FACT: A pilot study of process-based therapy to promote occupational well-being

Abstract

The current study tests the effects of a brief intervention program based on the contextual therapies (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy) to enhance the well-being and interpersonal relationships in the workplace. This research represents a unified model (FACT) based on functional contextualism. As pilot study, we present the application with two workers with relational and emotional problems between them. We use a single-case design measuring pre, post and follow-up after six months. The assessment was made with various questionnaires and direct measurement of clinically relevant behaviors. The total intervention was carried out individually for a month and a half. The results revealed improvements in both employees about their personal and professional relationships, and also appearing generalisation with improvements in other areas (intimacy, personal relationships, family, friends). The study has implications by highlighting the importance of behavioral analysis of problems in work relationships, and by showing that the integration of contextual therapies can produce rapid results in non-clinical situations. Lastly, the in-depth insight into the change processes triggered by the interventions with FACT as a way to include this approach based on evidence philosophy applied in the workplace.