Research

The Science Underpinning ConnectEd’s Approaches

At ConnectEd, we believe that the best way to make a positive difference in the world is to stay firmly committed to practices that are rooted in implementation science.  

In the world of education, this means using models, curriculums, interventions and approaches that:

  1. Have a substantial evidence-base from previous research trials.

  2. Are built with reference to a scientifically sound understanding of human language, cognition and emotion.

  3. Are implemented in a contextually sensitive way, using robust data collection processes to track effectiveness.

The Contextual Psychological Science models we apply at ConnectEd have been shown in literally hundreds of Randomised Controlled Studies (RCTs) and thousands of other research studies to significantly and positively impact human wellbeing across an incredibly wide range of contexts and psychological struggles, from work-related stress and parental wellbeing, to depression and psychosis. 

Given the vast evidence-base underpinning what we do at ConnectEd, it is not possible to include all relevant studies here.  However, the interested reader can click on the links to a range of meta-analyses and systematic reviews below, related to the various service offers within our ConnectEd Wellbeing Wheel. For those wanting to read further after this, each of these papers cites hundreds of specific outcome studies.  

We also include a list of further recommended reading below.

 

Meta-analyses and evidence reviews

  • For a general overview of ACT RCTs, click here.

  • For a meta-analysis of ACT interventions for supporting the wellbeing of children and adolescents, click here.

  • For a systematic review of ACT interventions for supporting parental wellbeing and parent practice, click here.

  • For a systematic review of ACT interventions for supporting workplace wellbeing, click here.

  • For an overview of the evidence for using the Core Design Principles within Prosocial to improve group cohesion and cooperation, see this book chapter.

 

Further recommended reading

  • Atkins, P., Wilson, D. & Hayes, S. (2019).  Prosocial: Using Evolution Science to Build Productive, Equitable and Collaborative Groups.  New Harbinger Publications Inc.

  • Brown, F. and Gillard, D. (2015). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Dummies.  Wiley & Co, Ltd.

  • Ciarrochi, J. & Hayes, L. (2020).  Your Life Your Way. New Harbinger Publications Inc.

  • Coyne, L. & Murrell, A. (2009).  The Joy of Parenting. New Harbinger Publications Inc.

  • Gillard, D., Hayes, L., McNally, A. & Willis, K. (2020).  Forging Brighter Future with Young Care Leavers.  The Psychologist magazine.

  • Gillard, D., Reid, A., Bull-Beddows, R., Mohamed-Goush, S., Stanley-Duke, M. & Cook, E (2021).  Universal Wellbeing Practices in Schools: Framing Evidence Informed Practice within the Five Ways to Wellbeing.  Educational Psychology Research and Practice, Vol.7, 1.

  • Harris, R. (2019). ACT Made Simple (2nd Ed).  New Harbinger Publications Inc.

  • Hayes, L. & Ciarrochi, J. (2015). The Thriving Adolescent. New Harbinger Publications Inc.

  • Hill, J & Oliver, J. (2019).  Acceptance and Commitment Coaching: Distinctive Features.  London Routledge.

  • Hooper, N. (2021). ‘Kill Your Selves’ Everyday.  The Psychologist magazine.

  • Hooper, N. (2021). The Unbreakable Student. 6 Rules for Staying Sane at University. Little Brown: London.

  • Hooper, N., & Larsson, A. (2015). The Research Journey of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Palgrave Macmillan: London.

  • Jackson-Brown, F., Cooper, P., Balfour, E. & Stanley-Duke, M. (2021).  Using Evolution Science to Build a Prosocial World.  The Psychologist magazine.