Acceptance and Commitment Therapy versus Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis of Current Empirical Evidence

Meta-analysis (16 studies, N≈954) comparing ACT and traditional CBT. Results show a medium effect favoring ACT on primary outcomes (Hedges's g≈0.40), positive trends in depression and quality of life, and evidence that ACT works through its proposed processes (e.g., psychological flexibility). Methodological limitations and need for more research are discussed.