Functional assertiveness with acceptance and commitment therapy for employees returning to work: a preliminary investigation

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1415212
• Publication Date: 2025-01-27T11:55:21Z
• Authors: Daisuke Ito; Yushun Okabe; Aya Nobushige; Seiko Saito; Yoshinari Takahashi
• Keywords: Assertiveness

Owing to the ongoing global mental health crisis, providing support for employees returning work after a leave has become crucial issue. This study aimed preliminarily examine efficacy of functional assertiveness training program incorporating acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in pilot involving individuals who had taken absence due problems. As part program, eight group sessions were offered these format while they attended an outpatient psychiatric clinic. The effectiveness was assessed terms mindfulness, psychological flexibility, assertiveness, difficulty work. A total 29 participants took 28 completed it. paired t-test effect size analysis (Cohen's d) conducted using data from 26 participants; two excluded post-test not collected. results showed increase participants' mindfulness (observing, non-reactivity non-judging), increased their sense (especially difficulties arising workplace relationships) decreased intervention. Although lack control makes it difficult draw definitive conclusions, suggest that ACT may be beneficial on issues