Pilot evaluation of a resilience training program for people with multiple sclerosis

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Pakenham, Kenneth I
Mawdsley, Matthew
Brown, Felicity L
Burton, Nicola W
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2018
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Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and psychosocial outcomes of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)–based group resilience training program for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Research Method/Design: The study used a pre–post group intervention design with 3-month follow-up. The intervention consisted of 8 group sessions of 2.5 hours each with 7 weekly sessions plus a booster Session 5 weeks later. Thirty-seven PwMS completed questionnaires. Primary psychosocial outcomes were resilience, quality of life (QoL), and distress. Secondary outcomes were the ACT processes: mindfulness, defusion, values and acceptance. Results: Significant improvements were observed for resilience (p = .005; Hedge’s g = .47), physical health QoL (p < .001; g = −.76), mental health QoL (p = .006; g = −.46), depression (p = .009; g = .38), stress (p = .025; g = .33), and 3 ACT processes: defusion (p = .013; g = −.54), values (p = .010; g = −.38), and acceptance (p = .006; g = −.39). Values and defusion emerged as mediators of physical health QoL and stress (90% CI), respectively. Program feasibility was supported by positive participant feedback; high rates of recruitment, attendance, retention, and homework engagement; and good intervention fidelity. Conclusions: Findings provide preliminary support for the utility and feasibility of a community organization delivered ACT-based group resilience training program for improving resilience, QoL, depression, stress, and protective factors (defusion, values, acceptance) in PwMS.

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Rehabilitation Psychology

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63

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1

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© 2018 American Psycological Association. This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record. Reproduced here in accordance with publisher policy. Please refer to the journal link for access to the definitive, published version.

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Clinical sciences

Psychology

Other psychology not elsewhere classified

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