The Role of Mindfulness in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Cultivating Present-Moment Awareness
AJ Webb
August 9, 2023 DOI: 10.22541/au.169156286.65673666/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | Argues that mindfulness is a core, transformative process within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cultivating present-moment awareness and psychological flexibility. Contends that practices such as breath-focused meditation and body scan reduce cognitive fusion, foster acceptance, and clarify personal values, and reviews evidence that mindfulness-based ACT interventions may help treat various psychological and behavioral issues. |
Abstract
This journal article examines the pivotal role of mindfulness in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its capacity to cultivate present-moment awareness. ACT, a contemporary therapeutic approach, emphasizes psychological flexibility and the acceptance of internal experiences. Within this framework, mindfulness holds a prominent position as a core process that enhances present-moment attention and engagement with one’s thoughts, emotions, and sensations. This article delves into the historical roots of mindfulness in ACT, explores the dimensions and facets of mindfulness, and highlights its intersection with psychological flexibility. Moreover, it elucidates how mindfulness practices, such as breath-focused meditation and body scan, contribute to reducing cognitive fusion, fostering acceptance, and clarifying personal values. The empirical evidence supporting mindfulness-based interventions in ACT is reviewed, shedding light on its effectiveness in treating various psychological and behavioral issues. Challenges in incorporating mindfulness into therapy are also discussed, alongside considerations to optimize its application. Overall, this article underscores the significance of mindfulness as a transformative tool within ACT, supporting individuals in embracing the present moment and cultivating psychological well-being.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Teaching self-care to caregivers: Effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on the mental health of therapists in training. Training and Education in Professional Psychology May 1, 2007
- A pilot study and randomized controlled trial of the mindful self-compassion program. Journal of Clinical Psychology October 15, 2012
- Effects of Mindfulness on Psychological Health: A Review of Empirical Studies Clinical Psychology Review May 13, 2011
- Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on Emotion Regulation in Social Anxiety Disorder Emotion February 1, 2010
- Promotion of mindfulness in psychotherapists in training: preliminary study. European Psychiatry November 1, 2007