Acceptance and commitment therapy groups for individuals with psychosis: a grounded theory analysis

Theoretical assumptions and emerging research point to possible mechanisms of change in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for psychosis. However, the specific processes by which change occurs remain unclear and under-researched. No current research has explored processes facilitating change in the group format of an ACT intervention for psychosis.
Participant perspectives were sought to help elucidate potential mechanisms of change. Nine participants of ACT groups for people with psychosis were interviewed about their experiences of the intervention. Interviews were analysed using methods and techniques informed by grounded theory.
A proposed model outlined key mechanisms of awareness, relating differently and reconnecting with life, which led to reductions in distress and behavioural change. Leaning on others highlighted the importance of the group context in supporting change processes.
The processes identified, and the mechanisms through which these were achieved, as articulated by participants, were consistent with proposed change processes. Participants also offered additional insights based on experiential accounts. Contributions to theoretical understandings and clinical practice are discussed.