On the Failure of Psychology to Advance Self-Help: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a Case Example

Abstract

O’Donohue et al. (J Contemp Psychother, doi: 10.1007/s10879-015-9308-1 , 2015) raised concerns regarding the possible overselling of a self-help book for diabetes management that was based on the methods of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Gregg and Hayes (J Contemp Psychother, doi: 10.1007/s10879-015-9312-5 , 2015) responded in defense of the book by referencing a broad and progressive research program. The exchange between O’Donohue et al., on the one hand, and Gregg and Hayes, on the other, calls attention to decades long interest in how psychologists can advance the development and ethical marketing of self-help instructional materials. We examine the research base referenced by Gregg and Hayes, along with other claims they advanced, and conclude that the developers of ACT self-help have often neglected to follow basic and empirically grounded guidelines, proposed in the 1970s, for the professional development and judicious marketing of such programs. We conclude by considering broader concerns from the perspective of the practicing clinician as pertains to self-help programs and their use.