Investigating the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Perceived Social Support and Life Expectancy of Caregivers of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Case Study

Caring for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) presents numerous challenges that can significantly impact caregivers. These challenges necessitate interventions to increase perceived social support and improve life expectancy. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to conduct a case study to examine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in enhancing perceived social support and life expectancy among caregivers of patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The research method is semi-experimental with a single-subject design, in which A B design was used. This research performed ten measurements (3 times as a baseline, four times during treatment, and three times in the follow-up phase). The research community comprised caregivers of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients referred to the Isfahan Neuropathy Support Association in the first half of 2011. Two individuals were selected using convenience sapling. The research tools were the Multiple Social Perceived Support Scale (MSPSS) and Life Expectancy Scale (LES). The treatment sessions, based on acceptance and commitment, were conducted over eight sessions, with each session lasting 90 minutes. These sessions took place on a weekly basis for two individuals affiliated with the Society for the Support of Neuropathy Patients. The data analysis was performed using shape and visual analysis techniques.

The results showed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is effective in perceived social support (42.79%) and life expectancy (43.77%) of caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a functional intervention to improve the perceived social support and life expectancy of caregivers of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).