- Title
- Engagement in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) treatment for psychosis
- Creator
- Wright, Marli A.
- Relation
- University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis
- Resource Type
- thesis
- Date
- 2024
- Description
- Masters Coursework - Master of Clinical Psychology (MClinPsych)
- Description
- Background: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for individuals with psychosis. The efficacy of ACT within acute care settings has been demonstrated with reductions in the believability of adverse thoughts or the resistance to unpleasant emotions, improvements in coping with auditory hallucinations and enhancements in the help-seeking domain of service engagement (Bach et al., 2006; Spidel et al., 2018). However, little is known about the factors that may influence the likelihood of engaging in ACT for psychosis treatment. Aims: This study aims to identify key factors influencing engagement in ACT group programs for psychosis within the Greater Newcastle Mental Health Service. It explores the role of logistical barriers, group dynamics, and individual preferences in determining treatment participation. Method: A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative data was collected via participant surveys (N = 21), and a stepwise logistic regression was used to analyse the impact of such factors. Thematic analysis was conducted on qualitative responses to provide further context on engagement. Results: Contrary to expectations, logistical barriers like transport and parking were not statistically significant predictors of engagement. However, the group setting emerged as a potentially influential factor. Additionally, themes such as ‘mental health, wellbeing and quality of life’, and the therapeutic alliance with clinicians were prominent motivators for engagement. Discussion: Group setting dynamics potentially play a key role in ACT program engagement, with participants also motivated by improved mental health and quality of life. These findings highlight the need for flexible, person-centred approaches that prioritise group cohesion and address practical barriers.
- Subject
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); psychosis; public mental health; engagement; group dynamics
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1514933
- Identifier
- uon:56869
- Rights
- Copyright 2024 Marli A. Wright
- Language
- eng
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