Validating measures of psychological flexibility in a population with acquired brain injury

Whiting, D. L., Deane, F. P., Ciarrochi, J., McLeod, H. and Simpson, G. K. (2015) Validating measures of psychological flexibility in a population with acquired brain injury. Psychological Assessment, 27(2), pp. 415-423. (doi: 10.1037/pas0000050) (PMID:25419644)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

This study presents preliminary validation data on both the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire—Acquired Brain Injury (AAQ-ABI) and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire—II (AAQ-II). Data from 150 participants with ABI was subject to exploratory factor analysis on the AAQ-ABI (15 items). A subset of 75 participants with ABI completed a larger battery of measures to test construct validity for the AAQ-ABI and to undertake a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the AAQ-II (7 items). Three meaningful factors were identified on the AAQ-ABI: Reactive Avoidance, Denial, and Active Acceptance. Reactive Avoidance demonstrated good internal and test–retest consistency (α = .89) and correlated in expected directions with other related measures including the AAQ-II. CFA of the AAQ-II did not provide a good fit but did have similar correlations with measures of psychological distress as found in prior non-ABI samples. The results suggest both measures can be used with individuals following an ABI but they index different facets of psychological flexibility. The AAQ-ABI appears to measure psychological flexibility about the thoughts and feelings relating to the brain injury itself while the AAQ-II measures psychological flexibility around general psychological distress. Future research could explore the additional 2 factors of the AAQ-ABI and use these measures in outcome studies that promote psychological flexibility in individuals with an ABI.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:McLeod, Professor Hamish
Authors: Whiting, D. L., Deane, F. P., Ciarrochi, J., McLeod, H., and Simpson, G. K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Psychological Assessment
Publisher:American Psychological Association
ISSN:1040-3590
ISSN (Online):1939-134X

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record