Battling the bulge with acceptance and commitment

Understanding the frequent emotional and mental struggles involved in weight management and wellbeing is at the heart of a new University of Queensland study.

School of Psychology PhD student Cynthia Gray is holding a series of free one-day workshops – open to the public– from March to June, focusing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for weight management and wellbeing.

“This will be radically different to the usual meal plans, fad diets and calorie counting,” Ms Gray said.

“ACT gets its name from accepting what is outside your personal control and committing to action that improves and enriches your life,” she said

“We will emphasise living and eating with mindfulness and according to your values.”

The study will ask participants to complete self-assessments a week before the workshop, a fortnight after the workshop and again three months after the workshop.

The questionnaires will gauge mood, thoughts, lifestyle, wellbeing and sense of self.

Workshops will be held at the UQ Psychology Clinic (room 221, building 24a) at UQ’s St Lucia campus from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays March 28, April 18, May 9 and 20, and June 13 and  June 27.

All data collected during the study will be anonymous and stored confidentially so it cannot be linked to an individual.

Contact Cynthia Gray on 0417 759 664 or cynthia.gray@uqconnect.edu.au to discuss participation.

The study will be conducted under the supervision of Dr Jeanie Sheffield, UQ lecturer in clinical psychology.

Media: Ms Cynthia Gray +61 417 759 664 cynthia.gray@uqconnect.edu.au; Robert Burgin, UQ Communications, +61 7 3346 3035, +61 448 410 364,  r.burgin@uq.edu.au.