Zhu, Zhuohong, Chao, Marc, Gaskin, Jennifer, Cao, Hui, and Luo, Houyuan (2025) The History and Theoretical Framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In: Li, Wendy Wen, Griffith, Gemma M., Shapiro, Shauna, and Zhu, Zhuohong, (eds.) The Palgrave Handbook of Third-Wave Psychotherapies. Springer, Cham, Switzerland, pp. 87-109.

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Abstract

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an integrative psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioural principles with mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based interventions to foster psychological flexibility. Rooted in Functional Contextualism and Relational Frame Theory (RFT), ACT promotes adaptive responses to distress by encouraging openness, awareness, and meaningful action. Unlike traditional Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which focuses on symptom reduction, ACT emphasises value-driven behaviour change. This chapter explores ACT’s theoretical foundations, clinical applications, and cross-cultural adaptations, particularly in Asian populations. Despite strong empirical support, critiques highlight limitations regarding its distinctiveness from CBT, methodological rigour, and conceptual clarity. ACT’s evolution within Process-Based Therapy (PBT) seeks to refine its empirical foundation and expand its applicability. As ACT continues to gain global recognition, future directions include digital interventions, broader clinical applications, and enhanced cultural adaptations. By fostering resilience and well-being, ACT remains a leading evidence-based intervention in modern psychotherapy.

Item ID:	94028
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-3-032-00353-9
Keywords:	Acceptance and commitment therapy; Steven Hayes; Psychological flexibility; Therapeutic flexibility; Relational frame theory; Process-based therapy
Copyright Information:	© The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025, corrected publication 2025.
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2026 04:18
FoR Codes:	52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5203 Clinical and health psychology > 520304 Health psychology @ 60% 32 BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL SCIENCES > 3202 Clinical sciences > 320221 Psychiatry (incl. psychotherapy) @ 40%
SEO Codes:	20 HEALTH > 2004 Public health (excl. specific population health) > 200409 Mental health @ 70% 20 HEALTH > 2004 Public health (excl. specific population health) > 200401 Behaviour and health @ 30%
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