(PS10-48) Examining the Effects of the Eye Contact Exercise on Clinicians in Training

Abstract Text: Abstract: The Eye Contact Exercise (“Eyes On Exercise”), a core Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention integrates all six ACT Hexaflex processes: acceptance, present-moment contact, cognitive defusion, self-as-context, values, and committed action. Designed to evoke and normalize discomfort, this exercise guides individuals to observe internal reactions (e.g., distraction, self-evaluation, bodily sensations) while maintaining eye contact with another person. Hayes (1999) posits its utility in addressing interpersonal barriers like defensiveness and superficiality.
This study investigates clinician trainees’ experiences of discomfort and psychological barriers during the exercise. Fifteen dyads of clinical psychology doctoral students will sit facing each other for six minutes, silently maintaining eye contact while guided remotely via a two-way mirror. Pre/post measures include validated scales (e.g., Psychological Flexibility Scale, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire, State Scale Trait Anxiety Inventory, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale) and single-item Visual Analog Scales (VAS) assessing comfort, presence, awareness, openness, and connection. Open-ended interviews will explore experiential shifts and perceived relevance to therapeutic practice.
During the task, participants receive cues to anchor attention (e.g., “Notice the reality of another human looking at you,” “Release judgments about ‘doing this right’”). The exercise emphasizes metacognitive awareness of avoidance patterns (e.g., laughter urges, boredom) while fostering non-reactive observation.
Limited prior research exists on isolated eye contact interventions. Peterson et al. (2024) incorporated this exercise in a 2-day ACT program for non-clinical military personnel, noting benefits for mindfulness, self-as-context, and distress tolerance. This study extends this work by focusing on clinician trainees—a population where interpersonal presence is critical yet understudied. Findings may inform ACT-based training protocols to enhance therapeutic attunement and reduce avoidance behaviors in early-career clinicians.