The development and validation of the Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes (CompACT)

Abstract

Extant ACT process measures are typically circumscribed in their focus (limited to particular theoretical sub-processes or contexts of application) and have been subject to critique in terms of their discriminant validity and conflation of process and outcome variables. Conceptual questions therefore remain regarding how best to operationalize and measure core ACT processes. In this study, we describe the development of a new general measure of ACT processes (the CompACT) and explore the measure's factor structure, validity and reliability. In phase one, ACT experts rated the face and content validity of 106 items using a Delphi consensus methodology, and produced an initial 37-itemed measure. In phase two, a nonclinical sample of participants (N = 377) completed the CompACT and measures of other theoretically related and unrelated variables. An exploratory factor analysis suggested a theoretically-coherent three-factor structure (clustering ACT's six processes into three dyadic processes) for a 23-itemed version of the CompACT. The CompACT demonstrated good internal consistency, and converged and diverged in theory-consistent ways with other measured variables: higher levels of psychological inflexibility were associated with higher levels of distress and lower levels of health and wellbeing. The CompACT shows initial promise as a general measure of ACT processes.

The buffer role of psychological flexibility against the impact of major life events on depression symptoms

“…commitment action) (Francis, Dawson, & Golijani-Moghaddam, 2016). Psychological flexibility enables one to shift behavioural repertoires when they compromise personal or social functioning and to adapt to diverse situational demands (Kashdan & Rottenberg, 2010).…”

“…Recently, a comprehensive measure of the ACT processes (CompACT) was developed to measure psychological flexibility and its sub‐processes as conceptualised within ACT model. CompACT is composed of three factors: openness to experience (acceptance and cognitive defusion), behavioural awareness (contact with the present moment), and valued action (values and commitment action) (Francis, Dawson, & Golijani‐Moghaddam, ).…”

“…2.2.2 | Comprehensive assessment of acceptance and commitment therapy processes (CompACT;Francis et al, 2016; Portuguese version by Trindade et al, 2019) …”

Investigating the role of psychological flexibility, masculine self‐esteem and stoicism as predictors of psychological distress and quality of life in men living with prostate cancer

“…One recent addition to psychological understandings of avoidance is provided by the psychological flexibility model (Francis, Dawson, & Golijani-Moghaddam, 2016;Hayes, Luoma, Bond, Masuda, & Lillis, 2006;Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 2012). It suggests that our ability to adopt a mindset that is open to our experience and awareness of how we are being influenced by internal and external stimuli will allow us to respond to adversity in ways that keep us engaged in meaningful life activities.…”

A case series of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for reducing symptom interference in functional neurological disorders

“…Quantitative studies suggest that the AAQ-II has strong psychometric properties (Bond et al, 2011). However, some have questioned the content validity and comprehensibility of the questionnaire (Francis, Dawson, & Golijani-Moghaddam, 2016;Wolgast, 2014).…”