Value Component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) among Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

This short communication paper provides a critical analysis of a study conducted by El-Ashry et al. on the impact of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. ACT, a form of contextual cognitive behavioral therapy, aims to improve individuals' relationship with their thoughts and feelings without altering their form or frequency. The study focuses on the six core processes of ACT, which collectively enhance psychological flexibility, which are crucial for mitigating psychological inflexibility-a root cause of human suffering. The paper emphasizes the role of values in ACT, highlighting how they guide patients with schizophrenia toward meaningful life directions. It addresses the challenges these patients face, such as experiential avoidance and fusion with hallucinatory voices, which often lead to actions incongruent with their values. The study by El-Ashry et al. revealed that patients with schizophrenia often suffer from psychological inflexibility due to experiential avoidance and fusion, leading to a misalignment with their values. Furthermore, the paper discusses the methodology used in ACT sessions, including the "choice point model" to enhance self-awareness and metaphorical videos to illustrate the concept of value-driven behavior. The research indicates that recognizing and committing to personal values can significantly impact the treatment and management of schizophrenia, especially given the social and symptomatic challenges these patients face. The paper concludes by stressing the importance of starting ACT sessions focusing on values to empower patients. It underlines how value clarification and commitment to value-congruent tasks can positively influence patients' responses to their hallucinations and overall quality of life.