ABSTRACT
Clari®cation of individually held values would mean next to nothing without putting these values into action. From an ACT perspective, the term ``commitment'' actually refers to several discrete behavioural processes and actions, and invokes a number of issues that are relevant to treatment. At one level, commitment may simply involve publicly committing to a speci®c value or values-consistent behaviour, with the intent of ``keeping oneself honest'', enlisting support, and inviting reminders. At its most fundamental level, commitment involves actually behaving consistently with one's values, not simply promising or agreeing to do so. As indicated in Point 9, any number of speci®c behaviours consistent with a value might be emitted in any given moment. Commitment involves emitting more of those behaviours and less of behaviours inconsistent with one's values. At a closely related level, commitment might involve a demonstrated willingness to experience the distressing thoughts and emotions that may often arise in the midst of living those values.
