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Abstract
The diagnosis of female infertility significantly impacts their and their partners general well-being, often causing symptoms such as distress, anxiety, and profound sadness that compromise the functional ability to cope with the diagnosis. Addressing these psychological challenges necessitates psychotherapeutic interventions, with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emerging as an approach aimed at facilitating acceptance of the diagnosis and enhancing overall well-being. Accordingly, this systematic review aims to describe the effectiveness of ACT for women experiencing infertility. To fulfill this objective, studies involving women diagnosed with infertility who received ACT or its adaptations were reviewed. The search was restricted to publications from the last 10 years, available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Articles were selected from databases including Scopus, PubMed, LILACS, and Google Scholar, using MeSH terms and keywords such as "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy," "ACT," "Infertility," "Women," "Quality of Life," and "Mental Health." The final search was conducted on March 4, 2025. Detailed screening was performed using the Rayyan software, and eligible full-text studies were selected, ensuring scientific rigor through the PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the CASPE guidelines and the TREND statement. As a result, four studies were ultimately included, all reporting a significant improvement in psychological flexibility and a considerable reduction in symptoms of distress, anxiety, and deep sadness. These findings suggest that ACT can be a valuable intervention for enhancing the well-being and quality of life of women with infertility. No conflicts of interest exist regarding this systematic review or its findings. No public or private entity provided funding for this research.
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