A key assumption behind acceptance and commitment therapy is that ________, that is, ignoring painful thoughts, memories, and feelings, is/are at the heart of many mental health problems.
A)repressed emotions
B)denial
C)experiential avoidance
D)poor emotional regulation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) assumes that experiential avoidance, the tendency to avoid or control internal experiences such as emotions, thoughts, and memories, is a core process underlying many mental health problems. Rather than trying to suppress or eliminate difficult internal experiences, ACT encourages clients to develop mindfulness skills and acceptance of these experiences so that they can make value-based choices and take committed action towards their goals. Repressed emotions and denial are related to avoidance but do not capture the unique underlying process targeted by ACT. Poor emotional regulation may be a consequence of experiential avoidance but is not necessarily assumed to be the primary process driving mental health problems.

A Key Assumption Behind Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Is That