Commitment Therapy Intervention Research Articles

Development of a Telephone-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for People Living with HIV who are Hazardous Drinkers.

Alcohol use among people living with HIV (PWH) has been increasingly recognized as an important component of HIV care. Transdiagnostic treatments, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), that target core processes common to multiple mental health and substance-related problems, may be ideal in HIV treatment settings where psychological and behavioral health comorbidities are high. In advance of a randomized clinical trial (RCT), the overall objective of this study was to systematically adapt an ACT-based intervention originally developed for smoking cessation, into an ACT intervention for PWH who drink at hazardous levels. Consistent with the ADAPT-ITT model, the adaptation progressed systematically in several phases, which included structured team meetings, three focus group discussions with PWH (N = 13), and in-depth interviews with HIV providers (N = 10), and development of standardized operating procedures for interventionist training, supervision, and eventual RCT implementation. The procedures described here offer a template for transparent reporting on early phase behavioral RCTs.

The efficacy and optimal matching of an Internet-based acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for depressive symptoms among university students: A randomized controlled trial in China.

The present study tested the efficacy of an unguided internet-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (iACT) program for depression, and identified the psychological characteristics of participants who benefitted the most from the program. Undergraduate students with mild to severe symptoms of depression were randomized to the iACT group (n = 95) or the waiting-list group (WLC group; n = 87). Depressive symptoms and positive mental health were assessed at baseline (T0 ), at the end of the 6-week program (T1 ), and at a 3-month follow-up (T2 ). Compared with the WLC group, the iACT group showed significantly more improvement in depressive symptoms (d = 1.27) and positive mental health (d = 0.59), both at T1 and T2 . Latent Profile Analysis identified three classes of participants: Sensitive-to-Relationship, Low-Reactive-Depression, and Endogenous-Depression group. In general, the treatment was particularly suitable for the Sensitive-to-Relationship class. The iACT was effective in treating the depressive symptoms of undergraduates, especially suitable for the clients with high baseline depression, high externality, high resistance, and high sensitivity to relationships.

Mindfulness Treatments for Domestic Violence: A Review

ABSTRACT Despite high costs of domestic violence (DV) to survivors and witnesses, widely used treatments do not consistently reduce violence perpetration. Although research has only begun to examine third wave treatments targeting DV, components such as mindfulness demonstrate preliminary support for reducing underlying symptomatology, including trauma symptoms, personality disorder features, emotion dysregulation, and substance use. This paper provides a brief review of mindfulness interventions for individuals referred for DV treatment, with a focus on the population most often referred for DV treatment – cisgender heterosexual men. Databases were searched for studies of adults in therapies that targeted DV and included component of mindfulness and skills training. Six studies of five treatments targeting DV met criteria for inclusion. Preliminary results support potential utility of DV treatments that incorporate mindfulness – with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interventions currently having the most evidence. Common elements of the treatments included a focus on clients’ individual values; motivation/engagement strategies; addressing avoidance of emotions; managing urges/impulses; understanding relationships between cognitions, emotions, and behaviors; and reinforcement of adaptive behaviors. Despite the early stages of the literature, the largely positive results of the mindfulness treatments examined in this review suggest an initial foundation for further research.

Effects of a coach-guided videoconferencing acceptance and commitment therapy intervention combined with psychoeducation on distressed individuals living with spinal cord injury: a preliminary mixed-methods study

Purpose This study examined effects of coach-guided videoconferencing acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) accompanied by psychoeducation on distressed individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and explored participants’ experiences in the intervention. Materials and methods Ten people with SCI participated in 8 individual videoconferencing sessions delivered by trained coaches. Data using self-reported questionnaires and individual interviews was collected at pretest and posttest and analyzing using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and interpretative phenomenological analysis (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04670406). Results Statistically significant improvements were found in depression, anxiety, stress, grief, engagement in meaningful activities, and self-compassion with medium to large effect sizes. There was no significant change in quality of life, resilience, and ACT processes. Participants gained a new way of thinking by: being aware of thoughts and emotions; exploring perceptions of others; and focusing on the present. Also, the intervention equipped participants to deal with challenges by: improving coping with SCI-related conditions; practicing self-compassion, acceptance, and meditation; and acquiring skills of value-based decision making and committed action. Conclusions Findings contribute to the limited evidence as the first study that measured effects of videoconferencing ACT on people with SCI. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to measure efficacy of internet-delivered ACT for people with SCI. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Guided videoconferencing ACT may reduce depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and grief and increase engagement in meaningful activities and self-compassion in people with SCI. Professionals may consider ACT as a supportive or adjunct service for people with SCI who experience psychological distress.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to support medication decision-making and quality of life in women with breast cancer: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAdherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy is affected by medication side-effects and associated distress. Previous interventions focused on educating women to enhance adherence have proved minimally effective. We co-designed an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to enhance medication decision-making and quality of life by targeting a broader range of factors, including side-effect management and psychological flexibility. This study aims to establish key trial parameters, assess the acceptability of the intervention and the extent to which it can be delivered with fidelity, and to demonstrate “proof of principle” regarding its efficacy on primary and process outcomes.MethodsThe ACTION intervention includes an individual 1:1 ACT session followed by three group sessions involving 8–10 women and two practitioner psychologists. Participants are also provided with access to a website containing evidence-based methods for self-managing side-effects. The ACT sessions were adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to be remotely delivered via video conferencing software. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, a multi-site, exploratory, two-arm, individually randomised external pilot trial with a nested qualitative study will be undertaken. Eighty women with early stage breast cancer prescribed adjuvant endocrine therapy will be randomised (1:1) to receive treatment as usual or treatment as usual plus the ACTION intervention. The planned future primary outcome is medication adherence assessed by the ASK-12 measure. Progression to a phase III RCT will be based on criteria related to recruitment and follow-up rates, acceptability to patients, competency and fidelity of delivery, and proof of principle for change in medication adherence.DiscussionThis external pilot trial will be used to ascertain the feasibility of undertaking a future phase III RCT to definitively evaluate an ACT-based intervention to support medication taking behaviour and quality of life in women with early stage breast cancer on adjuvant endocrine therapy.Trial registrationISRCTN: 12027752. Registered 24 December 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12027752

Effects of an Online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention on Children\u2019s Quality of Life

The present study examined if an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)–based online intervention for parents had indirect effects on their children’s quality of life mediated by changes in parental well-being, psychological flexibility and mindfulness skills. Participants were 74 adults, who either received an ACT-based guided online intervention or were allocated to the wait list control group, and their children (n = 66) who had type 1 diabetes or functional disabilities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and a bias-corrected bootstrap approach were applied to examine the indirect effects of the treatment on children’s quality of life through changes in parents’ well-being and psychological processes involving psychological flexibility, cognitive defusion, and mindfulness skills. Children’s quality of life was assessed both by self-reports and parents’ evaluations. Significant indirect effects on children’s quality of life were found through improvements in parental well-being and mindfulness skills. The intervention had significant indirect effects on parents’ evaluations of their children’s quality of life concerning family and other social relationships, as well as on physical well-being. In regard to children’s self-reported quality of life, the intervention had significant indirect effects on self-esteem, family relations, emotional well-being, and functioning at school/kindergarten. The results indicate that it is beneficial for children’s quality of life to improve parents’ ability to describe their experiences, being non-reactive to one’s inner experiences and acting with awareness as well as cognitive defusion.

The feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to support women self-reporting fear of childbirth in a first pregnancy

Objective To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to help women manage fear of childbirth during a first pregnancy. Design A mixed-methods approach including qualitative feedback and pre/post-intervention self-report measures. Pregnant women (14-37 weeks gestation) were recruited via the UK National Health Service and attended a single-session (<3 hours) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention alongside routine antenatal care. Data were analysed using content and statistical analyses. Main outcome measures Fear of childbirth, anxiety and wellbeing were the main outcome measures. Secondary to these, intolerance of uncertainty and valued life domains (e.g. relationships, recreation) as hypothesised mechanisms of change, were also assessed. Results 33 expressions of interest were received, 21 women signed up, 15 participated, and 11 completed follow-up measures (participation rate: 33%). Findings demonstrated clinical and statistical reductions in fear of childbirth and anxiety alongside positive feedback on the intervention. Intolerance of uncertainty and wellbeing were low at baseline and remained unchanged. Conclusion A single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to manage fear of childbirth is potentially feasible and acceptable. A pilot randomised controlled trial is warranted. Further research should explore efficacy and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may reduce perinatal distress.

A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Improving Self-Care Behaviors

Aim: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in improving self-care behaviors (nutritional behaviors, physical activity, blood sugar control, foot care, and medication adherence) in people with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The study was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design, two experimental groups, a control group, and the follow-up stage. The statistical population consisted of all female patients with type 2 diabetes with a record in Parsian Clinic in Eslamshahr in 2019. Among them, 45 women were selected using the convenience sampling method and were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 per group), and a control group (n=15). The experimental group received acceptance and commitment therapy by Hayes et al. (2004), and the rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) by Ellis (1999) in eight 60-minute sessions, and the control group was placed on a waiting list. The research tool included the diabetes self-care behavior questionnaire (Tubert and Glasgow, 1994) that was used at three stages, pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Both interventions could significantly improve self-care behaviors (nutritional behaviors, physical activity, blood sugar control, foot care, and medication adherence) in patients with type 2 diabetes (P&lt;0.05), but the acceptance and commitment therapy intervention had a greater effect on self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, there was not any significant difference at the posttest follow-up stage (p&lt;0.05), indicating the stability of intervention changes. Conclusion: Based on the results, acceptance and commitment therapy, and rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) had effective interventions in increasing self-care behaviors in patients with diabetes.

Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Interventions on Goal-Setting and Quality of Life for At-Home Rehabilitation Patients

Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Interventions on Goal-Setting and Quality of Life for At-Home Rehabilitation Patients

An Integrated Mindfulness Meditation and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Chronic Pain: Rationale, Design, and Methodology of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Acting with Mindfulness for Pain (AMP)

An Integrated Mindfulness Meditation and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Chronic Pain: Rationale, Design, and Methodology of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Acting with Mindfulness for Pain (AMP)

Exploring the relationship between psychological flexibility and self-report and task-based measures of cognitive flexibility

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions aim to increase psychological flexibility (PF) leading to positive treatment outcomes. It has been suggested that successful development of PF may depend on cognitive flexibility (CF). There is however a lack of clear empirical evidence accounting for the relationship between the two constructs. The current study investigated the relationship between PF and CF in a large nonclinical sample of younger adults (N = 246). Participants completed self-report measures of PF, and both self-report and task-based measures of CF. Results indicated that self-report, but not task-based, CF correlated with and predicted PF (r = −0.49, 95% BCa CI [−0.58, −0.38], R2 = 0.236). The results are discussed with reference to rule-governed behaviour, approaches to measurement, and ACT, with suggestions for future research.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy Intervention for Custodial Grandfamilies: A Virtual Implementation

Custodial grandfamilies often face challenges, such as psychological distress, parenting burden, and grandchildren showing internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Given their circumstances, effective training and education is critical to provide a supportive family environment for both custodial grandparents and custodial grandchildren. The aim of this study was to develop, pilot and evaluate a psychosocial intervention for custodial grandfamilies. The program, interACT, was implemented virtually due to restrictions related to COVID-19. It is an intervention for custodial grandparents (CGPs) and custodial grandchildren (CGC) to improve psychological wellbeing and life skills. Participant eligibility was determined by grandfamilies having Iowa residency and legal guardianship or custody of an 8-12 year old grandchild. The program utilizes the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework, focusing on psychological flexibility, acceptance, and psychosocial resilience for CGPs and CGC. The program used techniques such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and decision-making skills. During the pilot program stage, participants were divided into CGPs and CGC groups, and completed self-paced weekly 45 minute long modules through a program website. To enhance online session experience, Extension staff facilitated hour-long Zoom calls to discuss module contents and foster peer connection for both groups. Findings will be available at the conclusion of the pilot program. We expect to find increased psychological well-being and improved life skills for both groups right after the implementation of the ACT. Findings and limitations will be discussed with practical implication for program implementation via virtual delivery for the current custodial families. Future studies could extend current curriculum to other populations.

Research Evaluating Staff Training Online for Resilience (RESTORE): Protocol for a single-arm feasibility study of an online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to improve staff wellbeing in palliative care settings

Background Palliative care workers commonly experience workplace stress and distress. General stressors include unmanageable workloads and staff shortages. Stressors specific to palliative care include regular exposure to death, loss and grief. The COVID pandemic exacerbated exhaustion and burnout across the healthcare system, including for those providing palliative care. Evidence based psychological support interventions, tailored to the needs and context of palliative care workers, are needed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an established form of cognitive behavioural therapy which uses behavioural psychology, values, acceptance, and mindfulness techniques to improve mental health and wellbeing. ACT is effective in improving workplace wellbeing in many occupational settings. Our study examines the acceptability and feasibility of an online ACT-based intervention to improve mental health and wellbeing in staff caring for people with an advanced progressive illness. Methods A single-arm feasibility trial. We will seek to recruit 30 participants to take part in an 8- week online ACT-based intervention, consisting of three synchronous facilitated group sessions and five asynchronous self-directed learning modules. We will use convergent mixed methods to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention. Quantitative feasibility outcomes will include participant recruitment and retention rates, alongside completion rates of measures assessing stress, quality of life, wellbeing, and psychological flexibility. Focus groups and interviews will explore participant perspectives on the intervention. We will run a stakeholder workshop to further refine the intervention and identify outcomes for use in a future evaluation. Results We will describe participant perspectives on intervention acceptability, format, content, and perceived impact alongside rates of intervention recruitment, retention, and outcome measure completion. Conclusion We will show whether a brief, online ACT intervention is acceptable to, and feasible for palliative care workers. Findings will be used to further refine the intervention and provide essential information on outcome assessment prior to a full-scale evaluation.

Acceptance and commitment therapy for adolescents and adults with neurofibromatosis type 1, plexiform neurofibromas, and chronic pain: Results of a randomized controlled trial

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic syndrome associated with multiple complications that cause chronic pain, including plexiform neurofibroma (PN) tumors. However, no randomized studies have examined non-pharmacological interventions for pain specifically targeting individuals with NF1 and PNs. In the current randomized controlled trial, an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention was conducted with older adolescents and adults ages 16–59 years with NF1, PNs, and chronic pain. We hypothesized that pain interference would decrease from pre-to post-intervention compared to a wait-list control group. We also examined potential mediators, including pain acceptance and inflexibility. The intervention consisted of two 2-h in-person sessions followed by 8 weeks of online training including weekly email assignments and biweekly video chats. Outcome measures evaluating pain interference, pain intensity, pain anxiety, and depression and process measures evaluating pain acceptance and pain inflexibility were administered at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Sixty-two participants (M age = 30.7 ± 11.5 years, 61.3% female) completed the intervention. Results indicated that the ACT intervention significantly reduced how much pain interfered with daily functioning. Improvements in pain acceptance and, separately, pain inflexibility, mediated the treatment benefit for individuals in the ACT group. No improvements in pain intensity, pain anxiety, or depression were noted following the intervention. Durable treatment benefits were seen at 6 months albeit only among those who improved more during the 8-week intervention. While the immediate post-intervention effects were seen after 4 h of in-person training and limited online sessions, more support is likely needed to maintain these effects long-term. Results indicate that remote ACT interventions have promise and could make this treatment accessible to more patients with NF1, PNs and chronic pain.

A mixed-methods evaluation of experiential intervention exercises for values and committed action from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) mental health promotion program for university students

The mental health vulnerabilities of university students is an emerging global public health crisis. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) interventions, particularly those that are web-based, provide discrete, cost-effective, transdiagnostic support for university students. Whilst many studies have researched core ACT processes important for positive outcomes in university students, no published study has reported specific quantitative and qualitative user-responses to commonly used ACT values and committed action experiential exercises. The purpose of this study is to investigate responses to widely used ACT values and committed action exercises to serve three aims: 1) to delineate the values and goals of university students and their relative importance, 2) to assess engagement with exercises, and 3) to translate this data into recommendations for the design and refinement of future mental health programs. Reponses analysed were provided by 1,162 university students on ‘values and committed action’ experiential exercises that formed part of YOLO (You Only Live Once), a web-based ACT mental health promotion intervention for university students. Results showed that university students report a diverse array of personal values, although few students endorsed the values self-caring, healthy, relaxed, and flexible. Participant identified goals were performance-focused rather than task-focused. Results demonstrated that participants showed high engagement with the experiential values and committed action exercises. Responses to the exercises documented in this study add to the published data supporting the efficacy of ACT components in the effective treatment of mental health problems in university students. Findings also illuminate potential areas for development and refinement to improve models of care for university students.

Developmental trajectories of experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms and association to health behaviors among adolescents during brief guided online acceptance and commitment therapy

While many children and adolescents experience psychological problems with up to 20 percent estimated to develop a mental health problem, only few receive treatment. Online interventions can help respond to the need of support among young people without requiring considerable resources. However, relatively few studies have examined the efficacy of online interventions for youth and more research is needed to understand individual differences in benefiting from these interventions. The current study sought to examine different developmental trajectories of experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms and their association to health behaviors measured at baseline during a brief guided online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention implemented in the school context. A total of 123 ninth grade adolescents aged 14–16 years completed the five-week intervention including online support. The mixture modeling identified three separate sub-groups based on baseline and changes during the intervention: 1) high and decreasing experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms (16%), 2) average and stable experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms (36%) and 3) low experiential avoidance and mildly decreasing depressive symptoms (46%). The results show that two thirds of adolescents benefited during online ACT, with the adolescents with high initial symptoms benefiting more than adolescents with low initial symptoms. Finally, adolescents following the trajectory of high and decreasing experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms during the intervention reported poorer health and sleep, higher substance abuse and less physical activity before the intervention than adolescents from other trajectories. The results suggest that guided online ACT may significantly reduce experiential avoidance and depressive symptoms among those adolescents reporting high-risk health behaviors, high depressive symptoms and experiential avoidance at baseline.

The LIFEwithIBD Intervention: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Face-to-Face Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion-Based Intervention Tailored to People With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background: There is ample evidence of the high mental health burden caused by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Several constructs such as experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, shame, and self-criticism have recently emerged as potential intervention targets to improve mental health in IBD. Psychotherapeutic models such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and compassion-based interventions are known to target these constructs. In this protocol, we aim to describe a two-arm Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) testing the efficacy of an ACT and compassion-focused intervention named Living with Intention, Fullness, and Engagement with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (LIFEwithIBD) intervention + Treatment As Usual (TAU) vs. TAU in improving psychological distress, quality of life, work and social functioning, IBD symptom perception, illness-related shame, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, disease activity, inflammation biomarkers, and gut microbiota diversity.Methods: This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03840707, date assigned 13/02/2019). The LIFEwithIBD intervention is an adaptation to the IBD population of the Mind programme for people with cancer, an acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion-based intervention designed to be delivered in a group format. The LIFEwithIBD intervention's structure and topics are presented in this protocol. Participants were recruited at the Gastroenterology Service of the Coimbra University Hospital between June and September 2019. Of the 355 patients screened, 61 participants were selected, randomly assigned to one of two conditions [experimental group (LIFEwithIBD + TAU) or control group (TAU)] and completed the baseline assessment. Outcome measurement took place at baseline, post-intervention, 3- and 12-month follow-ups.Discussion: Results from this RCT will support future studies testing the LIFEwithIBD intervention or other acceptance and/or compassion-based interventions for IBD.

Patient and health care professional co-development of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to support hormone therapy decision-making and well-being in women with breast cancer

Objectives The aim of this work was to co-develop an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to support medication adherence and quality of life in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). The research approach was intervention co-development. Methods The sample consisted of BCS focus groups (n = 24), health care provider (HCP) interviews (n = 10), and a co-development workshop (BCSs, n = 12; HCPs, n = 9).We conducted 6 BCS focus groups and 10 HCP interviews to understand the acceptability of ACT. We co-designed the intervention in a workshop. Results Participants reported high acceptability of an ACT intervention. BCSs preferred ACT exercises focused on values and self-compassion. Both groups recommended face-to-face intervention delivery, by a clinical psychologist, with a mixture of individual and group sessions. BCSs requested advice on side-effect management. Conclusions We effectively used patient and HCP co-design to configure an ACT intervention to support medication adherence and quality of life for BCSs. If feasible and efficacious, this ACT-based intervention could support breast cancer survivorship.

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Nulliparous Pregnant Women

Background: It is necessary to help pregnant women to solve pregnancy problems by identifying the factors affecting depression, anxiety, and stress. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on depression, anxiety, and stress in nulliparous pregnant women.Methods: The research method was semi-experimental with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population of this study included all pregnant women referred to hospitals in Tehran in 2019, among whom 34 eligible volunteers were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups of acceptance and commitment and control group. The experimental group received acceptance and commitment therapy in 9 sessions of 120 minutes. Data were collected using a depression, anxiety, and stress questionnaire (Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and SPSS.22 software. The significance level in this study was considered to be 0.05.Results: The results showed that acceptance and commitment therapy intervention significantly decreased depression (p <0.001), anxiety (p <0.001), and stress (p <0.001) in nulliparous pregnant women.Conclusion: It can be concluded that acceptance and commitment therapy was effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress in nulliparous pregnant women, and it can be used to improve the psychological problems of pregnant women.

Evaluation of an integrated fluency and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention for adolescents and adults who stutter: Participant perspectives

PurposeChildhood-onset stuttering is a neurodevelopmental disorder that may cause pervasive negative consequences for adults who stutter. In addition to significant challenges in personal, social, and emotional domains, stuttering has been shown to impose an economic burden on adults who stutter. Intervention for adults who stutter has historically addressed speech fluency more so than the covert psychosocial aspects of the disorder. There is an identified clinical need for holistic, efficacious, and cost-effective stuttering interventions that meet consumer needs. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate a novel, integrated intervention that combined traditional fluency techniques with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, from the perspective of the adults who stutter who participated in the intervention. MethodTwenty-eight adults who stutter completed the intervention program. Participants were invited to complete an online post-program written survey (including qualitative comments) and a semi-structured interview to explore their evaluations of the program with respect to its authenticity, acceptability, and social validity. ResultsParticipants perceived positive psychosocial changes as a result of the program, and were satisfied with the program overall. Qualitative thematic analyses of the written survey comments and the semi-structured interviews identified two major themes: factors specific to the intervention and factors specific to the therapeutic process. Several important sub-themes were also identified. ConclusionFindings support the authenticity, acceptability, and social validity of an integrated fluency and psychosocial intervention for stuttering. Findings also highlight the need for consideration of the consumer voice in the management of stuttering disorders, in keeping with person-centred care.