Development and validation of the Flexibility of Responses to self-critical Thoughts Scale (FoReST)

Larkin, Peter (2014) Development and validation of the Flexibility of Responses to self-critical Thoughts Scale (FoReST). D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Background: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to help individuals live a life congruent to their values by cultivating psychological flexibility (PF); the ability to respond to experiences with acceptance and creativity. Concurrently, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) addresses the role of self-attacking cognitions on psychological difficulties. Recent work suggests that integrating aspects of CFT into an ACT approach (i.e. developing a person’s PF to self-attacking thoughts through self-compassion) may offer additional therapeutic value. There remains no assessment of this specific therapeutic process.
Aims: The project aimed to develop and validate a new scale to assess flexibility of responses to self-critical thoughts (FoReST).
Methods: Factor Analysis was used to explore factor structure of the FoReST in a convenience sample of 253 adults. Construct validity was explored by comparing FoReST with measures of similar constructs (PF, self-compassion, self-criticism) and potentially related outcomes (anxiety, depression, quality of life).
Findings: Alternative 2-factor (‘unworkable action’ and ‘avoidance’) and 1-factor (‘unworkable action’) versions of the FoReST showed high concurrent validity with similar measures, good predictive validity for mental health and wellbeing outcomes and good internal consistency. The relative strengths and weaknesses of both versions are discussed.
Recommendations: Findings indicate that the FoReST may offer a useful clinical and research tool for emerging forms of ACT for people high in self-criticism. Future research will be required to confirm the factor structure of the FoReST, confirm concurrent, predictive validity, test-retest reliability, and validate the scale in relevant clinical populations.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Acceptance and commitment therapy, self-criticism, goal pursuit, compassion
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: White, Dr. Ross
• Date of Award: 2014
• Depositing User: DR Peter Larkin
• Unique ID: glathesis:2014-5684
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 07 Nov 2014 13:31
• Last Modified: 13 Nov 2014 15:56
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/5684