Skip to main content

Testing the differential effects of acceptance and attention-based psychological interventions on intrusive thoughts and worry.

Ainsworth, B., Bolderston, H. and Garner, M., 2017. Testing the differential effects of acceptance and attention-based psychological interventions on intrusive thoughts and worry. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 91 (April), 72-77.

Full text available as:

[img]
Preview
PDF
1-s2.0-S0005796717300190-main.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

595kB
[img]
Preview
PDF (OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE)
1-s2.0-S0005796717300190-main.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

401kB

DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2017.01.012

Abstract

Background: Worry is a key component of anxiety and may be an effective target for therapeutic intervention. We compared two psychological processes (attention and acceptance) on the frequency of intrusive worrying thoughts in an experimental worry task. Method: 77 participants were randomised across three groups and completed either a 10 minute attention or acceptance-based psychological exercise, or progressive muscle relaxation control. We subsequently measured anxiety, and the content and frequency of intrusive thoughts before and after a ‘worry induction task’. Results: Groups did not differ in baseline worry, anxiety or thought intrusions. Both attention and acceptance-based groups experienced fewer negative thought intrusions (post-worry) compared to the relaxation control group. The acceptance exercise had the largest effect, preventing ‘worry induction’. Increases in negative intrusive thoughts predicted subjective anxiety. Discussion: We provide evidence that acceptance and attention psychological exercises may reduce anxiety by reducing the negative thought intrusions that characterise worry.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:0005-7967
Additional Information:Open Access funded by Medical Research Council
Uncontrolled Keywords:Anxiety; Attention; Acceptance; Mindfulness; Meditation; Worry
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:26777
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:02 Feb 2017 10:06
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 14:02

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

More statistics for this item...
Repository Staff Only -