An Experimental Investigation of Cognitive Defusion Using Emotion-Eliciting Films
Abstract
In the cognitive and behavioral traditions, several distinctive systems of therapy have emerged over the last several decades. More recently, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has developed from a theory that posits most of human suffering arises from the overextension of fundamental linguistic properties (Hayes, 1999). While it is comprised of several core concepts and therapeutic techniques, most of its interventions are aimed at disrupting the tendency of language to catalyze maladaptive thinking while at the same time promoting the embracement of all experience, both positive and negative, and adjusting behaviors to be more parallel with inner values. Initial efficacy studies have demonstrated support for ACT in several areas such as the treatment of trichotillomania (Woods et al., 2005), obsessive-compulsive disorder (Twohig, M.P., et al., 2006), polysubstance-abusing methadone-maintained opiate addicts (Hayes et al., 2004), and inpatients with psychotic symptoms (Guadiano & Herbert, 2006), as well as in the prevention of rehospitalizing psychiatric patients (Bach & Hayes, 2002), coping with pain (Gutierrez et al., 2004),smoking cessation (Gifford et al., 2004), managing worksite stress management (Bond & Bruce, 2000), supporting parents of children diagnosed with autism (Blackledge & Hayes, 2006), and producing better outcomes in a psychology trainee program (Lappalainen et al., 2007).
Subject Area
Quantitative psychology|Cognitive psychology|Experimental psychology
Recommended Citation
Pilecki, Brian C, "An Experimental Investigation of Cognitive Defusion Using Emotion-Eliciting Films" (2009). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI28622602.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI28622602
