Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Online or Group Formats: A Systematic Review

• Grant number: 24/12822-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Psychological Treatment and Prevention
• Principal Investigator: Renatha El Rafihi Ferreira
• Grantee: Júlia Antonelli de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a third-wave behavioral therapy based on functional contextualism and relational frame theory. Its primary goal is to promote behavioral and psychological flexibility by focusing on openness to uncomfortable private events, staying in the present moment, and acting based on values. Studies have reported the effectiveness of ACT in reducing various symptoms across different psychological disorders. Despite the proven benefits of ACT, the accessibility to individual and face-to-face therapies still represents a significant barrier for many individuals, with online and group formats being a possible solution for expanding access. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of ACT-based interventions via the Internet or in groups, compared to individual and face-to-face ACT. Method: A systematic review will be conducted based on PRISMA recommendations, with searches in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO, using keywords like online, face-to-face, group therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Research utilizing ACT-based interventions and comparing online versus face-to-face and individual versus group formats will be included. The articles will be characterized and analyzed for the intervention format, therapeutic elements, assessment tools, and effects on various outcomes, including symptoms, quality of life, and participants' psychological flexibility.