ACT does not attempt to modify cognitions directly, but rather seeks to foster a mindful acceptance of whatever thoughts or feelings arise, while still pursuing specific behavioral goals. For example, the individual would be taught simply to notice the thoughts as if from a distance without attempting to modify them, and initiate a conversation. Like other newer mindfulness and acceptance-based models of CBT, ACT also expands the traditional focus on symptom reduction to include an emphasis on broader life goals. The scientific literature on ACT has expanded rapidly over the past ten years. Recent reviews conclude that it appears to be at least as effective as CT, and may work at least in part via distinct treatment mechanisms (Powers, Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, & Emmelkamp, 2009).

The assessment consists of two role-played interpersonal interactions and an impromptu speech. The role-plays were video recorded for subsequent rating by two independent assessors. Using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = poor and 5 = excellent), assessors rated global social skills, which were comprised of assessments of verbal content (e.g., amount of speech during task and degree to which speech was relevant and appropriate), nonverbal skills (e.g., degree of fidgeting and eye contact; appropriateness of gestures and posture), and paralinguistic skills (e.g., appropriateness of tone, enunciation, inflection, and rate). Prior research has employed this behavioral assessment protocol (Glassman et al., 2016; Herbert et al., 2005). These results reflect global social skills, which reflect the sum of ratings of verbal, nonverbal, and paralinguistic skills. Scores range from 3 to 15 with higher scores reflecting better social skills.

acceptance and commitment therapy and exposure

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT does not attempt to modify cognitions directly, but rather seeks to foster a mindful acceptance of whatever thoughts or feelings arise, while still pursuing specific behavioral goals. For example, the individual would be taught simply to notice the thoughts as if from a distance without attempting to modify them, and initiate a conversation. Like other newer mindfulness and acceptance-based models of CBT, ACT also expands the traditional focus on symptom reduction to include an emphasis on broader life goals. The scientific literature on ACT has expanded rapidly over the past ten years. Recent reviews conclude that it appears to be at least as effective as CT, and may work at least in part via distinct treatment mechanisms (Powers, Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, & Emmelkamp, 2009).

Total of all reporting groups

acceptance and commitment therapy and exposure

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT does not attempt to modify cognitions directly, but rather seeks to foster a mindful acceptance of whatever thoughts or feelings arise, while still pursuing specific behavioral goals. For example, the individual would be taught simply to notice the thoughts as if from a distance without attempting to modify them, and initiate a conversation. Like other newer mindfulness and acceptance-based models of CBT, ACT also expands the traditional focus on symptom reduction to include an emphasis on broader life goals. The scientific literature on ACT has expanded rapidly over the past ten years. Recent reviews conclude that it appears to be at least as effective as CT, and may work at least in part via distinct treatment mechanisms (Powers, Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, & Emmelkamp, 2009).

The Outcomes Questionnaire is a 45-item measure that assesses functioning and is comprised of three subscales: symptom distress, interpersonal relationships, and social role performance, that are combined to create a total score. Scores range from 45 to 180, where higher scores reflect greater levels of dysfunction.

The assessment consists of two role-played interpersonal interactions and an impromptu speech. The role-plays were video recorded for subsequent rating by two independent assessors. Using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = poor and 5 = excellent), assessors rated global social skills, which were comprised of assessments of verbal content (e.g., amount of speech during task and degree to which speech was relevant and appropriate), nonverbal skills (e.g., degree of fidgeting and eye contact; appropriateness of gestures and posture), and paralinguistic skills (e.g., appropriateness of tone, enunciation, inflection, and rate). Prior research has employed this behavioral assessment protocol (Glassman et al., 2016; Herbert et al., 2005). These results reflect global social skills, which reflect the sum of ratings of verbal, nonverbal, and paralinguistic skills. Scores range from 3 to 15 with higher scores reflecting better social skills.

A subset of randomized participants (n = 12 for ACT and n = 11 for tCBT) completed this behavioral assessment task.

acceptance and commitment therapy and exposure

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT does not attempt to modify cognitions directly, but rather seeks to foster a mindful acceptance of whatever thoughts or feelings arise, while still pursuing specific behavioral goals. For example, the individual would be taught simply to notice the thoughts as if from a distance without attempting to modify them, and initiate a conversation. Like other newer mindfulness and acceptance-based models of CBT, ACT also expands the traditional focus on symptom reduction to include an emphasis on broader life goals. The scientific literature on ACT has expanded rapidly over the past ten years. Recent reviews conclude that it appears to be at least as effective as CT, and may work at least in part via distinct treatment mechanisms (Powers, Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, & Emmelkamp, 2009).