CONTRIBUTIONS OF ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY TO SEXUAL PLEASURE
A NARRATIVE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35919/rbsh.v37.1407Keywords:
Sexuality, Sexual behavior, Mental health, Psychotherapy, Well-beingAbstract
This article is a narrative literature review aimed towards analyzing the contributions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to sexual pleasure, understood as an important component of health and well-being. Sexual pleasure involves physical and/or psychological satisfaction on erotic experiences. The analysis focused on how ACT, through psychological flexibility, can foster choices aligned with personal values and enhance the experience of pleasurable sexual encounters. The findings highlight the six core processes of ACT (acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, personal values, committed action, and self-as-context), which serve as resources for managing challenging thoughts and emotions, thereby strengthening autonomy, awareness, and a more positive sexuality. It was possible to conclude that, despite existing gaps in the scientific literature on sexual pleasure, ACT emerges as a promising approach for future interventions.
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