Participant experiences of guided self-help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for improving quality of life in muscle disease: a nested qualitative study within the ACTMus randomized controlled trial

Autor: Victoria Edwards, Chiara Vari, Michael Rose, Christopher D. Graham, Nicola O'Connell, Emma Taylor, Lance M. McCracken, Aleksandar Radunovic, Wojtek Rakowicz, Sam Norton, Trudie Chalder
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Frontiers in Psychology, Vol 14 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 1664-1078
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1233526
Popis: IntroductionIn adults, muscle disease (MD) is typically a chronic long-term condition that can lead to a reduced quality of life (QoL). Previous research suggests that a psychological intervention, in particular Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), may help improve QoL for individuals living with chronic conditions such as MD.MethodsThis nested qualitative study was incorporated within a randomized controlled trial which evaluated a guided self-help ACT intervention for people living with MD to explore their experiences of the intervention. Semi-structured interviews (n = 20) were conducted with those who had received ACT. Data were analyzed via thematic analysis.ResultsThere were four overarching themes. (1) Views on whether therapy sessions would help with a medical condition: participants' expectations regarding ACT varied. Some participants were skeptical about mindfulness. (2) I was able to look at things in a different way: participants described increased meaningful activity, greater awareness of thoughts and emotions and acceptance or adaptation to mobility problems. Some described improvement in the quality of relationships and a sense of feeling free. (3) Treating the body and the mind together: following the intervention participants noted that a holistic approach to healthcare is beneficial. (4) Intervention delivery: The remote delivery was generally seen as helpful for practical reasons and allowed participants to speak openly. Participants voiced a need for follow-up sessions.DiscussionOverall, the intervention was experienced as acceptable. Suggested improvements included de-emphasizing the role of mindfulness and adding follow-up sessions.
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