FLEXIBILIDADE PSICOLÓGICA COMO MECANISMO TRANSDIAGNÓSTICO NAS TERAPIAS COMPORTAMENTAIS CONTEXTUAIS: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

This systematic review aimed to investigate the role of psychological flexibility as a transdiagnostic mechanism in contextual behavioral therapies, with emphasis on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The study followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Quantitative empirical studies examining psychological flexibility as a mediator, moderator, or process of change in clinical interventions were included. After eligibility criteria were applied, 26 studies composed the final sample. The findings consistently indicate that psychological flexibility is associated with reductions in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other psychological symptoms across different populations. Despite methodological heterogeneity, the evidence supports psychological flexibility as a central mechanism of change in contextual interventions. These results reinforce its transdiagnostic relevance and contribute to the advancement of process-based psychotherapy models.