New generation behaviour therapy; new generation assessment measures; a review of currently available assessment measures
background Acceptance and commitment therapy (act) is a relatively new form of behaviour therapy, which has relational frame theory as its theoretical foundation. Since act is not aimed primarily at reducing psychopathological symptoms, changes are likely to be needed in the nature and purpose of the assessment measures used.
aim To provide an up-to-date overview of act-measures that are suitable for use with adults and that will assist Dutch-speaking clinicians and researchers.
method We performed a systematic review of the literature.
results More than 50 act-related questionnaires were identified; of these, the aaq-ii was the most suitable for acceptance as an act component, the cfq was the most appropriate for defusion and the sacs was the best for self as context; the ffmq-sf was regarded as the best for contact with the present moment, the vlq for values, the els for committed action and the fit-60 for psychological flexibility.
conclusion Clinicians and researchers with an interest in act have many measures at their disposal. Most of these are available free of charge and can also be used without payment.