Understanding the Meaning of Life From Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5944/rdp.v36i131.41607Keywords:
ACT, Meaning of life, Psychological flexibility, Psychotherapy, ValuesAbstract
Despite the limited relevance of the term in the scientific literature, “Meaning of Life” emerges as a central theme in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how ACT understands and works with meaning of life, starting with its general conceptualisation as a contextual therapy, summarising its basic principles of action, and linking the technique to therapeutic outcomes in terms of “psychological flexibility”, which becomes the central focus of therapy as a condition for achieving a valued life. The aim of the therapy is not so much the removal of symptoms but the achievement of a meaningful life, accepting the pain that inevitably accompanies it, based on the clarification of personal values and the commitment to actions in accordance with them. ACT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health problems. Research on the processes involved shows that ACT improves outcomes by increasing psychological flexibility.
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