Background:<\/strong> Given that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a\u00a0psychotherapeutic\u00a0model aimed at increasing psychological flexibility, with an emphasis on\u00a0experiential\u00a0acceptance and the pursuit of values, this approach holds potential for\u00a0living and\u00a0coping with CFS.<\/p>\n Methods:<\/strong> Results:<\/strong> Conclusion:<\/strong> Acceptance and commitment therapy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: a case series approach<\/a>, by\u00a0Lauren Roche. DClinPsy thesis<\/a>, University of Lincoln.\u00a02 Sep 2016<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Research abstract: Background: Acceptance is understood to be an important element in coping with\u00a0chronic\u00a0illnesses, linked to positive outcomes such as reduced symptoms and\u00a0greater quality\u00a0of life. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disabling syndrome that is\u00a0associated\u00a0with a poor reported quality of … Continue reading
\nAcceptance is understood to be an important element in coping with\u00a0chronic\u00a0illnesses, linked to positive outcomes such as reduced symptoms and\u00a0greater quality\u00a0of life. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disabling syndrome that is\u00a0associated\u00a0with a poor reported quality of life even in comparison to other chronic\u00a0conditions.<\/p>\n
\nThis study used a mixed method multiple single case design to explore\u00a0the effects of
\na six week self-help ACT intervention with six participants with CFS.<\/p>\n
\nSignificant increases in ‘engaged response style’ was replicated in four\u00a0out of six
\nparticipants and maintained at follow up, with the qualitative data\u00a0adding further
\nvalidity to the importance of the values component of the intervention.\u00a0Low initial
\nacceptance scores improved in four participants but were not maintained.\u00a0Overall
\nmeasures of psychological flexibility indicated improvements maintained\u00a0at follow up
\nfor three participants. All participants wearing the activity monitor\u00a0showed increased
\nphysical activity post-intervention, three of which maintained this at\u00a0follow up. Five
\nparticipants reported less symptoms and disability, which was maintained\u00a0for three
\nparticipants. The implicit measure indicated that underlying beliefs\u00a0remained stable.<\/p>\n
\nThis study was largely exploratory but it seems that this intervention\u00a0might be of
\nbenefit to some individuals with CFS, particularly in the promotion and\u00a0pursuit of
\nindividual values. This study adds support to the role of acceptance in\u00a0CFS however
\nin this format at least it seems that any benefits from the intervention\u00a0are difficult to
\nmaintain. Although improvements in overall psychological flexibility\u00a0were replicated in
\nthree out of six participants, this prompts discussion about the\u00a0ineffectiveness of the
\nintervention for other participants.<\/p>\n