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

Authors: Ainsworth, B., Bolderston, H. and Garner, M.

Journal: Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume: 91

Pages: 72-77

eISSN: 1873-622X

ISSN: 0005-7967

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 min 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.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/26777/

Source: Scopus

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

Authors: Ainsworth, B., Bolderston, H. and Garner, M.

Journal: Behav Res Ther

Volume: 91

Pages: 72-77

eISSN: 1873-622X

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 min 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.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/26777/

Source: PubMed

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

Authors: Ainsworth, B., Bolderston, H. and Garner, M.

Journal: Behaviour Research and Therapy

Publisher: Elsevier

ISSN: 0005-7967

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.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/26777/

Source: Manual

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

Authors: Ainsworth, B., Bolderston, H. and Garner, M.

Journal: Behaviour research and therapy

Volume: 91

Pages: 72-77

eISSN: 1873-622X

ISSN: 0005-7967

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 min 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.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/26777/

Source: Europe PubMed Central

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

Authors: Ainsworth, B., Bolderston, H. and Garner, M.

Journal: Behaviour Research and Therapy

Volume: 91

Issue: April

Pages: 72-77

ISSN: 0005-7967

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.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/26777/

Source: BURO EPrints