Treatment Acceptability Ratings Research Articles

PRevention Intervention and Support in Mental health for people with aphasia (Aphasia PRISM): protocol and mixed methods analysis plan for two feasibility studies

BackgroundPeople with aphasia commonly experience depression and anxiety. The individual therapy program, Aphasia PRevention Intervention and Support in Mental health (Aphasia PRISM) offers low intensity psychotherapeutic interventions using communication supports. Trained stroke clinicians from disciplines other than psychology (e.g., allied health professional, nurse, doctor) can deliver such interventions. The aim of the planned studies is to test the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of Aphasia PRISM for preventing depression and anxiety and supporting wellbeing in people with aphasia after stroke.MethodThis protocol describes two feasibility studies of the Aphasia PRISM using parallel, convergent, mixed methods designs. Participants will be adults with aphasia after stroke from a metropolitan healthcare site (Study A, pre-post case series, approximate n = 6) and two regional/rural sites (Study B, randomised controlled trial, n = 30; random allocation to either: treatment arm Aphasia PRISM + usual care; or attention control of secondary stroke prevention information + usual care) in Victoria, Australia. Eligible participants will be offered 7 weekly intervention sessions (via telehealth or in person). Other participant groups include stroke clinicians / site managers and family members. Feasibility will be assessed with treatment acceptability ratings (primary outcome) and secondary outcomes such as recruitment rate and participant clinical response. Participant clinical responses to intervention will be collected pre-intervention (baseline), concurrently (4 week acceptability measure), immediately post (8 weeks), follow-up (3 months) and follow-up at 6 months (Study B only). Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse quantitative data based on the type and distribution of data. Reflexive thematic analysis, an inductive approach will be used to analyse qualitative data.DiscussionAphasia PRISM offers the potential for trained stroke clinicians to deliver low intensity psychotherapeutic interventions with communication supports to people with aphasia. Studies A and B were registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry under one registration (ACTRN12620000209998) 20th February 2020.

Acceptability and effects of acquiring an assistance or companion dog for families of children on the autism spectrum

Purpose Assistance and companion dogs have numerous positive effects for family of autistic children, such as supporting their rehabilitation and improving their quality of life. To date, very few studies have compared the effects of both types of dogs. This comparison, considering the limited access to assistance dogs, could be helpful for families wanting to adopt a dog. Methods An explanatory sequential design with a mixed-method approach was used. First, 85 parents (n assistance dogs = 57; n companion dogs = 28) of children aged between 3 and 17 years old (M = 10.73, SD = 3.67) completed an online questionnaire including sociodemographic questions and the Treatment Acceptability Rating Form-Revised (TARF-R). Then, 17 of these participants (n assistance dogs = 14; n companion dogs = 3) completed a semi-structured interview. Results The quantitative data analyses showed that parents with assistance dogs were significantly more satisfied: t (83) = −2.12, p = .037, d = 0.49. Significant associations between some sociodemographic variables (e.g., number of children, comorbid condition, reasons for acquiring a dog) and acceptability/satisfaction (TARF-R total scores) were found. The qualitative analysis revealed that families with both dog types observed positive effects. Conclusions In brief, having an assistance dog constitutes a significant added value; nevertheless, both types of dogs are appreciated.

What Do Parents Want?: Comparing Behavioral Parent Training to a Health Maintenance Model

The most well-established evidence-based treatment for disruptive behavior disorders is behavioral parent training (BPT), however, parents face many barriers to treatment. A health maintenance model (HMM) of mental health care delivery, which promotes wellness rather than treating illness, could help parents overcome barriers. The purpose of this study was to compare parents’ (n = 263) treatment acceptability and preference ratings of an HMM to traditional BPT. Results indicated parents found BPT significantly more acceptable and preferable overall, yet found aspects of HMM preferable. Results suggest modifying traditional BPT to focus on prevention and wellness may increase treatment acceptability and engagement.

A Pilot Feasibility Study of an Intensive Summer Day Camp Intervention for Children with Selective Mutism.

Cost, scheduling, and implementation competency are barriers to accessing traditional evidence-based behavioral interventions for childhood selective mutism (SM). Brief, or intensive, interventions are a disruptive innovation to traditional therapy given the use of fewer sessions during a short-term time period. This study explored the acceptability, integrity, and effectiveness (i.e., single-case replicated AB design) of an intensive summer camp consisting of a 5-day behavioral therapy for 25 children with SM. Caregiver-rated treatment acceptability ratings and family interviews support intensive summer day camp as an acceptable intervention approach for SM. Additionally, results revealed that counselors and parents implemented SM behavioral therapy during camp with impressive integrity (>90%) after receiving training about SM behavioral therapy from an SM expert clinician. Effect size calculations of counselor-rated daily behavior ratings revealed reductions in anxiety during camp for 18 of the 25 campers. Significant caregiver-rated improvements in speaking behaviors were reported for 9 out of 14 campers with data available for analysis at the 3-month follow-up. This pilot feasibility study is the first to investigate intensive summer day camp as a treatment approach for SM and implications for future research are discussed.

Behavior analytic jargon does not seem to influence treatment acceptability ratings.

Some have argued that behavior analysts have insulated themselves by eschewing the vernacular and adopting idiosyncratic and sometimes counterintuitive technical terms to describe their science and practice. Because of this, behavior analysis plays a minor role in psychology and related fields and effective behavior-change interventions go unused. All told, findings about the effects of behavior-analytic jargon are mixed. Studies that provided technical terms independent of context have produced unfavorable results, whereas studies that have provided context have produced positive or neutral results, overall. This study evaluated the effects of behavioral jargon on the acceptability ratings of several applied behavior analysis interventions described in terms of varying target behaviors, populations, and settings. We presented brief vignettes adapted from published research articles that were described in either jargon or nonjargon versions. There were no appreciable differences in the rated acceptability of interventions described with or without jargon.

Suggestions in Hypnosis to Aid Pain Education (SHAPE) in People with Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Pilot Feasibility Randomized, Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a debilitating and burdensome condition, and new treatment strategies are needed. This study aimed to evaluate (1) the feasibility of undertaking a controlled clinical trial investigating a novel intervention for people with CLBP: hypnotically reinforced pain science education, and (2) the acceptability of the intervention as rated by participants. A priori feasibility and intervention acceptability criteria were set. Twenty participants with CLBP were recruited and randomized to receive: (1) hypnotically delivered pain science education that utilizes hypnotic suggestions to enhance uptake of pain science concepts; or (2) pain science education with progressive muscle relaxation as an attention control. Twenty participants were recruited, however, not solely from the hospital waitlist as intended; community sampling was required (13 hospital, 7 community). Most criteria were met in the community sample but not the hospital sample. Protocol modifications are needed before progressing to a full scale randomized controlled trial for hypnotically reinforced pain science education. Improvements in relevant secondary outcomes paired with moderate-high treatment acceptability ratings are promising.

Social Validity of Paediatric Feeding Treatment across Goals, Processes, and Outcomes

Social validity of treatment for paediatric feeding disorders can be defined as the extent to which caregivers find treatment goals and procedures acceptable, and the level of satisfaction with the outcomes of treatment. However, there are few studies which examine social validity data, or that evaluate social validity against key treatment variables. The aim of this report was to compare caregiver ratings of treatment acceptability and satisfaction against treatment variables. Social validity measures were obtained from the caregivers of all children consecutively admitted to a home-based behaviour-analytic treatment programme for paediatric feeding disorders (N = 32) in Australia. All children (M = 6 years, range 2–13 y) had severe feeding problems and most had mealtime skill deficits and autism and developmental delays or intellectual disabilities. Social validity measures included treatment acceptability and satisfaction surveys. In a retrospective analysis, social validity scores were compared against variables including participant characteristics and goals, treatment procedures, and treatment outcome. The retrospective analysis identified no significant correlations. In this sample, caregiver social validity ratings were very high, and data-based treatment outcomes for all children showed high levels of clinical significance including consumption, food variety, and feeding skill development. This report is the first to examine social validity in a data-based manner. With the exception of duration of treatment, no further relations were identified. Whilst the findings may be impacted by little variability/ceiling effects, this further communicates that the empirically-supported treatment for a paediatric feeding disorders is highly effective, and highly valued by caregivers of children. It is recommended that further data-based research continue to examine further measures and determinants of social validity.

Social validity of pediatric feeding treatment components across time

AbstractThere is limited research on the social validity of treatment for pediatric feeding disorders. When it is assessed, the evaluation of treatment acceptability may focus on a few specific procedures or the entire program post‐treatment. This report took place within a home‐based behavior‐analytic treatment model in Australia. Caregivers of eight children (aged 3–11) with pediatric feeding disorders provided treatment acceptability ratings for the full range of treatment procedures, at pre‐ and post‐treatment. Caregivers were also provided the opportunity to provide open‐ended responses. Results showed that caregivers unanimously gave strong ratings of the importance of goals, and preferred that treatment be effective and quick, over minimizing side effects. Procedures experienced by all caregivers (differential attention, tangible reinforcement, nonremoval of the spoon, and re‐presentation) were rated highly at admission and increased at discharge, with the exception of tangible electronics. Caregivers of children receiving additional procedures for acceptance or clean mouth also provided high acceptability ratings for these at both timepoints. This report is the first to examine pre‐ and post‐acceptability measures on the full range of treatment procedures with caregivers experiencing treatment. Results inform future research and will serve to improve efforts to disseminate behavior analysis as an acceptable and effective treatment for pediatric feeding disorders.

Group cognitive-behavioural therapy for perinatal anxiety disorders: Treatment development, content, and pilot results

• Details of the development and content of a new CBT protocol for perinatal anxiety • Applicable across various anxiety disorders • Perinatal women benefitted significantly from this brief group program • Perinatal women were highly satisfied with this brief CBT intervention Background: Anxiety disorders are common during the perinatal period (pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum) and may have a negative impact on maternal, fetal, and infant health. Minimal research is available regarding perinatal anxiety treatment. Methods: The present pilot study examined the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a 6-session cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) group program for perinatal anxiety (n = 40). Results: Results showed participants experienced significant reductions in anxiety and depression from pre- to post-treatment. Patients reported high ratings of treatment acceptability, relevance, and helpfulness. All treatment completers indicated that they would recommend this group program to other perinatal women and 94% of participants indicated that they would do the group again in the future should they have further difficulties with perinatal anxiety. Themes from open-ended questions about client impressions of this treatment included appreciation of the perinatal-specific treatment targets as well as the destigmatizing effect of being with others facing similar challenges. Limitations: This is a pilot study without a comparison condition or randomization. This study does not examine the impact of treatment on fetal/infant development. We are also unable to comment on whether pregnant participants were less likely to develop postpartum issues as a result of this intervention. Conclusions: This study is among the first to demonstrate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of group CBT for women who are pregnant or postpartum and experiencing a range of anxiety-related disorders.

PAW-sitive for Whom? Examining the Treatment Acceptability of Prison-Animal Programs

ABSTRACT Although prison-based animal programs (PAPs) are not routinely available in rehabilitation plans at correctional facilities, they may represent a viable treatment option given the growing evidence showing that interacting with animals develops vocational skills, decreases behavioral infractions, and fosters social skills and psychological wellbeing for prisoners. However, little is known about the general public’s attitudes towards PAPs, especially in relation to other treatment options. Understanding attitudes towards PAPs is relevant because these programs often depend on donations, coordination with non-profit agencies, and adoption fees from animal shelters to operate. This study examines whether individuals consider PAPs an acceptable treatment option for prisoners, and whether those decisions are influenced by prisoner characteristics. Using survey methodology with convenience sampling, 250 participants read vignettes that manipulated the characteristics of the prisoner by gender (male or female), ethnicity (Caucasian, African American, Indigenous/Native American), and crime (misdemeanor, murder, or sexual assault), and then evaluated the treatment acceptability of four treatment options (dog visitation, dog training and vocational programs, psychological counseling, or no treatment). While participants rated counseling most acceptable and no treatment least acceptable, opinions about PAPs varied. We found a gender × crime interaction, whereby participants rated PAPs more acceptable for prisoners who committed minor crimes, especially if they were female. We also found an ethnicity × crime interaction, whereby participants rated PAPs more acceptable for prisoners who committed minor crimes, especially if Indigenous or Caucasian. Our results highlight the presence of implicit bias in participant’s ratings of treatment acceptability. We discuss implications for rehabilitation programs.

A Pilot Feasibility Study of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for the Prevention of Excess Weight Gain Among Adolescent Military-dependent Girls.

Adolescent military-dependents face unique psychosocial stressors due to their parents' careers, suggesting they may be particularly vulnerable to excess weight gain and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Despite these risk factors, there is a lack of tested preventative interventions for these youths. Given the transient nature of military family deployments, research may be hindered due to difficulty in collecting long-term prospective outcome data, particularly measured height and weight. The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of collecting body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) outcome data up to 2 years following a randomized controlled pilot trial of an adapted interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) program aimed at preventing excess weight gain and improving psychological functioning for adolescent military-dependents. In exploratory analyses, patterns in body composition over time were examined. Twenty-seven adolescent military-dependent girls (baseline: Mage: 14.4 ± 1.6 years; MBMI: 30.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2; MBMI-z: 1.9 ± 0.4) participated in this study. After a baseline assessment, utilizing a computerized program to create a randomization string, girls were assigned to either an IPT or a health education (HE) program. Participants completed three follow-up visits (posttreatment, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up). Girls completed a Treatment Acceptability Questionnaire at posttreatment; at all time points, height and fasting weight were collected. For the primary aim, Fisher's exact tests examined the rate of obtained follow-up data and lost to follow-up status between the two groups, Mann-Whitney U tests examined the session attendance between groups, and treatment acceptability ratings were compared between the two groups at posttreatment using an independent samples t-test. For the exploratory aim, one-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) examined the group differences in BMI at each time point, adjusting for baseline values, and paired samples t-tests examined the within-group differences at each time point relative to baseline. Using imputed data in the full intent-to-treat sample, mixed model ANCOVAs were conducted to examine the group differences over time. Across both groups, girls attended an average of 72.0% of sessions. At least partial data were collected at posttreatment, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up for 96.3%, 85.2%, and 74.1% of the participants, respectively. There were no significant group differences in follow-up data collection rates, follow-up status, number of sessions attended, or treatment acceptability. BMI-z stabilized across groups, and there were no group differences in BMI-z. In adjusted ANCOVA models with imputed data, no significant group-by-time effects emerged. For this randomized controlled prevention trial, long-term outcome data collection of measured BMI was possible in adolescent military-dependents and IPT was an acceptable and feasible intervention. An adequately powered trial is required to assess the efficacy of this intervention among military-dependents for obesity prevention and improvements in BMI.

Exposure therapy for PTSD during pregnancy: a feasibility, acceptability, and case series study of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

BackgroundPrenatal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant complication of pregnancy linked to increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Although 1 in 5 pregnant trauma-exposed individuals have PTSD, most PTSD treatment trials exclude participants who are pregnant, and none focus on treatment specifically during pregnancy. Moreover, access to mental health treatment is particularly challenging in low-resource settings with high rates of trauma. This study examined implementation of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a short-term evidence-based PTSD treatment, in an urban prenatal care setting. Partial telehealth delivery was used to increase accessibility. Study aims were to examine (a) feasibility, (b) acceptability, and (c) case-based treatment outcomes associated with NET participation.MethodEight pregnant participants (median age = 27, median gestational week in pregnancy = 22.5) received up to six sessions of NET with partial telehealth delivery. PTSD and depression symptoms were assessed at pre-treatment intake (T1), at each session (T2), and 1-week post-treatment (T3). A multiple case study approach was used to examine recruitment and engagement, retention, treatment completion, treatment barriers, use of telehealth, participants’ experiences of treatment, and PTSD and depression symptoms.ResultsNine of the 16 participants (56%) who were invited to participate engaged in treatment, and one dropped out after the first session. Eight participants completed the minimum “dose” of 4 NET sessions (N = 8/9, 89%). Seven participants gave the highest ratings of treatment acceptability. The most frequently reported barriers to treatment were competing priorities of work and caring for other children. Pre-post treatment symptom measures revealed clinically meaningful change in PTSD severity for nearly all participants (7/8, 88%).ConclusionsResults suggest that a brief exposure therapy PTSD treatment can be successfully implemented during pregnancy, suggesting promising results for conducting a larger-scale investigation.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04525469. Registered 20 August 2020–Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/template/EditRecord.vm?epmode=View&listmode=Edit&uid=U00058T2&ts=3&sid=S000A59A&cx=-w1vnvn

Telehealth-enabled behavioral treatment for problem behaviors in boys with fragile X syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChildren with fragile X syndrome (FXS) are at increased risk for exhibiting problem behaviors such as aggression and self-injury. However, many children with FXS have limited access to behavioral treatments that have known efficacy due to the low availability of treatment providers and the wide geographical dispersion of families with FXS across the country. Telehealth may offer a cost-effective and practical solution to overcome these significant barriers. We examined the effect of administering an established behavior analytic intervention called functional communication training (FCT) via telehealth on levels of problem behaviors exhibited by boys with FXS. We also examined treatment acceptability, as well as the effect of the treatment on levels of parenting stress.MethodsBoys with FXS, aged 3 to 10 years, who displayed problem behaviors daily, were randomized to receive FCT via telehealth (n = 30) or treatment as usual (n = 27) over 12 weeks. Outcome measures included in-session observations of problem behavior, the Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community (ABC-C), the Treatment Acceptability Rating Form—Revised (TARF-R), and the Parenting Stress Index, 4th edition (PSI-4).ResultsIntention-to-treat analyses indicated that scores on the irritability subscale of the ABC-C, our primary outcome measure, decreased significantly for boys who received FCT via telehealth compared to boys who received treatment as usual (p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.65). In-session observations conducted for those who received treatment showed that levels of problem behavior decreased by 91% from baseline. Levels of parenting stress related to child behavioral problems were also lower following FCT treatment, and caregivers reported that the intervention was acceptable.ConclusionsThese findings support telehealth-enabled FCT as a framework for expanding access to behavioral treatments for problem behaviors in children with FXS. Expanded delivery of behavior analytic treatment via telehealth also has the potential to lower healthcare costs, improve child and family quality of life, and lead to advances in the treatment of problem behavior in the broader population of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03510156. Registered 27 April 2018

Mothers’ Perceptions of a Home-Based Training Program Based on the Early Start Denver Model

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) under the age of 5. Research suggests that some parents are able to learn to implement the ESDM techniques and that this often leads to positive outcomes for their children. However, there is limited research evaluating parent perceptions of this intervention. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the parent perceptions of a home-based training program based on the ESDM. This study involved quantitative and qualitative data collected from the mothers of five young boys with ASD who had participated in a 12-week home-based parent training program based on the ESDM. The mothers completed the Treatment Acceptability Rating Scale-Revised (TARF-R) and participated in open-ended semi-structured interviews following the intervention. All five mothers gave the intervention positive ratings on the TARF-R. During the semi-structured interviews, each of the parents also identified strengths and challenges related to (a) outcomes for their child, (b) the model of intervention, (c) the parent training procedures, and (d) the relationship with the trainer. These results suggest that the mothers found the intervention to be acceptable. These findings provide some insight into elements of the training that parents found to be beneficial and those that could be improved.

Assessment of Parental Acceptability and Preference for Behavioral Interventions for Childhood Problem Behavior in Saudi Arabia

The present study assessed the treatment acceptability and preference for common behavior management strategies with parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, parents were asked to evaluate medication, positive reinforcement, response cost, spanking, and timeout using a treatment acceptability measure. Results indicated that positive reinforcement had the highest average acceptability score, and that spanking had the lowest acceptability score. Treatment preference rankings corresponded to treatment acceptability ratings for all interventions assessed. Implications for working with diverse families and contexts are highlighted, and potential avenues for further research are described.

Stability and Predictors of Students’ Treatment Acceptability of Check &amp; Connect Across Time

Student views of treatment acceptability of an intervention is important but still is neither regularly assessed nor studied beyond non-behavioral interventions. Furthermore, assessment of treatment acceptability across time is almost never considered. Using data from a longitudinal, randomized controlled trial, we examined variables that predicted students’ treatment acceptability of Check &amp; Connect, a mentoring intervention with promise for promoting school engagement. A series of multiple regressions with multiple imputations revealed that students’ treatment acceptability ratings in Year 1 significantly predicted Year 2 ratings. Other variables examined, including dosage, change in mentor, and student and mentor characteristics, were not significant in predicting students’ treatment acceptability ratings in Year 2. Implications for using treatment acceptability to facilitate buy-in and further replications are discussed.

Comparing Treatment Acceptability and 12-Month Cessation Rates in Response to Web-Based Smoking Interventions Among Smokers Who Do and Do Not Screen Positive for Affective Disorders: Secondary Analysis.

BackgroundWeb-based cessation programs are now common for intervening with smokers. However, it remains unclear how acceptable or effective these interventions are among people with affective disorders and symptoms (ADS; eg, depression and anxiety). Research examining this is extremely limited, with mixed results on cessation rates. Additional large studies are needed to more fully understand whether Web-based interventions are similarly used and equally effective among people with and without affective disorder symptomology. If not, more targeted Web-based interventions may be required.ObjectiveThe goal of the research was to compare Web-based treatment acceptability (defined by satisfaction and use) and 12-month cessation outcomes between smokers with and without ADS.MethodsParticipants (N=2512) were adult smokers enrolled in a randomized, comparative effectiveness trial of two Web-based smoking interventions designed for the general population of smokers. At baseline, participants reported demographic and smoking characteristics and completed measures assessing ADS. Participants were then classified into subgroups based on their self-reported ADS—either into a no ADS group or into six nonmutually exclusive subgroups: depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and more than one ADS. Surveys at 12 months postrandomization included subjective ratings of treatment acceptability and self-reported smoking cessation. Treatment use (ie, number of log-ins and total duration of exposure) was assessed via automated records.ResultsRelative to the no ADS group, all six ADS subgroups reported significantly greater satisfaction with their assigned Web treatment program, but they spent less time logged in than those with no ADS. For number of log-ins, a treatment arm by ADS group interaction was observed across all ADS subgroups except GAD, suggesting that relative to the no ADS group, they logged in less to one website but not the other. At the 12-month follow-up, abstinence rates in the no ADS group (153/520, 29.42%) were significantly higher than for participants who screened positive for depression (306/1267, 24.15%; P=.03), PTSD (294/1215, 24.19%; P=.03), PD (229/1003, 23.83%; P=.009), and two or more ADS (323/1332, 24.25%; P=.03). Post hoc analyses suggest the lower quit rates may be associated with differences in baseline nicotine dependence and levels of commitment to resist smoking in difficult situations. Website use did not explain the differential abstinence rates.ConclusionsDespite reporting higher levels of treatment satisfaction, most smokers with ADS used their assigned intervention less often and had lower quit rates than smokers with no ADS at treatment onset. The results support the need for developing more targeted interventions for smokers with ADS.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov NCT01812278; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01812278 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/78L9cNdG4)

An Evaluation of Treatment Integrity and Acceptability of Check &amp; Connect

The study reports the treatment integrity and acceptability of Check &amp; Connect (C&amp;C), after implementation by 234 adult mentors with 341 students with social, emotional, and behavioral problems. To address the gaps in the treatment acceptability literature, the study further explored (a) the relation between treatment integrity and treatment acceptability of C&amp;C and (b) the predicted effects of variables investigated in the analog studies on mentors’ treatment acceptability ratings. Overall, mentors implemented C&amp;C with high integrity perceived as an acceptable intervention. Regression analyses showed that mentors who perceived C&amp;C as acceptable implemented it with significantly greater integrity than mentors with lower acceptability ratings. Dosage as well as student and mentor characteristics did not predict mentors’ treatment acceptability ratings. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Evaluating an integrated support model for increasing treatment plan implementation following consultation in schools.

This study examined the percentage of steps implemented from treatment plans following consultation with teachers. Interventions were implemented for 39 elementary school students referred for consultation and treatment for challenging behavior or academic deficits. An integrated support model that included antecedent social influence and planning combined with follow-up performance feedback was compared to weekly structured follow-up interviews. Participating teacher-student dyads were randomly assigned to conditions. Integrated support produced superior treatment implementation and child outcomes compared to weekly follow-up meetings. In contrast, teachers' ratings of consultants' effectiveness, treatment acceptability, and treatment implementation were undifferentiated across conditions. Treatment plan implementation and child behavioral outcomes were statistically significantly correlated. Treatment acceptability and implementation were not correlated at a statistically significant level. The implications of these findings for consultation and treatment research and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

Group cognitive-behavioral treatment for internalized weight stigma: a pilot study.

This study tested a novel group-based, cognitive-behavioral intervention designed to reduce internalized weight stigma among individuals with obesity. A total of eight men and women with obesity who had experienced weight stigma and reported high levels of internalized weight stigma attended the Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma (BIAS) Program. The program provided eight weekly sessions of cognitive-behavioral treatment to cope with weight stigma. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-intervention, including the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), Fat Phobia Scale, Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire (WEL), and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Six additional participants were included in a quasi-control group that received no intervention until after completing all study measures. Participants in the Weight BIAS Program reported significantly greater decreases in WBIS and Fat Phobia scores, and greater increases in WEL scores than participants in the quasi-control group (ps<.04). Changes in BDI-II scores did not differ between groups. Treatment-acceptability ratings were high among participants who received the intervention. Including cognitive-behavioral strategies to address weight stigma in weight management programs could potentially reduce internalized weight stigma and enhance treatment outcomes.