فصلنامه روانشناسی کاربردی (Aug 2017)
Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on hope and happiness of female adolescents under welfare protection
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of treatment base on acceptance and commitment (ACT) on hope and happiness of female adolescents under the protection of the Hamedan Welfare Organization. Method: The research method was quasi experimental with control group and pre-test, post-test and follow-up design and the statistical population consisted of 73 females in the Taranome Mohabat and the Golhaye Nasim welfare centers. Based on availability, 30 adolescents were selected and placed in two experimental and control groups. Research tools were Snyder's hope Questionnaires (1991) and Oxford's happiness scale (Argyle, 2001). A treatment program based on acceptance and commitment (Hayes and Rose, 2008) was performed on participants. The questionnaires were performed in three stages in both groups. The treatment program was performed for eight sessions of 90 minutes duration once a week for the experimental group. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance with repeated measures. Results: The results showed that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment increased hope (F=4.762, P=0.012), agency thinking (F=6.028, P=0.001), strategic thinking (F=4.403, P=0.017) and happiness (F=3.346, P=0.042).These effects remained constant in the follow-up phase. Conclusion: Since the treatment base on acceptance and commitment leads to psychological flexibility and commitment to perform actions that may lead to a fulfilling, rich and meaningful life, it can be used as an effective intervention method to create and increase hope and happiness of clients, especially adolescent girls.
