국내 수용전념치료 프로그램의 효과에 대한 메타분석: 발달단계별 비교

Abstract

Although previous meta-analyses have confirmed the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) programs in Korea, reported effect sizes remain inconsistent, with conflicting results even within the same moderating variables. This study conducted a meta-analysis of 143 ACT program studies published in Korea from 2000 to December 2024 by setting participant characteristics, program characteristics, and outcome variables as detailed control variables for each development stage. The overall effect size and the effect size by development stage were calculated. The results revealed a substantial overall effect size (g = 1.08). No significant differences were found across developmental stages (childhood, adolescence, early adulthood, and adulthood); however, detailed subgroup analyses showed meaningful variations depending on specific moderating variables. Greater effects were observed in adolescents in the general population, in early adults when all six ACT core processes were applied and when ACT was used alone, and in adults when ACT was delivered as part of an integrated intervention. For outcome variables, early adults showed stronger effects on psychological flexibility, whereas adults demonstrated greater improvements in reducing psychological inflexibility, as well as in acceptance and emotional/behavioral domains. These findings suggest that ACT programs are broadly effective while emphasizing the need for tailored intervention strategies that consider characteristics specific to developmental stages and the implications of that approach were discussed.