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Completed

NCT Number: NCT05486442

ACT for Weight-related Experiential Avoidance

This study aimed to investigate whether Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training would be helpful to reduce weight-related experiential avoidance among individuals who reported weight concern

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Key information

Conditions

Eating Behavior Behavior Behavior, Animal Feeding Behavior

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Near East University

Nicosia, Cyprus

About this study

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) in reducing weight-related experiential avoidance. Data were collected with a convenience sampling technique. After obtaining ethical approval, participants were invited to participate in the study via advertisements, and online posts. Due to the small sample size, participants who were willing to attend group discussions were included in the experimental group. Participants in the control group did not receive manipulation. All participants were provided with an informed consent form. All participants completed a questionnaire measuring outcomes (weight-related experiential avoidance, general experiential avoidance, eating attitudes, and social physique anxiety) at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Participants in the experimental group received ACT training including 6 sessions. The protocol was adapted from Pearson et al. (2012) with their permission. Each session took approximately 80 mins. Several aspects of ACT approach were discussed in the sessions. In session one, ACT approach was introduced. In session two, creative hopelessness was discussed. In session three, control strategies related to weight concern were identified. In session four, mindfulness exercises were completed. In the fifth session, values for meaningful life experience were discussed. In the last, sixth session, the ways to commit to action were discussed. Each session included exercises and homework. At the end of the study, the participants were provided with debrief form.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Individuals who were 18 years and older
  • Ability to read and understand Turkish

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals who have received mental health intervention over the last one year
  • and those who were diagnosed with an eating disorder were excluded from the analyses

Treatment and study plan

ACT for weight-related experiential avoidance

Behavioral

Participants in the experimental group received weight concern-related ACT training in a group setting. Each session focused on different dimensions of ACT and included relevant exercises and homeworks. Dimensions studied included creative hopelessness, control strategies, mindfulness exercises, values and barries to values and commitment to action.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in weight-related experiential avoidance

    Time frame: At three time points (pre-intervention [baseline], immediately after the intervention, and at three weeks after the intervention)

    It was measured by Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight-Related Difficulties-Revised. The scale includes 10 items that are rated on 7 points scale (1 = not true at all - 7 = completely true). Higher scores indicate greater weight related experiential avoidance.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in eating attitudes

    Time frame: At three time points (pre-intervention [baseline], immediately after the intervention, and at three weeks after the intervention)

    Eating attitudes were measured by The Eating Attitudes Test-26. It includes 26 items that are rated on 4 point scale ('3 = Always, 2 = Usually, 1 = Often, 0 = Sometimes, Rarely, and Never'). The last item (26) requires reverse coding. Scores 20 and above indicate dysfunctional eating attitudes.

  2. Change in general experiential avoidance

    Time frame: At three time points (pre-intervention [baseline], immediately after the intervention, and at three weeks after the intervention)

    It was measured by Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. It includes 7 items that are rated on 7 point scale (1 = never true - 7 = always true). Minimum and maximum scores range between 7 and 49 points. Higher scores indicate greater general experiential avoidance (psychological inflexibility).

  3. Change in social physique anxiety

    Time frame: At three time points (pre-intervention [baseline], immediately after the intervention, and at three weeks after the intervention)

    It was measured by The Social Physique Anxiety Scale. The scale includes 12 items are rated on a 5-point scale (1=not at all true to 5=extremely true). Higher scores indicate a higher level of anxiety related to the social physique. Only item 1, 2, 5, 8 and 11 requires reverse coding.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bahcesehir Cyprus University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Acceptance and Commitment Training for Weight-related Experiential Avoidance

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Aug 3, 2022
Registry last updated
Aug 3, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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