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The Valued Living Questionnaire: Defining and Measuring Valued Action within a Behavioral Framework

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Abstract

A number of cognitive-behavior therapies now strongly emphasize particular behavioral processes as mediators of clinical change specific to that therapy. This shift in emphasis calls for the development of measures sensitive to changes in the therapies’ processes. Among these is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which posits valued living as one of its primary core processes. This article offers a definition of values from a behavioral perspective and describes the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ) as a first attempt at assessment of valued living. The VLQ is a relatively brief and easily administered instrument derived directly from the primary text on ACT. Initial psychometric support for the VLQ suggests that valued living can be measured, even with the most simple of instruments, in such a way as to consider it a possible mechanism of change in ACT and related approaches.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Mississippi, 205 Peabody Building, MS, 38677, USA

    Kelly G. Wilson, Emily K. Sandoz & Jennifer Kitchens

  2. VA Maryland Healthcare System, USA

    Miguel Roberts

Authors
  1. Kelly G. Wilson
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  2. Emily K. Sandoz
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  3. Jennifer Kitchens
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  4. Miguel Roberts
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Correspondence to Kelly G. Wilson.

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Wilson, K.G., Sandoz, E.K., Kitchens, J. et al. The Valued Living Questionnaire: Defining and Measuring Valued Action within a Behavioral Framework. Psychol Rec 60, 249–272 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03395706

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