Chapter one is a meta-ethnographic systematic review which critically evaluates and consolidates qualitative research exploring adults’ experience of receiving Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the treatment of chronic pain. Following a systematic database search, 15 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. A meta-ethnographic synthesis was conducted and two meta-themes were identified. These themes illustrate how an ACT intervention facilitated the start of a journey of acceptance and change for people living with chronic pain. The findings also highlight how relationships with clinicians and other group members were an invaluable part of clients’ experience. Clinical implications which include ensuring that ACT group interventions provide a balance between helping clients learn specific techniques and encourage participant interaction are discussed. Limitations and future research recommendations are also highlighted.

Chapter two is a qualitative research study exploring the elite/professional athletes’ experiences of psychological distress and help-seeking during the transition back to sport following a long-term injury. Eight current or former professional athletes took part in individual semi-structured interviews. Utilising interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), two superordinate themes were identified which highlighted the different emotions that athletes experience when returning to sport as well as the challenges they face seeking support for their emotional difficulties. The results suggest that providing mental health training to people within athletes’ support network such as friends, family and coaching staff is required. Limitations and future research recommendations are also discussed.

Chapter three is a reflective account which describes the researcher’s experience of undertaking the research project. The chapter reflects on a number of areas including the researcher’s initial motivations for conducting research within sport, the demands of being a therapist, researcher and colleague as well as the challenges navigating the ‘partial’ insider position. Finally, the account explores some of the difficult internal emotions that arose for the researcher throughout the research process.