Date of Award:

12-2011

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Michael P. Twohig

Committee

Michael P. Twohig

Committee

Clinton E. Field

Committee

Gretchen G. Peacock

Committee

Timothy A. Slocum

Committee

David M. Stein

Abstract

There is growing support for the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as a treatment for adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). No research has been published to date on the use of ACT as a treatment for adolescent OCD. To begin investigating ACT for youth OCD, a multiple baseline study was conducted. The primary measure was self-monitoring of compulsions and assessor completed (CY-BOCS). Three adolescent participants, ages 12 to 17, were treated with 8 to 10 sessions of ACT (without exposure). Results showed that the intervention was successful for all participants, with a 40% mean reduction in self-reported compulsions. Near absence of compulsions was reported by two of three participants at posttreatment. CY-BOCS ratings decreased by an average of 28.2%. Treatment procedures were rated by participants and parents as highly acceptable. Experimental and clinical implications of results are discussed. Data suggest that ACT may be a viable treatment as an alternative or an adjunct to exposure-based treatments.

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Comments

Publication made available electronically December 21, 2011.

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