Mechanisms of change in mobile app-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder in China: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.
Chunxiao Zhao, Zhihong Ren, Michael E Levin et al.
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In 30 seconds
This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examined the mediating mechanisms of a mobile app-delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (IACT) program for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in China. The study found that the IACT group (n=78) showed significantly greater improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to a waitlist control group (n=67). Four components of psychological flexibility fully mediated the intervention's effects on PTSD outcomes.
Key findings
- The IACT group showed significantly greater improvements in PTSD symptoms compared to the waitlist control group.
- Acceptance, self-as-context, cognitive defusion, and committed action fully mediated the effects of the IACT intervention on PTSD outcomes.
- Valued living and present-moment awareness served as partial mediators for the effects of the IACT intervention on PTSD outcomes.
- Enhancing six components of psychological flexibility may be crucial for effective IACT treatment of PTSD.
Why it matters
Understanding the mediating mechanisms of psychological flexibility can inform clinicians about the specific processes that contribute to the effectiveness of IACT in treating PTSD, potentially guiding therapeutic approaches.