A Pilot Study Examining the Initial Effectiveness of a Brief Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy for Modifying Diet and Physical Activity Among Cardiac Patients

• Published in: Behavior modification Vol. 36; no. 2; pp. 199 - 217
• Main Authors: Goodwin, Christina L., Forman, Evan M., Herbert, James D., Butryn, Meghan L., Ledley, Gary S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.03.2012; Sage Publications; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Behavior Change; Behavior Modification; Behavior Therapy - methods; Behavior therapy. Cognitive therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiovascular Diseases - therapy; Consciousness; Diet; Diet - psychology; Dietetics; Exercise - psychology; Female; Health Behavior; Health Promotion; Heart; Heart Disorders; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Metacognition; Middle Aged; Mortality; Outcomes of Treatment; Patient Compliance - psychology; Patients; Physical Activities; Physical Fitness; Pilot Projects; Psychological Factors; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Risk; Risk factors; Satisfaction; Therapy; Treatments; Values; cardiac patients; diet; acceptance-based; physical activity; Physical exercise; Human; Acceptance; Treatment; Cardiovascular disease; Behavior therapy
• ISSN: 0145-4455; 1552-4167
• DOI: 10.1177/0145445511427770

Approximately 90% of cardiac events are attributable to a small number of modifiable behavioral risk factors that, if changed, can greatly decrease morbidity and mortality. However, few at-risk individuals make recommended behavioral changes, including those who receive formal interventions designed to facilitate healthy behavior. Given evidence for the potential of specific psychological factors inherent in acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT; that is, intolerance of discomfort, mindfulness, and values clarity) to impact health behavior change, the authors evaluated the feasibility and initial effectiveness of an ABBT pilot program designed to increase adherence to behavioral recommendations among cardiac patients. Participants (N = 16) were enrolled in four, 90-min group sessions focused on developing mindfulness and distress tolerance skills, and strengthening commitment to health-related behavior change. Participants reported high treatment satisfaction and comprehension and made positive changes in diet and physical activity. This was the first evaluation of an ABBT program aimed at increasing heart-healthy behaviors among cardiac patients.