The purpose of this study was to add to the existing body of research supporting the efficacy of ACT in improving performance and psychological challenges athletes experience. Three collegiate women’s basketball players participated in the current study in a multiple baseline design across participants. Two of the three subjects received the ACT only condition and individualized ACT plus mindfulness (IACT+M) treatment conditions. Subject three entered the IACT+M condition directly following baseline. Free throws, Mikan drill and three-ball dribbling where the three skills being assessed as well as psychological flexibility using two the assessment tools. The results suggest that brief ACT interventions may be useful for improving practice performance for collegiate basketball players. Participant one had an average increase for free throws by M=12.9%, a M=5% increase in the Mikan drill, and M=3.3% increase in the three-ball drill. Participant two had an average increase of M=7.3% for free throws, M=1.8% increase in the Mikan drill and M=0.4% increase in the three-ball drill. Participant three had an average increase of M=13% for free throws, 1.8% increase in the Mikan drill and a M=2% increase in the three-ball drill.

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate whether ACT techniques, such as acceptance activities, has an impact on an individual’s delayed and/or probabilistic discounting behavior measured by discounting tasks and other self-reported measures related to eating behaviors and health. Participants in an intervention and control group completed a monetary food and disease delay discounting survey before and after completing either a brief ACT session or completing a control activity. Thirty-six undergraduates participated in the present study and a pre-, post-control groups design was utilized to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Independent t-tests were conducted, and the results of those analyses showed that ACT was no effective in decreasing discounting on the monetary food, and disease discounting survey pre-test AUC 0.9147 (SD=0.1295) and post-test survey AUC 0.8794 (SD=0.1737). There were no statistically significant changes for the ACT or control group Implications of these findings and future research are discussed. Keywords: ACT, discounting, obesity, students

The science of behavior analysis is most notably recognized for its work with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the development of language in individuals with and without ASD. As an extension of a behavior-analytic approach to language, Relational Frame Theory (RFT) posits that relating between stimuli is foundational for human language and cognition. This modern-day account of human verbal events also includes psychological distress, which is frequently experienced among family members of individuals with ASD. The effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is derived from RFT, have been evaluated with caregivers of individuals with ASD and demonstrated empirical support. Despite all these advancements, researchers have not adequately considered cultural and linguistic factors in the provision of these approaches for diverse populations, such as Hispanics/Latinxs. Moreover, there is a paucity of research using such scientific approaches for caregivers and siblings of individuals with ASD. Considering that Hispanics/Latinxs are a growing population in the United States, behavior-analytic interventions should be culturally adapted. The purpose of this study was to culturally adapt treatments rooted in the science of human behavior specifically for Hispanic/Latinx families that care for a child with ASD. Specifically, sociocultural factors and Hispanic/Latinx cultural values were considered in the development of such interventions to promote the skill set and well-being of the family as a unit. In the first experiment, the evaluation of SPOP in transferring relational frames from Spanish to English in Hispanic/Latinx children with ASD was examined. Here, the language of instruction (i.e., English vs. Spanish) differed for participants, depending on their primary languages. SPOP demonstrated effectiveness for some relations with one participant, however, direct training was employed to teach correct relational responding. In the second experiment, the effects of culturally adapted ACT were evaluated on statements of psychological flexibility and inflexibility, and self-report measures for Spanish-speaking Hispanic/Latinx caregivers of children with ASD. Results demonstrated higher percentages of statements of psychological flexibility across all conditions, and a statistically significant difference in self-reported thought suppression post-treatment. Finally, the third experiment compared the effects of culturally adapted family-based ACT and non-culturally adapted non-family-based ACT on self-monitored committed actions and self-report measures for Hispanic/Latinx siblings of children with ASD. Results indicated statistically significant differences in reported committed actions before and after treatment, with changes in self-report measures post-treatment. Together, these experiments demonstrate the clinical and social significance of taking cultural and linguistic factors of diverse populations into consideration with behavior-analytic services.

PTSD is a mental health condition that affects many people over the course of their life (National Comorbidity Survey, 2005), including veterans (Litz & Schlenger, 2009). However, many do not experience clinical levels of distress and some experience posttraumatic growth (PTG) resulting from such an event (Tedeschi, Park, & Calhoun, 1998). The Psychological Flexibility Model, of which Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 1999) is based, may help explain these phenomena. The purpose of this study was to examine these relationships utilizing a measure simultaneously assessing psychological flexibility and inflexibility. It was hypothesized that psychologically inflexible behaviors would predict PTSD symptom severity, while flexible behaviors would predict PTG. Furthermore, each of psychological inflexibility and flexibility would account for unique variance in PTSD symptom severity and PTG, respectively. Finally, the domains of ACT were examined to assess the strength each component has in the maintenance of these experiences. Results indicated that both psychological inflexibility and flexibility predicted PTSD symptoms and PTG, respectively, and each predicted unique variance in these experiences. Of the individual components, cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, inaction, and lack of contact with the present moment all contributed to PTSD symptom severity, while values clarity, lack of contact with the present moment, and present moment awareness contributed to PTG. These results suggest the psychological flexibility model overall is consistent with the experience of PTSD symptoms and the posttraumatic growth. Though further experimental methods are needed, the application of psychological flexibility through ACT could enhance PTSD treatments.

Trichotillomania is defined as recurrent pulling of one’s hair that results in distress and negative effects on general functioning and quality of life. Estimates of trichotillomania lifetime prevalence generally range from approximately 1% to 3% and it is likely as common as disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and agoraphobia. Yet, quality treatment for trichotillomania is often difficult to find as many mental health professionals are uninformed about the disorder and its treatment. Moreover, mental health services in general are inaccessible to many with estimates suggesting that 96.5 million people do not have access to adequate services. The use of telepsychology has been an effective method for disseminating treatment services for a variety of mental health conditions. However, no research has examined the effectiveness of telepsychology to treat trichotillomania. The current study reports the results of a randomized clinical trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Enhanced Behavior Therapy for the treatment of trichotillomania delivered by way of telepsychology. The study compared an active treatment condition (n = 12) to a waitlist control condition (n = 10). Results showed significant reductions in hair pulling severity from pre- to post-treatment compared to the waitlist condition. Participants in the waitlist condition received the same treatment as participants in the treatment condition following the waitlist period. All participants were then combined to examine overall treatment effects from pre-treatment to a 12-week follow-up. The effect of treatment on hair pulling severity was still significant at follow-up, however the effect was not as strong as at post-treatment. Conversely, the effect on quality of life was maintained and even increased following post-treatment. Additional measures of psychological flexibility, perceived shame, and valued action also saw significant changes from pre-treatment to follow-up. The findings demonstrate that telepsychology is a viable option to disseminate treatment for trichotillomania. Implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.

Korta interventioner kopplade till psykologiska processer har visats kunna öka idrottares prestation under pressade situationer. Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka effekten av en 90 minuter lång ACT-baserad intervention på golfares faktiska och upplevda prestation under en golfsimulatortävling. Interventionen bestod av en workshop med syfte att introducera fenomenet psykologisk flexibilitet. Urvalet inkluderade elever från ett svenskt elitidrottsgymnasium. Med den icke-parametriska motsvarigheten till parat t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, jämfördes data från en tävling innan interventionen med en tävling efter. För att undersöka tillförlitliga individuella skillnader utfördes Reliable change index (RCI). Information som användes i analyserna var deskriptiv information om deltagarna som exempelvis ålder, kön och erfarenhet, deltagarnas prestation samt självskattad data i form av emotioner, psykologisk flexibilitet och stresshantering. Resultaten av Wilcoxon signed-rank test påvisade inga skillnader i prestation eller psykologisk flexibilitet, däremot uppmättes skillnader i ilska och nervositet. Ilskan hos deltagarna ökade och nervositeten minskade. Resultaten av RCI påvisade tillförlitliga individuella förändringar för samtliga utfallsmått förutom förmåga att hantera problematiska situationer under stress (stresshantering 2). Resultatet och möjliga förklaringar diskuteras i relation till tidigare forskning inom ämnet.

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Many individuals who are incarcerated have co-occurring substance use disorders that can lead to continued substance use and criminal activity post-release. The insidious and cyclic nature of substance use disorder limits the ability of these individuals fulfill meaningful life roles and engage in an occupationally rich life upon their return to the community. The current field of research examining effective in-prison treatment for those with substance use disorders highlights the need for evidence-based, occupation-focused treatment programs to address substance use disorder in an incarcerated population. After a review of recent literature, it was found that effective substance use treatment programs in correctional settings are occupation-focused, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed; include multiple treatment modalities and an aftercare component; and facilitate the creation of trust-based relationships. The author considered these essential elements while creating The Power to Choose, a 16-session manualized group treatment protocol that is occupation-focused and recovery-oriented. The protocol was reviewed by field experts to determine social validity. Recommendations from experts were implemented into the final version of the group treatment protocol and submitted to the correctional facility for program implementation and evaluation.

Thesis advisor: David L. Blustein / This study aimed to illuminate a piece of complexity behind vocational identity development in emerging adulthood. While identity development involves changes across various areas within one’s life, the establishment of a vocational identity is thought to be among the most vital and daunting tasks to manage during the transition from adolescence to adulthood (e.g., Erikson, 1959). For those fortunate enough to experience positive developments in this aspect of their identity, a plethora of positive life- and career outcomes are associated with them (Diemer & Blustein, 2007; Hirschi, 2011a; Hirschi, 2011c; Klotz et al., 2014; Luyckx et al., 2010). While this form of identity development is historically understood to be among the most challenging, evolving changes in “macrostructural conditions” (i.e., technological innovation and AI) have further complicated things, leading some to feel discouraged from taking an “active engagement in the exploratory process,” likely followed by a delay in making an occupational choice (Mortimer, 2002, p. 442). Despite the prominent role that establishing a vocational identity has in a young person’s maturation process (Erikson, 1959), this phenomenon has yet to be introduced and examined in a modern career development theory, and more specifically, within psychology of working theory (PWT; Duffy et al., 2016). The current study postulates that both original and new PWT career variables: economic constraints, marginalization, work volition, career adaptability, and psychological flexibility, interact and contribute to the overall development of an emerging adult’s vocational identity. The purpose of the present study was to demarcate how specific paths of PWT (Duffy et al., 2016) were connected to vocational identity development for those within emerging adulthood (ranging in ages 18-25). Broadly, it was hypothesized that work volition and career adaptability would predict vocational identity development and that these relationships would be moderated by psychological flexibility. Additional exploratory models, which placed psychological flexibility in two other locations, were also assessed. These relationships were examined by surveying 283 emerging adults via an online survey tool. These participants responded to questions about their vocational identity, levels of psychological flexibility, work volition, career adaptability, experiences of macro-level barriers, and demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression. Findings revealed that the primary hypothesized model describing work volition and career adaptability to predict vocational identity was an excellent fit to the data. Additionally, the model results indicate that psychological flexibility did not moderate these relationships. However, it does play a significant role in overall vocational identity development, career adaptability, and work volition independent of other variables. Among demographic variables, SES differences were found within the sample. These results are discussed and grounded in their unique contribution to the existing literature on vocational identity development, psychological flexibility, and career development. Theoretical, policy, and practical implications are discussed. Future directions and limitations of the study are also considered. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2022. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology.

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