Volume 26 Num. 3 - October 2026
Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Suicidal Ideation: A Systematic Review
Volume 26 Num. 3 - October 2026 - Pages 371-382
Authors:
Divaldo de Canavarros de Abreu Junior , Paula Helena Gomes de Moraes Ruiz , Luziane de Fátima Kirchne
Abstract:
This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in reducing suicidal ideation and assessed the methodological quality of the included literature. A search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Central databases using the descriptors “acceptance and commitment therapy” AND “suicide,” without language or date restrictions. Of 185 records identified, ten studies (N= 2,183 participants) met the inclusion criteria: exclusively ACT-based interventions, controlled group designs with pre- and post-test assessments, and objective measurement of suicidal ideation. The included trials showed substantial heterogeneity in participant profiles, intervention formats, and secondary variables. ACT produced statistically significant reductions in suicidal ideation in nine of the ten studies, together with improvements in psychological distress, hopelessness, impulsivity, and emotion regulation. Risk of bias assessment, guided by the PEDro scale, revealed a consistent lack of blinding among participants, therapists, and outcome assessors, whereas adequate randomization, baseline equivalence, and low attrition rates emerged as methodological strengths. In conclusion, ACT represents a promising approach for reducing suicidal ideation, although larger, methodologically robust trials with long-term follow-up are needed to consolidate the evidence and strengthen its generalizability.
How to cite this paper:
de Abreu Junior DC, Ruiz PHGM, & Kirchner LF (2026). Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Suicidal Ideation: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Psychology & Psychological Therapy, 26, 3, 371-382.
Key words:
suicidal ideation, cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, mindfulness
Full Article
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