Date of Award

9-1-2020

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Rehabilitation

First Advisor

Redner, Ryan

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine an ACT based intervention and its effects on problem behaviors and impulsivity rates displayed by individuals diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disabilities. In a multiple baseline design with 2 experiments, 6 participants completed the 27-item monetary choice questionnaire weekly throughout the 9-week study. Impulsivity rates were calculated, and behavior data was collected throughout each phase of the study. During the intervention phase of the study brief ACT sessions were conducted 3 times a week during one-on-one sessions with each participant. Sessions were held face-to-face or via phone call. A stacked multiple baseline design was computed, and the data was inputted, indicating that ACT may effectively reduce problem behaviors in participants diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disabilities. The current study suggests that ACT interventions have no effect on impulsivity. Implications of the findings and future research are discussed. Keywords: ACT, Impulsivity, Delay Discounting, Intellectual Disability, Monetary Choice Questionnaire

Share

COinS
 

Access

This thesis is only available for download to the SIUC community. Current SIUC affiliates may also access this paper off campus by searching Dissertations & Theses @ Southern Illinois University Carbondale from ProQuest. Others should contact the interlibrary loan department of your local library or contact ProQuest's Dissertation Express service.