Testing the differential effects of acceptance and attention-based psychological interventions on intrusive thoughts and worry.
B Ainsworth, H Bolderston, M Garner
Behaviour Research and Therapy April 2017 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2017.01.012 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 77 |
| Population | Adults (participants in an experimental worry task) |
| Interventions | Acceptance-based psychological exercise Progressive muscle relaxation |
| Duration | 10 min exercise, with measurements before and after a worry induction task |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Acceptance Attention Worry |
| Key findings | Both a 10-minute attention-based exercise and a 10-minute acceptance-based exercise led to fewer negative thought intrusions after a worry induction task than progressive muscle relaxation, with acceptance showing the largest effect and preventing worry induction. Increases in negative intrusive thoughts predicted subjective anxiety, suggesting these exercises may reduce anxiety by targeting worry-related intrusions. |
Abstract
Worry is a key component of anxiety and may be an effective target for therapeutic intervention. We compared two psychological processes (attention and acceptance) on the frequency of intrusive worrying thoughts in an experimental worry task. 77 participants were randomised across three groups and completed either a 10 min attention or acceptance-based psychological exercise, or progressive muscle relaxation control. We subsequently measured anxiety, and the content and frequency of intrusive thoughts before and after a 'worry induction task'. Groups did not differ in baseline worry, anxiety or thought intrusions. Both attention and acceptance-based groups experienced fewer negative thought intrusions (post-worry) compared to the relaxation control group. The acceptance exercise had the largest effect, preventing 'worry induction'. Increases in negative intrusive thoughts predicted subjective anxiety. We provide evidence that acceptance and attention psychological exercises may reduce anxiety by reducing the negative thought intrusions that characterise worry.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Fears of compassion differentially relate to recognition of positive emotions in others after inductions of loving-kindness or muscle relaxation: a study among highly socially anxious young adults. Cognition & Emotion June 1, 2026
- An EEG-Based Positive Feedback Mechanism for VR Mindfulness Meditation to Improve Emotion Regulation IEEE Transactions on Computational Social Systems October 1, 2025
- Escaping from worries: Comparing the effectiveness of focusing on one's breath, a neutral and a positive distractor in worry control. Current Psychology September 19, 2022
- Mindfulness Meditation Leads To Increased Dispositional Mindfulness And Interoceptive Awareness Linked To A Reduced Dissociative Tendency Journal of Trauma & Dissociation June 2, 2021
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