A call for ACTion: A systematic review of empirical evidence for the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with LGBTQI+ individuals

James A. Fowler; Shelley Viskovich; Lisa Buckley; Judith A. Dean

doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.06.007

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A call for ACTion: A systematic review of empirical evidence for the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with LGBTQI+ individuals

Journal article

Peer reviewed

A call for ACTion: A systematic review of empirical evidence for the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with LGBTQI+ individuals

James A. Fowler, Shelley Viskovich, Lisa Buckley and Judith A. Dean

Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, Vol.25, pp.78-89

2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.06.007

Abstract

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Interventions

LGBTQI

Mental health

Systematic review

LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional gender, sexual and romantic minority identities) individuals often experience stress due to their minority identity. This stress is caused by experiences of discrimination, harassment, and ostracisation and has been noted as a driving force behind the commonly reported mental health problems within this community. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has potential utility as an evidence-based therapeutic framework to combat this problem as it cultivates psychological flexibility (PF), which evidence shows may help buffer minority stress. This systematic review aimed to describe how ACT has been used to help LGBTQI+ individuals improve wellbeing and PF, and how it was tailored to suit LGBTQI+ individuals’ needs. Five of the initial 1430 papers identified were included in this review. Results suggested that ACT can promote PF for LGBTQI+ individuals, consequentially leading to symptom reduction for a variety of mental health problems. ACT has also been tailored to LGBTQI+ individuals unique challenges, and participants appeared to find it a tolerable therapeutic approach. While results are promising, the small number of studies and overall methodological weaknesses limit interpretation. This paper serves as a call for action for researchers to overcome methodological challenges to expand our knowledge of ACT with this community who have been historically underserved and systematically impacted by heterosexism and cissexism. It also emphasises the importance of delivering LGBTQI+ tailored care.

Details

Title: A call for ACTion: A systematic review of empirical evidence for the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with LGBTQI+ individuals
Authors: James A. Fowler (Corresponding Author) - University of Queensland
Shelley Viskovich - University of Queensland
Lisa Buckley - University of Queensland
Judith A. Dean - University of Queensland
Publication details: Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, Vol.25, pp.78-89
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2022
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.06.007
ISSN: 2212-1455
Grant note: JF is supported by a Research Training Program (RTP) Living Stipend Scholarship from The University of Queensland.
Organisation Unit: School of Law and Society; Road Safety Research Collaboration
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991044897902621
Output Type: Journal article