Guides on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offer practical strategies for managing psychological inflexibility. These resources typically present the core principles of ACTacceptance, cognitive defusion, self-as-context, present moment awareness, values, and committed actionthrough a combination of theoretical explanations, real-world examples, and exercises designed to foster psychological well-being. Such guides can range from introductory texts for the general public seeking self-help tools to more specialized works for clinicians incorporating ACT into their practice.
ACT-based literature aims to empower individuals to cultivate greater psychological flexibility by developing skills to navigate difficult thoughts and emotions effectively. This approach emphasizes acceptance of internal experiences rather than struggling against them, and encourages aligning actions with chosen values. The development of ACT is rooted in relational frame theory and behavioral psychology, emerging as a distinct therapeutic approach in the late 20th century. It has since gained recognition as an evidence-based treatment for a variety of mental health challenges.