Kabul ve Kararlılık Terapisi ve Kronik Ağrı Üzerine bir Derleme
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Chronic Pain: A Review

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this review is to evaluate the current literature on the theoretical foundations and effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the management of chronic pain. In this review, national and international studies on chronic pain and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy were examined, and the findings obtained were synthesized and presented. Chronic pain is a significant public health problem that persists or recurs for longer than three months beyond the normal tissue healing period and adversely affects individuals physical, psychological, and social functioning. Contemporary research recognizes that chronic pain cannot be explained solely by biological mechanisms; cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes also play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of pain. Consequently, multidisciplinary approaches have become increasingly important in chronic pain management, and psychological interventions have emerged as an integral component of treatment alongside pharmacological therapies. Among these interventions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has gained considerable attention as an evidence-based approach for individuals with chronic pain. Rather than aiming to eliminate pain completely, ACT seeks to change individuals' relationship with pain by enhancing psychological flexibility and encouraging engagement in meaningful, value-based activities despite the presence of pain. This systematic review examines the definition, epidemiology, and psychosocial dimensions of chronic pain and evaluates current evidence regarding the effectiveness of ACT in chronic pain management. The reviewed studies suggest that ACT is effective in reducing pain-related psychological distress, improving psychological flexibility, and enhancing quality of life. However, further high quality randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to establish the sustained effectiveness of ACT across different chronic pain populations.

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