Introduction & Theoretical Background
Values are targeted in many psychotherapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT; e.g., Beck et al., 2021), person-centered therapy (Rogers, 1964), behavioral activation (Kanter et al., 2010), motivational interviewing (e.g., Miller & Rollnick, 2023), logotherapy (e.g., Frankl, 2004), and positive psychotherapy (e.g., Slade et al., 2017). However, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has presented the most comprehensive theory for values, grounded in basic behavioral principles and relational frame theory, and has developed of a comprehensive range of values-focused interventions (Plumb et al., 2009).
ACT is primarily a behavioral treatment, which aims to help people pursue an actively meaningful path through life. Accordingly, all ACT interventions ultimately support individuals to live by their values (Hayes et al., 1999). In fact, ACT could be described as behavioral and person-centered in equal measure, since clients’ values direct the course of treatment (Wilson et al., 2004).
What are values?
Values are a vital source of motivation