Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a relatively new therapeutic approach, which was developed from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and has increasingly been applied in clinical settings. In addition to the typical cognitive and behavioral components of behavior therapy, ACT utilizes mindfulness, value orientation, and acceptance. The theoretical framework of ACT is based on relational frame theory (RFT). On this basis a conceptual model of psychopathology was developed, from which therapeutic processes derived. The main difference between ACT and more traditional approaches, such as CBT, is rather than changing cognition and behavior in order to get rid of symptoms and problems patients should change their outlook so that their live regains purpose and merit. As a result, patients may be required to accept symptoms and problems instead of spending time and effort fighting them. This approach is especially interesting for patients who suffer from chronic and refractory problems. Furthermore, ACT seems predestined to be applicable in resilience-facilitating prevention programs due to its explicit orientation toward life values and acceptance. Current meta-analyses and disorder-specific studies focus on the efficacy of ACT. Even though results vary, the general consensus so far seems to support ACT as an efficacious therapeutic approach. ACT enriches the therapeutic pool. The current article investigates some aspects of ACT more critically, focusing on current scientific research.