Comparing the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy on Worry Severity and Loneliness Among the Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Aims: Because of the increasing number of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the psychological complications that affect this group, the current study has compared the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) on these patients. Methods & Materials: This research is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-post-test design and a control group. A total of 45 patients with MS were selected from the patients of an MS Clinic in Tehran City, Iran, in 2019. Then, they were randomly divided into two experimental groups of ACT and CFT and one control group. The participants completed the social and emotional loneliness scale for adults and the Penn State worry questionnaire before and after the intervention. The experimental groups participated in eight sessions of ACT and ten sessions of CFT. The control group did not receive any intervention, and in the end, a post-test was taken. The obtained data were examined by analysis of covariance Findings: Findings obtained from univariate analysis of covariance at the statistical level of P<0.05 were F=42.60 for loneliness and F=5.90 for worry, which indicates the more effectiveness of ACT. Conclusion: It is suggested that ACT treatment be given more attention in controlling patients’ psychological symptoms.

Impact of virtual group-based acceptance and commitment therapy on social adjustment and work-family conflict among intern nurses: a randomized control trial

“…Mirmoeini et al [ 9 ] investigate how acceptance- and commitment-based treatment affects social anxiety and adjustment in high school males. Similarly, Ostadian et al [ 40 ], in a quasi-experimental study of 30 males with a physical disability (15 control group and 15 study group).…”

“…To explain the effect of ACT on social adjustment, we can say that today’s world requires more flexibility and individual and social adjustment than ever. Adaptability and flexibility can improve people’s lives [ 9 ]. Individuals with high levels of mindfulness are more aware of their body sensations, thoughts, and emotions with less reactivity, and they maintain a stance of equanimity rather than engaging in suppression or excessive fixation.…”

“…Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between social adjustment and achievement motivation. Mirmoeini, Bayazi, & Khalatbari [ 9 ] found that people with low social adjustment sometimes struggle with verbal communication with others, making plans, caring for themselves, and carrying out everyday tasks. From another perspective, those new nurses need to adjust to people from different cultures, and the new environment is one of the most crucial parts of their experience [ 10 ].…”

Oncological Disease in Metastatic Breast Neoplasia and Palliative Care: A Review

“…One of the reasons that may justify these conclusions is related to the fact that the avoidance of thoughts and emotions of unwanted symptoms can be used as a coping mechanism to deal with symptoms associated with cancer. Likewise, attempts to avoid symptoms can have the opposite effect and exacerbate them, as patients may use inappropriate symptom control strategies, such as not seeking adequate medical Care, as well as avoiding being with their loved ones to preserve themselves, despite this being out of tune with their values [10,40,41].…”

“…TAC reduces the intensity and frequency of more negative thoughts and emotions and improves the behavioral attitude towards these same thoughts and emotions. It helps the patient focus on the present, what is happening in the present moment and on the path that leads to Acceptance and personal growth even in the most disturbing and crisis moments [40]. Acceptance of reality leads to achieving a notion of herself as a sexually and functionally adequate person [40].…”