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On values and their measurement. Kevin E. Vowles, Ph.D. University of Bath Association for Contextual Behavioral Science 01 July 2009. Overview. Some thoughts on values measurement: In practice Via assessment (i.e., standardized questionnaires). My observations.
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On values and their measurement Kevin E. Vowles, Ph.D. University of Bath Association for Contextual Behavioral Science 01 July 2009
Overview • Some thoughts on values measurement: • In practice • Via assessment (i.e., standardized questionnaires)
My observations • Values are devilishly complex. • The answer to, “What matters?” is under the influence of multiple complex behavioral processes, some beneficial, some not. • Values work is best begun early and continued throughout the entirety of treatment. • Values work must be done both directly and with subtlely, a contradiction to be sure.
Most Important Skill? • Listening • Specifically, reflective listening. • Tests a hypotheses: “Is this what you meant?”
Ways of Reflecting • Repetition – Repeat an element • “You want some help.” • Rephrasing – Repeat with synonyms • “Sounds like you think more assessment and more tests will help.” • Reflection of feeling – paraphrase emphasizing emotional dimension. • “This sounds as if its very important to you.” • Paraphrase – best guess at meaning. • “You are hoping that one more test or evaluation will clear all of this up.”
Exercise - Part 1 • Speaker: • Think of something you want to change, but still have some ambivalence about. • Perhaps something related to a health (smoking, diet, exercise), recreation (TV watching, hobby), or work. • Listener: Listen reflectively. • Speaker: Can respond with elaboration.
Listening Tips • Guess at what they mean. • (It’s ok to be wrong) • Make a statement, not a question. • “Sounds like . . . ” • “You are wondering if . . . ” • “You are feeling (thinking, hoping, etc.)” • Express empathy • Can start w/simple reflections and then use advanced
Exercise – Part II • Speaker – Don’t explain why; simply state what this change would do for you. • Clinician – Listen, Reflect, Ask for clarification.
Possible Ideas • Why is this important to you? • If you did that, what would that allow you to do? • Please: • Slow down • Recognize that this is likely to be important • Notice that there is a human being across from you • Listen, don’t solve
An example of measuring values • Chronic Pain Values Inventory • Ratings of importance • Ratings of success • Also allows for discrepancy score to be calculated • i.e., (importance) – (success)
The impact of less struggling and moremaintenance of life direction Better: • Current emotional and physical functioning McCracken & Yang, 2006, Pain; Vowles et al., 2008, Pain • Future emotional and physical functioning McCracken & Vowles, 2008, Health Psych • Improvements in emotional and physical functioning three months after treatment Vowles et al., 2007, Eur J Pain; Vowles & McCracken, 2008, J Consulting & Clin Psych
“You desire to know the art of living, my friend? It is contained in one phrase: make use of suffering.” Henri-Frédéric Amiel (1821-1881)
k.vowles@bath.ac.uk www.bath.ac.uk/pain-management/