Implication Of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy For Aggression In Pakistani Culture: A Case Study

Abstract

Aggression, a complex emotional and behavioral phenomenon, challenges individuals' well-being, often resulting in adverse outcomes in personal and professional contexts. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based behavioral therapy, offers a promising approach to managing aggression by promoting psychological flexibility, emotional acceptance, and value-driven actions. This paper presents an in-depth case study of a 35-year-old male client who exhibited aggressive behaviors and emotional dysregulation. Over eight therapeutic sessions, ACT techniques were employed to address the root causes of the client's aggression and emotional challenges. This case study aimed to explore the efficacy of ACT as a therapeutic intervention for reducing aggressive behavior and fostering psychological flexibility. The client gradually learned to manage his[1] emotional triggers more effectively using mindfulness practices, cognitive defusion, acceptance of negative emotions, and commitment to values. The study highlights how ACT enabled the client to respond more adaptively to stress and frustration, reducing instances of aggression and enhancing overall emotional regulation. The article will discuss the theoretical underpinnings of ACT in the context of aggression, the therapeutic process, and the role of value-based interventions in promoting behavioral change. The results, limitations, and future implications of ACT in managing aggression will also be explored in-depth, providing insights for clinicians and researchers working with aggressive individuals.