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The Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention on Inflammation and Stress Biomarkers: a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Psychological processes can be manifested in physiological health. We investigated whether acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), targeted on psychological flexibility (PF), influences inflammation and stress biomarkers among working-age adults with psychological distress and overweigh...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Järvelä-Reijonen, Elina, Puttonen, Sampsa, Karhunen, Leila, Sairanen, Essi, Laitinen, Jaana, Kolehmainen, Mikko, Pihlajamäki, Jussi, Kujala, Urho M, Korpela, Riitta, Ermes, Miikka, Lappalainen, Raimo, Kolehmainen, Marjukka
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Springer US 2020
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7497453/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32394219
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12529-020-09891-8
Descripción
Sumario:BACKGROUND: Psychological processes can be manifested in physiological health. We investigated whether acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), targeted on psychological flexibility (PF), influences inflammation and stress biomarkers among working-age adults with psychological distress and overweight/obesity. METHOD: Participants were randomized into three parallel groups: (1) ACT-based face-to-face (n = 65; six group sessions led by a psychologist), (2) ACT-based mobile (n = 73; one group session and mobile app), and (3) control (n = 66; only the measurements). Systemic inflammation and stress markers were analyzed at baseline, at 10 weeks after the baseline (post-intervention), and at 36 weeks after the baseline (follow-up). General PF and weight-related PF were measured with questionnaires (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight-Related Difficulties). RESULTS: A group × time interaction (p = .012) was detected in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level but not in other inflammation and stress biomarkers. hsCRP decreased significantly in the face-to-face group from week 0 to week 36, and at week 36, hsCRP was lower among the participants in the face-to-face group than in the mobile group (p = .035, post hoc test). Age and sex were stronger predictors of biomarker levels at follow-up than the post-intervention PF. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ACT delivered in group sessions may exert beneficial effects on low-grade systemic inflammation. More research is needed on how to best apply psychological interventions for the health of both mind and body among people with overweight/obesity and psychological distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01738256, Registered 17 August, 2012