Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research Centre, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Tabriz University, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a stressful time period. Adolescents experience new changes
physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects
of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on anxiety (primary outcome), depression, and quality
of life (secondary outcomes) of adolescents.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a quasi‑experimental study with pre and postintervention
design. One hundred female students aged 16–18 years with mild to moderate anxiety selected
through multistage cluster sampling from five educational districts of Tabriz. During six group
counseling sessions, students were consulted with the acceptance and commitment approach
according to the protocol. Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory and the World Health Organization
brief Quality of Life Questionnaire consultation were completed before, immediately after, and 8 weeks
after the consultation. Data were analyzed using repeated measure ANCOVA.
RESULTS: The mean anxiety score decreased significantly immediately after the intervention (mean
difference [MD]: −4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.9 to − 2.0; P < 0.001) and 8 weeks later (MD:
−3.9, 95% CI: −5.8 to − 1.9; P < 0.001). The mean depression score immediately (P < 0.001) and
8 weeks after intervention (MD; −4.2, CI: −1.6 to − 6.8), P < 0.001) declined significantly. The mean
overall quality of life score increased significantly after the intervention (P < 0.001) and 8 weeks
later (MD: 4.7, 95% CI: 7.1–2.3, P < 0.001) compared to baseline.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on the effectiveness of counseling based on ACT on anxiety, depression,
and quality of life in the female students with the mild and moderate anxiety over time, it can be used
as a helpful method in high schools.
Keywords
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