Acceptance (psychology)
Acceptance in psychology refers to the process of recognizing and acknowledging a situation as it truly exists, even when it may be beyond an individual's ability to change it. This concept emphasizes the importance of understanding one's emotions and experiences, particularly following challenging circumstances. The idea of acceptance has roots in various philosophical and psychological traditions, notably in Buddhist teachings, which assert that recognizing suffering is fundamental to human existence.
In therapeutic contexts, acceptance fosters a supportive relationship between the therapist and client, enabling open communication without judgment. Key figures in psychology, such as Carl R. Rogers, have highlighted the significance of unconditional positive regard, suggesting that acceptance should be a primary goal in the therapeutic process. Researchers have expanded on acceptance to include various frameworks and approaches, such as mindfulness, which encourages awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Several types of acceptance are identified, including acknowledging a situation and taking responsibility for change, but it’s crucial to differentiate acceptance from tolerance. Acceptance is a personal experience, whereas tolerance involves respecting the choices of others. Ultimately, acceptance can lead to a more fulfilling life, helping individuals navigate circumstances that may not be alterable, while also recognizing that certain situations, like abuse, should never be accepted.
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Acceptance (psychology)
From a psychological perspective, acceptance occurs when individuals become willing to accept a particular situation as it actually exists. Acceptance requires the individual to understand that, despite personal feelings about an issue, it may be beyond their ability to change it. In many cases, that acceptance comes only after the individual has become open to learning from past experiences.
Acceptance also refers to fostering an affable and open relationship between a patient and their therapist in which the patient is assured that the therapist is acting as a counselor rather than as a judge. The feeling of being accepted encourages the patient to freely share critical information with the therapist. The concept of acceptance is closely associated with the concept of acquiescence, which is derived from the Latin word acquiēscere, which connotes an approving or nonjudgmental attitude. An antonym of acceptance is resistance, in which individuals refuse to accept situations in which they find themselves. Acceptance is often a key factor in learning to view life events more positively.
Background
Acceptance theory was derived from the groundbreaking work into human psychology done by Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), the originator of psychoanalysis. In the early twentieth century, Freud was the first psychiatrist to pay close attention to such psychopathological issues as the tendency of patients to unconsciously repress and avoid thoughts and emotions that made them uncomfortable. However, it was not until the 1960s that American psychologist Carl R. Rogers (1902–87) began concentrating on the need for acceptance within the therapist-client relationship. Rogers, known for his foundational contributions to the humanist, or person-centered, approach to psychology, defined acceptance as a person’s "unconditional positive regard" for another person. Rogers contended that both the therapist and patient should see acceptance as an ultimate goal, with the therapist providing an atmosphere in which the patient was accepted without judgment and the client striving to achieve self-acceptance.
Humanistic and existential psychotherapists used the notion of acceptance to encourage patients to open themselves up to fully experiencing their emotions. Subsequently, researchers and clinicians began employing systematic conceptualization and inclusion in their therapies, working with both individuals and groups to precipitate behavioral change. Thus, acceptance came to be seen as something that could be put into practice, rather than as an emotion that affected only a way of thinking.
Acceptance theory is also used by behavioral therapists in the fields of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), integrative behavioral couple therapy (IBCT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). In the mid-1990s, psychologists put forth several different concepts of acceptance and its role in individual therapy. James V. Cordova and Robert J. Kohlenberg defined acceptance within the context of an individual’s willingness to tolerate emotions that result from negative situations. At around the same time, Marsha M. Linehan, founder of DBT, viewed acceptance as an ongoing process rather than as a single moment of epiphany and defined "radical acceptance" as noticing and describing one’s experience moment by moment without judgment. Steven C. Hayes argued that acceptance is a major factor in bringing about contextual change. He maintained that true acceptance only occurs when an individual becomes open to letting go of past perceptions to accept the reality of the present. Michael J. Dougher contended that acceptance is dependent on ceding control so that desired change may occur. Within that context, acceptance becomes a channel for leading a more fulfilling life, rather a goal in and of itself.
Overview
Acceptance has also come to be an important concept among religious and meditation advocates. Acceptance is practiced by both Christians and Muslims. Buddhists identify the acceptance of the existence of suffering as the first of Four Noble Truths; it is necessary to accept that life is made up of suffering, and it is in the best interests of individuals to accept suffering as a reality. In Hebrew, the language of Judaism, the term qabbālāh means to accept, receive, or admit.
Psychologists and other therapists have identified four classifications of psychological acceptance that deal with acknowledging a situation, embracing a situation, accepting responsibility for change, and, finally, approving the situation. Health-care interventions often deal with acknowledging and responsibility, but approving of a situation may not be considered relevant. Many researchers have dealt with acceptance as an action, focusing on mindfulness, which requires one to remain consciously and continually aware of a situation or emotion. When describing one’s personal history, a patient is encouraged to accept the past, but change becomes a factor only within the context of overt behavior. Psychologists generally agree that acceptance strategies are recommended in situations where a desired result cannot be achieved by change, when changing a situation may distort an issue, when avoidance of a situation may be dangerous, when change may lead to disruptive relations with others or to devaluing them, or when action cannot affect the outcome.
Acceptance researchers have suggested that acceptance may help individuals to achieve a harmonious way of life. At the same time, experts have noted that situations such as abuse and oppression should never be accepted. Each individual is responsible for identifying situations in which acceptance and change are desirable and for avoiding the tendency to confuse acceptance with tolerance. Acceptance and tolerance are distinct from one another in that tolerance accepts the right of others to lead their own lives in the way they choose while acceptance is involved with personal experiences.
Bibliography
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