The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Anxiety Reduction in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Clinical and Psychological Perspective

Hospitalization can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for children, often disrupting their daily routines, exposing them to unfamiliar medical procedures, and separating them from family members. Such experiences may lead to heightened anxiety, emotional distress, and difficulties in coping with treatment, which can negatively affect recovery and overall well-being. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a structured approach to address these challenges by promoting psychological flexibility, mindfulness, acceptance of internal experiences, and value-driven actions. This study employs a qualitative, analytical, and literature-based methodology to examine the effectiveness of ACT in reducing anxiety among hospitalized pediatric patients. The findings suggest that ACT interventions, including mindfulness exercises, cognitive defusion techniques, and values clarification, can help children manage distress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance coping strategies. Child-centered adaptations, such as play therapy, art-based activities, and age-appropriate metaphors, further increase engagement and therapeutic effectiveness. Incorporating parents and caregivers in the therapeutic process strengthens emotional support and fosters better parent–child interactions. Overall, ACT provides a holistic framework for improving the psychological well-being of hospitalized children, equipping them with skills to manage anxiety and promoting resilience during and beyond hospitalization.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pediatric anxiety ، Hospitalization ، Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ، Psychological flexibility ، Mindfulness ، Child-centered intervention