Abstract: Employees commonly encounter unpredictable and
unavoidable work related stressors. Exposure to such stressors can
evoke negative appraisals and associated adverse mental, physical,
and behavioral responses. Because Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy (ACT) emphasizes acceptance of unavoidable stressors and
diffusion from negative appraisals, it may be particularly beneficial
for work stress. Forty-five workers were randomly assigned to an
ACT intervention for work stress (n = 21) or a waitlist control group
(n = 24). The intervention consisted of two 3-hour sessions spaced
one week apart. An examination of group process and outcomes was
conducted using the Revised Sessions Rating Scale. Results indicated
that the ACT participants reported that they perceived the
intervention to be supportive, task focused, and without adverse
therapist behaviors (e.g., feelings of being criticized or discounted).
Additionally, the second session (values clarification and
commitment to action) was perceived to be more supportive and task
focused than the first session (mindfulness, defusion). Process ratings
were correlated with outcomes. Results indicated that perceptions of
therapy supportiveness and task focus were associated with reduced
psychological distress and improved perceived physical health.