Baran, L., & Hyla, M. (2015). Mental Health in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). W: T. M. Ostrowski, I. Sikorska, K. Gerc (red.), Resilience and health in a fast-changing world (s. 153-166). Kraków: Jagiellonian University Press.
The purpose of this paper is to present an alternative approach to the psychopathology by presenting a model of mental health from the perspective of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – a unified model of human functioning and adaptability called psychological flexibility, based on processes of acceptance, mindfulness, commitment and behavioral change (Hayes, Strosahl, Wilson, 2012). The article introduces philosophical (Functional Contextualism) and theoretical (Relational Frame Theory) basis of ACT and its implications to the model of psychological flexibility. Subsequently, the unified model of mental health is presented. The core psychological constructs – psychological flexibility and its six key processes: defusion, acceptance, flexible contact with present moment, self as context, values and committed action are defined and discussed. It is hoped that this paper will inform researchers, practitioners and patients about alternative approach to mental health and will encourage further studies on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.