The Society of Clinical Psychology (APA’s Division 12) has recently listed ACT as having “strong research support” for the treatment of chronic pain.
"There is substantial basic research supporting ACT's fundamental processes, and preliminary evidence regarding their mediational role in ACT outcomes," explains APA's Division 12. "As of late 2011, there are at least 11 clinical trials, including several that are randomized and controlled, demonstrating that ACT improves some outcomes in heterogeneous chronic pain samples, particularly functioning and mood, although pain severity may be less affected. ACT is superior to wait-list or no treatment, and thus far demonstrates outcomes for chronic pain that are comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy."
ACT’s new status reflects the number and quality of randomized control trials for this problem area. This is the result of many hours of hard work from a number of researchers. Congratulations to all those who lent a hand!