Psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy processes (CompACT) scale: Extending validity research to a French population

Abstract

Context

Prior research has identified that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may notably improve psychological flexibility. Despite its recognized effectiveness, French therapists and clinical researchers still lack the appropriate instruments to assess important parameters of ACT. For example, a previous standard in French, the AAQ-II, omits crucial variables that would fully represent ACT processes. In contrast, the CompACT scale, which encompasses the ensemble of ACT processes, through three dyadic processes (Openness to Experience, Behavioral Awareness, Valuation of Action), exhibits better suitability but lacks an empirically-validated adaptation in French. Therefore, this study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the CompACT scale in French, focusing on both the general population and benzodiazepine users, the latter’s long-term use illustrates experiential avoidance, making them a highly relevant, alternative population for studying ACT processes. Statistical comparisons of these populations may be used to bring valuable insights and assess the scale’s construct validity.

Method

The CompACT scale was translated and counter-translated by experts. An intermediate version was pre-tested by 34 participants, leading to the final version for psychometric validation with 423 French speakers (269 benzodiazepine users, 154 general population). The study evaluated structure, reliability, and various validities.

Results

The French CompACT showed strong psychometric properties.

Conclusion

Validating the French CompACT provides a reliable ACT process measure. This is crucial as psychological inflexibility contributes to numerous psychopathologies, making CompACT valuable for therapists.