Psychological flexibility and functioning : three independent studies

Mental disorders and stress have implications for individuals’ functioning,
well-being, and symptom burden. One treatment that aims to facilitate functioning and wellbeing is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which works by increasing psychological flexibility (PF) and valued behaviors. Still, little is known about specific changes in ACT processes (i.e., in PF and valued behaviors) and their association with functioning. This dissertation investigates the association of ACT processes with functioning.
Also, it evaluates the links between symptom burden, ACT processes, and functioning.Data from three independent studies were used: (1) n = 91 individuals with elevated levels of stress, (2) N = 41 patients with treatment-resistant panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, and (3) N= 118 individuals with major depressive disorder, N = 47 with social phobia. Participants reported on functioning, PF, valued behaviors, stress, and wellbeing.Changes in ACT processes were positively associated with changes in functioning during the interventions, but not after. Additionally, symptom burden was associated with ACT processes and functioning. Depending on their baseline levels, participants showed differential trajectories in valued action. Comorbidity between anxiety and depressive disorders was associated with lower well-being.
The associations detected provide empirical support for the relationship between
ACT processes and functioning. Findings further indicate that symptom burden is associated with valued behaviors and functioning.