The Sixth Core Process of ACT: Committed Action

The sixth core process of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is Committed Action, which involves translating personal values into meaningful behaviors despite challenges. It emphasizes engaging in value-driven actions consistently over time, fostering psychological flexibility and aligning one's life with chosen values rather than reactive emotions. Denial of existential issues like the 6th mass extinction and climate change hinders committed action by promoting experiential avoidance, where individuals refuse to confront painful thoughts about these crises. This disconnect between expressed values—like care for the environment—and actual behavior leads to inaction and environmental degradation. All six ACT core processes—Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Contact with the Present Moment, Self-as-Context, Values Clarification, and Committed Action—are interdependent and essential for fostering real change. Each process supports individuals in overcoming avoidance and confusion to take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future. As the challenges of environmental crises intensify, ACT serves as a vital framework for both individual and collective psychological change, equipping people with practical tools to address these urgent global issues. A holistic approach that integrates all core processes is crucial for making significant progress in combating mass extinction and climate disruption.