Acting on Values - A Key to Better Quality of Life?
A better understanding of ways to improve the quality of life for autistic adults is an important task. A new study examined the link between psychological flexibility processes and improved quality of life, with the aim of helping to develop more tailored and accessible mental health treatments.
The study, published in J Clin Psychol, 2026 Oct, examined data collected from 56 autistic adults who participated in a 6-week digital Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention. Participants completed online questionnaires before treatment, at its conclusion, and after a one-month follow-up.
The study findings indicate that improvements in values progress and values-driven action - meaning the ability to identify and act in accordance with what is important and meaningful to the individual - were associated with an improved quality of life. In contrast, other aspects of psychological flexibility such as openness to experience, behavioral awareness, or values fusion, did not show a significant association with improved quality of life in this context. The qualitative findings collected in the study reinforced the understanding that flexibility regarding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may affect quality of life.
Further analysis conducted by the researchers found that a higher level of adherence to the digital program was associated with improvements in awareness and values fusion, which may indicate the importance of commitment to the process. The study, which included only one group and no control group, represents only preliminary findings. However, it highlights the potential of psychological flexibility, and particularly a focus on personal values, as a promising area for future research. For autistic adults, these findings may suggest that developing the ability to define and act in accordance with their personal values can be a significant way to improve their well-being and quality of life.