The Paradox of Acceptance: A Longitudinal Study on Acceptance, Depression, and the Moderating Role of Anger Suppression Within an ACT Framework

These findings help clarify prior inconsistencies by showing that the acceptance-depression link varies with the level of acceptance, temporal perspective, and anger regulation strategies. Interpreted within the ACT framework, the results highlight that elevated acceptance does not always reflect psychological flexibility, and can co-occur with increased depressive symptoms. We highlight the need for further research to explore the mechanisms behind these patterns and examine whether supportive interventions may assist individuals during such phases.