Acceptance and Commitment Training for Weight-related Experiential Avoidance

This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) in reducing weight-related experiential avoidance. Data were collected with a convenience sampling technique. After obtaining ethical approval, participants were invited to participate in the study via advertisements, and online posts. Due to the small sample size, participants who were willing to attend group discussions were included in the experimental group. Participants in the control group did not receive manipulation. All participants were provided with an informed consent form. All participants completed a questionnaire measuring outcomes (weight-related experiential avoidance, general experiential avoidance, eating attitudes, and social physique anxiety) at pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Participants in the experimental group received ACT training including 6 sessions. The protocol was adapted from Pearson et al. (2012) with their permission. Each session took approximately 80 mins. Several aspects of ACT approach were discussed in the sessions. In session one, ACT approach was introduced. In session two, creative hopelessness was discussed. In session three, control strategies related to weight concern were identified. In session four, mindfulness exercises were completed. In the fifth session, values for meaningful life experience were discussed. In the last, sixth session, the ways to commit to action were discussed. Each session included exercises and homework. At the end of the study, the participants were provided with debrief form.