Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): advances and applications with children, adolescents, and families

Abstract

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is part of a growing body of literature of "third-wave" behavioral therapy that finds its roots in the development of mindfulness. ACT for adults has gained empirical support across a broad range of psychiatric disorders and behavioral health issues, yet the literature looking at the adaptation of ACT for youth populations is still nascent. This article provides an outline of key components of ACT, a brief overview of the history and development of ACT, adaptations for children, the theoretical underpinnings of ACT, assessment and therapy, and a review of the evidence-based literature to date.