Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Smoking Cessation: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a third-generation cognitive behavioral therapy, has been increasingly applied in smoking cessation. However, the progress of ACT in smoking cessation, the scope of existing research, and its findings and limitations require further investigation.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the application of ACT in smoking cessation, analyze the current state of research, and provide theoretical insights and solutions for addressing the smoking issue in the future.

METHODS

Ten databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, China Biology Medicine Disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database) were systematically searched. The search covered publications from the inception of each database up to March 20, 2024. Following the search, two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted relevant data, and summarized and analyzed the included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 35 articles from eight countries were included in the review. Participants included both general smokers and those from special populations, such as smokers with anxiety, depression, or severe mental illness. Interventions were delivered either face-to-face or online. Follow-up durations ranged from 1 to 13 months. The content primarily focused on the six core aspects of ACT. Outcome measures included the evaluation of smokers' smoking cessation outcomes, the feasibility of the research design, participants' acceptability and satisfaction, and the acceptance of cravings to smoke.

DISCUSSION: ACT-based intervention provides a reasonable and safe strategy to assist health care professionals in guiding patients to quit smoking, particularly those with mental health conditions. The findings indicate that further research is necessary to optimize the quality and efficacy of ACT interventions for smoking cessation.