Research

To alleviate human suffering

and improve the human condition

Our Laboratory

The ACT in Context Research Lab is the lab affiliated with the ACT at Duke program. It is based in the Division of Behavioral Medicine in the School of Medicine and led by Dr. Rhonda Merwin. The laboratory uses contextual behavioral science to understand and alleviate human suffering. Although there are many ways in which humans suffer, our research focuses on suffering that arises from having an adversarial relationship with the body and signals arising from the body (this includes hunger/satiety, but also somatic constitutes of emotion and physical pain). We study populations for whom rejection of body signals has resulted in profound deprivation or impairment, including individuals with anorexia nervosa and individuals with type 1 diabetes who withhold life-saving insulin in an attempt to lose weight.

Our research uses contextually sensitive assessment and intervention, and includes gathering data in the moment using mobile technology, e.g., smart phones, sensors etc. Our applied research investigates the utility of acceptance, mindfulness and values in behavior change.

Announcements

Enrolling March 2023!

A randomized controlled trial of iACT, a novel mHealth intervention for eating disorders in type 1 diabetes

We frequently have student volunteers in our lab. Volunteers acquire experience in clinical research in an academic medical center, and are mentored by senior members of the lab. Please contact us if you are interested in joining the lab!

Article Highlights

Where are they now?

Learn More

Topics Under Investigation

Maladaptive eating and weight control
Experiential avoidance / Psychological flexibility
Interoceptive awareness
Self-regulation
Acceptance, mindfulness and values-based interventions
Use of mobile technology for contextually sensitive assessment and intervention
Digital interventions

Digital Interventions for Eating Disorder Prevention
ACT for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients
Body Image Flexibility as a Process of Change
App-assisted ACT for Eating Disorders in Type 1 Diabetes
Momentary Predictors of Eating Disorder Symptoms
Appetite Dysregulation in Type 1 Diabetes
ACT for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: A Separated Family Treatment
ACT for Resident Burnout
Rule-governed Behavior in Anorexia Nervosa

Current and Recent Projects

Dissemination of Scientific Knowledge

Publications

Books

Presentations (coming soon)

Treatment protocols (coming soon)

Collaborations

Coping with COVID-19: An International Collaboration
ACTHealthy Lab, Dr. Maria Karekla, University of Cyprus
Duke Adult Bone Marrow Transplant Program
NCDRC

Student Projects

Coming soon