Areas of Study
Our research emphasizes:
We focus primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), but are more broadly interested in clinical behavior analytic approaches to treatment and the use of mindfulness, acceptance and values-based therapeutic processes. We conduct research on a range of problem areas such as obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders, obesity, chronic health conditions, and stigma. We have a wide variety of research studies in planning, data collection, and data analysis phases at any given time in our research group. These often include a combination of clinical trials, survey research, and laboratory-based experiments. Listed below are major research areas overseen by Drs. Twohig and Levin.
- Understanding pathological processes that contribute to psychological problems and can inform interventions.
- Clarifying the mechanisms of change and active treatment components of ACT.
- Translating this research into innovative ACT interventions delivered by a therapist or in a self-guided online format..
We focus primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), but are more broadly interested in clinical behavior analytic approaches to treatment and the use of mindfulness, acceptance and values-based therapeutic processes. We conduct research on a range of problem areas such as obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, addictions, eating disorders, obesity, chronic health conditions, and stigma. We have a wide variety of research studies in planning, data collection, and data analysis phases at any given time in our research group. These often include a combination of clinical trials, survey research, and laboratory-based experiments. Listed below are major research areas overseen by Drs. Twohig and Levin.
ACT Delivered In-Person or Online by a Therapist
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Overseen by Dr. Twohig, we are evaluating ACT delivered by graduate student therapists for a range of mental and behavioral health problems. These include in-person individual and group therapy trials as well as telehealth with therapy provided through videoconferencing.
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Self-Guided & Adjunctive Online ACT
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Overseen by Dr. Levin, we are conducting a number of studies developing and evaluating online ACT programs. These include self-guided websites and mobile apps as well as adjunctive self-help resources used for clients waiting or currently receiving therapy.
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Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
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Overseen by Dr. Twohig, our research group studies the role of ACT processes of change and clinical application of ACT to OCD and related disorders such as trichitillomania.
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College Student Mental Health
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Overseen by Dr. Levin, our research group conducts research on using ACT to improve college mental health. This primarily includes projects evaluating online self-guided interventions for a range of problems students might struggle with, though we are also evaluating in-person ACT.
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Weight Self-Stigma and Health Behavior Change
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Overseen by Dr. Levin, we are developing and evaluating online and self-guided ACT interventions to improve diet, physical activity, and weight maintenance. This research especially focuses on weight self-stigma as a novel target for improving physical health and well-being.
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Component and Process of Change Research
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Drs. Levin and Twohig oversee a variety of studies evaluating the combined and isolated effects of the components of ACT and its processes of change. These include online dismantling and component trials, laboratory-based studies, ecological momentary assessment and intervention research, and clinical trials measuring processes of change.
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