The Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Trauma and Psychological Flexibility among University Students Affected by the Earthquake

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on the trauma levels and psychological flexibility of university students affected by the earthquake. The study included a total of 15 participants in the research. Participants in the research were divided into two groups, an experimental group and a control group, using the stratified random sampling method. In the experimental group, there were 8 males (53.3%) and 7 females (46.7%) aged between 18-30 (M = 23.26; SD = 3.19). Similarly, in the control group, there were 8 males (53.3%) and 7 females (46.7%) aged between 18-30 (M = 23.33; SD = 3.47). The study employed a true experimental design and a 2x2 split-plot the randomized pre-test post-test control group design. The instruments used for data collection were the Post-Earthquake Trauma Level Determination Scale and the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory. The experimental group received a 6-week ACT intervention, while no intervention was applied to the control group. In data analysis, paired-sample t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS 26.0 software. The research found that ACT intervention reduces the impact of earthquake related trauma and enhances psychological flexibility. Additionally, a negative correlation has been observed between earthquake induced trauma and psychological flexibility.