Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the Workplace

Abstract

This chapter describes the application of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and the mindfulness skills in work-related stress. The chapter focuses on an individual-oriented worksite intervention-that is, ACT, and does not underestimate the importance of organization focused approach to work stress. ACT protocol can also be used in training programs for other populations that have to cope with demanding situations such as test-anxious students, caregivers, etc. The content of the protocol includes many techniques that are core components of most ACT interventions. ACT encourages the healthy acceptance of undesirable internal states that may stem from unalterable work demands, such as difficult customers, and that might otherwise interfere with effective work-related behaviors. The values component of ACT can readily be used to help individuals to identify work-related goals and actions that enhance their work motivation and performance. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.