ERIC Number: EJ1001579
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Feb
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1077-7229
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Available Date: N/A
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Older Adults: Rationale and Considerations
Petkus, Andrew J.; Wetherell, Julie Loebach
Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, v20 n1 p47-56 Feb 2013
Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the population. With these changing demographics, mental health professionals will be seeing more older clients. Additionally, older adults are an underserved population in that most older adults in need of mental health services do not receive treatment. Thus, it is essential that treatments for mental and behavioral health problems are empirically supported with older adults and that mental health professionals are aware of the special needs of older adult populations. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an emerging approach to the treatment of distress. The purpose of this article is to provide a rationale for using ACT with older adults based on gerontological theory and research. We also review research on ACT-related processes in later life. We present a case example of an older man with depression and anxiety whom we treated with ACT. Finally, we describe treatment recommendations and important adaptations that need to be considered when using ACT with older adults and discuss important areas for future research. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Health Services, Therapy, Mental Health, Older Adults, Depression (Psychology), Mental Health Workers, Mental Health Programs, Gerontology, Case Studies, Males, Anxiety, Research Needs, Cognitive Restructuring
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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