title: A randomised worksite comparison of acceptance and commitment therapy and stress inoculation training.
abstract: In this comparative intervention study, 107 working individuals with above average levels of distress were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT; n = 37); stress inoculation training (SIT; n = 37); or a waitlist control group (n = 33). The interventions were delivered to small groups in the workplace via two half-day training sessions. ACT and SIT were found to be equally effective in reducing psychological distress across a three month assessment period. Mediation analysis indicated that the beneficial impact of ACT on mental health resulted from an increase in psychological flexibility rather than from a change in dysfunctional cognitive content. Contrary to hypothesis, a reduction in dysfunctional cognitions did not mediate change in the SIT condition. Results suggest that the worksite may offer a useful, yet underutilised, arena for testing cognitive-behavioural theories of change.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, City University, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB, United Kingdom. paul.flaxman.1@city.ac.uk
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Flaxman
authors.forename: Frank W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Bond
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*; D006113:United Kingdom; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology*