Learning gains from a one-day training in acceptance-based behavior therapy

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Training
• Psychotherapy Dissemination
• Continuing Education Efficacy

Background:

• Continuing education (CE) is the primary training method for licensed mental health professionals.
• Evidence supports Acceptance-based Behavior Therapy (ABBT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), yet training effectiveness is largely unexamined.
• Few studies assess the efficacy of CE trainings in disseminating evidence-based practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate learning outcomes in licensed mental health professionals after a six-hour CE training in ABBT.
• To assess knowledge acquisition and retention of ABBT principles and application.
• To identify predictors of knowledge change following the training.

Main Methods:

• A six-hour CE training workshop on ABBT was delivered.
• Data were collected from participants at baseline, immediately post-training, and at a three-month follow-up.
• Learning was assessed using an ABBT Knowledge Questionnaire and coded responses to client scenarios.

Main Results:

• Participants showed statistically significant increases in ABBT knowledge from baseline to follow-up.
• A significant decline in knowledge was observed between the post-training assessment and the three-month follow-up.
• Baseline ABBT knowledge and positive attitudes toward evidence-based practice predicted knowledge change.

Conclusions:

• CE training in ABBT can enhance immediate knowledge acquisition among mental health professionals.
• The observed decline in knowledge suggests challenges in long-term retention of therapeutic skills learned in CE.
• Future research should explore methods to improve sustained learning and application of evidence-based practices in clinical settings.