DClinPsy Portfolio Volume 1 of 3 - University of Hertfordshire ...

This study has supported the relationship between an eating disorder history (in the
family), mood disorders and body image dissatisfaction in relation to higher inflexibility
and EDR. If the components of inflexibility are tackled they may decrease the other risk
factors thus inflexibility may serve a function amongst other theoretical and empirical
concepts constituting a base for tailored therapeutic input.
ACT holds that moving from inflexibility to flexibility involves six key processes. These
are: achieving acceptance as an alternative to experiential avoidance (including
embracing private events such as thoughts and physical sensations) without trying to
change their frequency or form. Secondly, cognitive defusion as opposed to fusion,
whereby the way one interacts with or relates to their thoughts are changed, so that they
don’t treat all thoughts as literal truths.
Thirdly, being present by non-judgmentally experiencing the world and fourthly, self as
context refers to being aware of ones own flow of experiences without attachment to
them. The last two are choosing life directions/values and taking committed action. These
six processes are understood to be both overlapping and interrelated and can be chunked
into two groupings. Mindfulness and acceptance processes involve acceptance, defusion,
and contact with the present moment and self as context. Commitment and behaviour
change processes involve contact with the present moment, self as context, values and
committed action, (Hayes, Luoma, Bond, Masuda and Lillis, 2006).
The findings from this study suggest that the ACT concept of inflexibility could be useful
in the understanding and treatment of eating disorders and other associated problems.
Evidence for the current treatments for eating disorders will be considered below before
further exemplifying the use of ACT in EDs.
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