficacia muestran que ACT es eficaz en un amplio rango de problemas psicológicos y sugieren que ACT funciona a través de sus procesos de cambio hipotetizados. Sin embargo, se reconocen las limitación de la literatura actual sobre ACT y se enfatiza la importancia de investigaciones futuras (AU)