Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) Program for Self-Compassion and Sleep Quality among Patients with Mental Illness

Abstract

Background:Mental health conditions such as bipolar illness, schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression,are often associated with diminished self-compassion and impaired sleep quality, both of which contribute to heightened psychological distress.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) program on self-compassion & sleep quality among patients with mental illness.

Methods: A quasi-experimental, one-group pre/post-test design was conducted with a convenience sample of 60 patients attending psychiatric outpatient clinics in Benha City, Egypt. Participants underwent an 8-session ACT intervention integrating mindfulness, values clarification, & sleep hygiene practices. Data were collected using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and Sleep Quality Scale (SQS).

Results: Post-intervention analysis showed a significant improvement in psychological flexibility (AAQ-II), self-compassion levels and sleep quality . Strong correlations were found post-intervention between psychological flexibility and self-compassion and between AAQ and sleep quality .

Conclusion:Among those with mental health illnesses, the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program was found to be an effective intervention for improving self-compassion and sleep quality. Those with anxiety and bipolar disorder showed the most noticeable changes.

Recommendation:In light of the results, it is recommended to incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into standard mental health care practices, as it has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting emotional resilience, enhancing self-compassion, and improving overall psychological well-being.