“Trigger the Mind, Target the Gold”: Development and Validation of an ACPT (Acceptance and Commitment Performance Training) for Elite Shooters

Background/Objective: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been widely applied in clinical settings, yet its adaptation to elite sports—particularly precision-based disciplines such as shooting—remains underexplored. This study aimed to develop and preliminarily validate an ACT-based psychological training program, the Acceptance and Commitment Performance Training for Shooters (ACPT-S). By reframing ACT from therapy to performance training, the program sought to enhance psychological flexibility, attentional control, and emotional resilience in elite shooters. Methods: A multi-phase formative evaluation design was employed. Needs assessment was conducted with 28 elite and collegiate shooters to identify psychological demands. A ten-session ACPT-S framework was then developed by integrating ACT’s six processes with sport-specific routines and metaphoric interventions. Two pilot studies were conducted: Phase 1 with four collegiate/corporate athletes, and Phase 2 with 15 national-level shooters. Data sources included session reflections, focus group interviews, and expert panel evaluations. Content Validity Ratio (CVR) analysis was applied to assess conceptual clarity and implementation feasibility. Results: ACPT-S was perceived as both feasible and contextually relevant. Athletes reported improved attentional focus, emotional acceptance, value-based motivation, and reduced performance anxiety. Thematic analysis confirmed strong engagement and integration of ACT principles. All program elements achieved CVR scores ≥ .80, indicating expert consensus. Revisions were guided by feedback on activity sequencing, metaphor resonance, and personalization strategies. Conclusions: This study redefined ACT as a performance-enhancement framework, extending its reach beyond clinical contexts. The ACPT-S model represents a novel, theory-driven, and scalable intervention for cultivating psychological skills in precision sports. Its metacognitive foundation and sport-specific design provide a promising basis for future longitudinal and comparative validation.