Effectiveness of Group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy vs Group-based Cognitive-behavioral Therapy in the Psychological Hardiness of Single Mothers

Abstract

Background: Hardiness as a fundamental element of control plays a constructive role in coping with stress and moderates the effects of stress. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and group-based Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)in the psychological hardiness of single mothers. Methods: The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with control group. Also, the statistical population included all female-headed families in the region 16 of Tehran. From women with low scores in the Ahvaz psychological hardiness questionnaire, 45 women were randomly selected and assigned into three groups: two experimental and one control group. The acceptance and commitment and cognitive-behavioral therapies were implemented in the first and second experimental groups, respectively; the control group did not receive any intervention. The experimental groups received nine training sessions. Then, the study hypotheses were tested using the 1-way analysis of covariance. Results: Both interventions effectively increased the psychological hardiness in the single mothers, but no significant difference was found between the two intervention groups (P=0.38). Conclusion: According to the results, it is possible to increase the psychological hardiness of the single mothers by group-based acceptance and commitment therapy and group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Anxiety, Cognitive Avoidance, and Empathy of Couples Visiting Counseling Centers in Ahvaz City, Iran

“…Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a relatively new recovery approach with main clinical processes that vary from conventional cognitive-behavioral therapy [15]. Its fundamental principles are 1) acceptance or the tendency to experience discomfort or other distressing occurrences without participating in harnessing them, and 2) values-guided behavior or engagement coupled with the urge to have positive personal goals rather than removing unwanted interactions that contribute to healthy functioning while dealing with other nonverbal dependencies.…”

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy on Intimacy and Family Functioning in Divorce-seeking Couples

“…This approach accepts changing thoughts and feelings instead of changes in their content or frequency [15]. As an experimental treatment, ACT is effective in improving a range of disorders, including mood disorders [16]. There are two main objectives to this therapy: 1) encouraging the acceptance of problematic thoughts and emotions that cannot be controlled; and 2) taking steps toward leading a lifestyle based on values of personal choice.…”