Alameda

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention in reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life for family caregivers of stroke survivors. This study aims to determine if caregivers who participate in the ACT group show better psychological outcomes and if changes in psychological flexibility and experiential avoidance influence these results. The study is conducted in the United States and uses a quasi-experimental design comparing an intervention group with a waiting list control group. Participants in the intervention group will attend a 5-week program consisting of weekly 1.5-hour group sessions based on the ACT model. The control group will not receive the intervention initially but will complete the same assessments as the intervention group and receive the ACT program after the intervention group finishes. The study measures will be collected at three time points: before treatment, immediately after treatment, and at a 2-month follow-up. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires measuring psychological distress, quality of life, psychological flexibility, experiential avoidance, and caregiver strain. These assessments include the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory - Short Form, Adult Carer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Experiential Avoidance in Caregiving Questionnaire, and Modified Caregiver Strain Index. The study includes safety monitoring and long-term follow-up up to two months after treatment. Participants will be monitored for changes in psychological health and caregiving burden throughout the study.