Evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy training for psychologists working with people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is the most widely used and researched recent variant of cognitive behavioral therapy and has been shown to increase quality of life in people with chronic illnesses, including multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few MS health practitioners are trained in ACT. This study evaluated a 2-day ACT training workshop for Italian psychologists working with people with MS. Methods: Data were collected via online questionnaires from 34 psychologists before the workshop, after the workshop, and at 6-month follow-up. Two sets of variables were measured at each assessment: primary outcomes (well-being, negative affect, positive affect, and job satisfaction) and ACT processes (values, mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and cognitive defusion). A separate online workshop evaluation questionnaire and an ACT knowledge examination were administered after the workshop. Results: Most participants (94%) acknowledged the potential beneficial effects of the workshop on their work. Almost all participants reported their intention to apply ACT clinically. More than 90% of participants indicated that the workshop was efficacious. All participants scored higher than 75% on the examination. Mindfulness increased from after the workshop to follow-up; however, there were no statistically significant changes in other variables. Correlations suggested beneficial associations between the ACT processes and the primary outcomes. Conclusions: Results suggest that ACT training is personally and professionally helpful for psychologists in the MS field.