Developing an online self-help Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tool for people with MND.
Principal Investigator: Prof Rebecca Gould
Lead Institution: University College London
MND Association Funding: £299,597
Funding dates: June 2026 - May 2029
About the project
It is known that being diagnosed with and living with MND can bring a range of emotional challenges that can be difficult to cope with. The researchers leading this study recently showed that a form of psychological therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is beneficial for helping people living with MND to manage their quality of life and mood. However, access to ACT can be challenging and psychological support is not always routinely available for people with MND. The researchers are aiming to address this issue by adapting their face-to-face ACT intervention into an online self-help tool that is supported by MND healthcare professionals. The researchers will develop and test out an online-based self-help format for ACT, then review and improve the model based on feedback from people with MND and healthcare professionals.
What could this mean for MND research?
This research could help to improve the care and support available to people living with MND by providing a low-cost, accessible and evidence-based psychological intervention. If successful, the project may help to shape clinical guidance for the best practices to help manage quality of life and wellbeing for people with MND. Overall, it is hoped that the project will help to make ACT available for more people living with MND.
Project code: 2550-794