title: Acceptance-based behavioral therapy for GAD: effects on outcomes from three theoretical models.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), many individuals remain symptomatic following treatment, indicating a need for further treatment development. As a result, many researchers have developed unique cognitive-behavioral therapies that highlight specific targets for intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  The current study examined the effect of an acceptance-based behavioral therapy for GAD on the proposed targets for intervention highlighted in several theoretical models: emotion regulation difficulties, intolerance of uncertainty, and low perceptions of control. Clients were randomly assigned to immediate (n=15) or delayed (n=16) treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individuals treated with the acceptance-based behavioral therapy reported significantly fewer difficulties in emotion regulation and fear of emotional responses, as well as greater tolerance of uncertainty and perceived control over anxiety than individuals in the waitlist control condition. In addition, these effects were maintained at 3- and 9-month follow-up assessments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study provides promising evidence that an acceptance-based behavioral therapy for GAD has significant effects on the unique targets of intervention highlighted in several prominent theoretical models of GAD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, USA. mtrean@gmail.com
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Treanor
authors.forename: Shannon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Erisman
authors.forename: Kristalyn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Salters-Pedneault
authors.forename: Lizabeth
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Roemer
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Orsillo
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D001519:Behavior; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D035501:Uncertainty; D055815:Young Adult