Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2012
Abstract
Objective—Randomized comparisons of acceptance-based treatments with traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders are lacking. To address this research gap, we compared acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to CBT for heterogeneous anxiety disorders.
Method—One hundred twenty eight individuals (52% female, mean age = 38, 33% minority) with one or more DSM-IV anxiety disorders began treatment following randomization to 12 sessions of CBT or ACT; both treatments included behavioral exposure. Assessments at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up measured anxiety specific (principal disorder Clinical Severity Ratings [CSR], Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Fear Questionnaire avoidance) and non-anxiety specific (Quality of Life Index [QOLI], Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-16 [AAQ]) outcomes. Treatment adherence and therapist competency ratings, treatment credibility, and co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders were investigated.
Results—CBT and ACT improved similarly across all outcomes from pre- to post-treatment. During follow-up, ACT showed steeper CSR improvements than CBT (p < .05, d = 1.33) and at 12-month follow-up, ACT showed lower CSRs than CBT among completers (p < .05, d = 1.05). At 12-month follow-up, ACT reported higher AAQ than CBT (p = .08, d = .42; Completers: p < .05, d = .59) whereas CBT reported higher QOLI than ACT (p < .05, d = .43). Attrition and comorbidity improvements were similar, although ACT utilized more non-study psychotherapy at 6-month follow-up. Therapist adherence and competency were good; treatment credibility was higher in CBT.
Conclusions—Overall improvement was similar between ACT and CBT, indicating that ACT is a highly viable treatment for anxiety disorders.
Recommended Citation
Arch, J. J., Eifert, G. H., Davies, C., Plumb, C., Rose, R. D., & Craske, M. G. (2012). Randomized clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for mixed anxiety disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(5), 750–765. http://doi.org/10.1037/a0028310
Copyright
American Psychological Association
Included in
Cognitive Psychology Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Other Psychology Commons
Comments
This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, volume 80, issue 5, in 2012 following peer review. The definitive publisher-authenticated version is available online at DOI: 10.1037/a0028310.
This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record.