The general aim of this study is to assess whether an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) informed programme can positively influence the adjustment and self-concept of people who have been diagnosed with MS over the past 5 years. The study will also look at how the above can influence mental well-being.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy that uses various tools, techniques, and strategies to help people focus on the present moment and allow them to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgement. Through this, ACT helps people move through difficult emotions and thoughts and focus on purposeful and meaningful things rather than dwell on the negatives.

Self-concept is a part of our ‘self’ and our identity. In simple terms, self-concept is a collection of beliefs about oneself, embodying the answer to the question “Who am I?”. It is how people see themselves in light of multiple factors and contexts.

This study aims to run a 6-week guided self-help programme based on ACT principles to target adjustment and self-concept. This will include mindfulness, values-based living, self-compassion, goals and actions, thoughts defusion and ‘the noticing self’. The programme is designed for participants to dedicate 60-90 minutes per week per session, suggesting that participants focus on one session per week. The programme will encourage the development of strategies to help manage some of the symptoms that come with an MS diagnosis and support individuals in using them in everyday life.

Full details of the trial can be found at https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6mxOyY4HiAgdEbk .

• Individuals aged 18+.
• English speaking.
• Individuals diagnosed with any type of MS within the past 5 years (2019 onwards).
• Individuals with access to an electronic device (laptop/computer/tablet or a smartphone).
• Individuals able to commit to a 6-week programme (independently completing one session per week for 6 weeks) and a short follow-up 6 weeks after completing the programme (follow-up consists of completing four outcome questionnaires, and a feedback questionnaire only).

• Individuals diagnosed longer than 5 years ago (before 2019).
• Individuals with severe symptoms of depression and/or severe cognitive impairments (as determined by screening questionnaires in the link provided below) that may impact their ability to complete the programme.
• Individuals who are currently undergoing any psychological therapy, or those who have completed therapy in the past 3 months (between August and October 2024).

31st October 2024

Primary researcher: Marta Mackowiak (Trainee Clinical Psychologist) @ mm1248@exeter.ac.uk

Study supervisor: Dr Raluca Topciu (Senior Lecturer, QI Research Lead and Academic Lead) @ r.a.topciu@exeter.ac.uk

Yes

Full details of the trial can be found at https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6mxOyY4HiAgdEbk and the study poster (attached).AUS MS Thesis Recruitment Poster

5/11/2024