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The Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Anxiety Disorders in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has gained prominence as an effective intervention for anxiety disorders in adults, emphasizing acceptance of distressing thoughts and feelings and commitment to values-based action. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of ACT in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving overall functioning in adults with anxiety disorders. Through a comprehensive review of the literature, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of ACT compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, active control interventions) in targeting core symptoms of anxiety, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, and specific phobias. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as intervention duration, session format (individual vs. group), therapist competence, and participant characteristics (e.g., age, comorbidities), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of ACT for anxiety disorders in adults.
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References
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