Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Interpersonal Problems and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Among University Students

Abstract

Background: The acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a novel method for resolving interpersonal problems. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the effectiveness of ACT on interpersonal problems and difficulties in emotion regulation among female students with interpersonal problems. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, the study population consisted of 70 female students, who were selected via purposive sampling from Azad University of Gorgan, Iran. The study population was randomly categorized to intervention (ACT group) and control groups. The intervention group consisted of ten 90-minute ACT sessions, held by a trained clinical psychologist, according to a study by Mckay, Lev and Skeen (2012). The data collection tools included two short-form questionnaires, including the inventory of interpersonal problems (IIP-32) and difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS). Pre-test and post-test scores were analyzed, using covariance methods. Results: Generally, the findings showed a significant difference in the post-test scores between the control and ACT groups following the intervention. Conclusions: Based on the findings, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can be effective in improvement of interpersonal problems and emotional dysregulation.