Patients’ experiences of an acceptance and commitment therapy-based approach for psychosocial difficulties relating to an appearance-affecting condition

Zucchelli, Fabio A; Donnelly, Olivia; Sharratt, Nick; Hooper, Nic; Williamson, Heidi M

Abstract

Some individuals with appearance-affecting conditions experience psychosocial challenges such as social anxiety and avoidance. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may offer a suitable approach for these challenges. This qualitative study investigated the lived experiences of patients with such appearance-related concerns, who had been through a one-to-one ACT-based intervention. It was expected that this would offer insights into the processes underpinning any positive impacts of therapy, potentially including ACT-specific elements. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six female patients of a specialist clinical psychology service, where an appearance-focused ACT-based intervention was delivered. Participants described their experiences of therapy, any impact it had on their lives, and to what they attributed any changes. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, a qualitative method suited to exploring individuals’ lived experiences, was used. Four superordinate themes emerged: Progress in body confidence, developing ways to take control over (re)action, developing acceptance of appearance, and compassion. These processes emanated from the participants’ relationship with the treating psychologist, as well as specific skills used in sessions, and were enacted through participants’ engagement in life-fulfilling activities. One-to-one ACT-based therapy appeared to help expedite the process of accepting a changed appearance, which participants highlighted as an important step in adjusting to their appearance. Participants’ account of their improved body confidence can be understood in terms of an existing model of body image coping, offering a theoretical framework worthy of exploration in relation to ACT processes for this population. Participants’ accounts also convey the centrality of therapists expressing compassion and helping patients to cultivate self-compassion.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 31, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Mar 31, 2021
• Publication Date: 2020
• Deposit Date: Apr 22, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 3, 2021
• Journal: The European Journal of Counselling Psychology
• Publisher: PsychOpen
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 29-40
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.46853/001c.22012
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7248976