Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Psychodrama on Attachment and Psychological Wellbeing in Women Involved in Marital Conflicts

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy and psychodrama on attachment and psychological well-being in women involved in marital conflict. The research method was quasi-experimental pre-test، posttest study and control with a two month follow up phase. The population of this study was Iranian women involved in marital conflicts, referring to clinics in Khomeini Shahr in 2020. Thirty participants were selected via a purposive sampling among these women. They were randomly assigned to one of the groups of commitment intervention (experimental group 1), psychodrama intervention (experimental group 2) and control group. Data were collected using Marital Conflict Questionnaire, Adult Attachment and Psychological Wellbeing Questionnaire. The results of data analysis in experimental groups 1 and 2 indicated that acceptance-commitment and psychodrama increased psychological wellbeing scores and decreased marital conflict scores. In addition, attachment scores improved in both experimental groups, only avoidance attachment scores in group 1 and secure attachment scores in group 2 were significant. Thus, both interventions are involved in reducing marital conflict and increasing psychological well-being. It is suggested to use one of these two methods according to the attachment style.

Keywords

• acceptance and commitment therapy
• attachment styles
• marital conflicts
• psychodrama
• psychological wellbeing