Alsadat Razavi F, Salari E, Ebrahimi M E, Sedrpoushan N. Comparing ACT and Reality Therapy for Reducing Anxiety and Improving Career Decision Self-efficacy. CPR 2024; 2 (3) :197-204
URL:
http://cpr.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-129-en.html
Department of Counselling, Faculty of Humanities, Yazd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yazd, Iran.
Abstract: (276 Views)
Background and Objective: Adolescence is a critical period for shaping personality, career interests, and decision-making. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and reality therapy (RT) in improving anxiety and career path decision-making self-efficacy (CDSE) in female adolescents in Yazd City.
Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study, conducted in Yazd, Iran, during 2022-2023, utilized a pre-post-test design with a control group. Forty-five female high school students were divided into three groups: ACT, RT, and control (15 per group). Participants completed the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and the CDSE scale before and after the interventions. The ACT and RT groups received 90-minute weekly sessions for two months, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 23 using multivariate and univariate covariance analyses.
Results: The control group had significantly higher anxiety scores than both the ACT (mean difference=-11.089, P=0.005) and RT (mean difference=-9.806, P=0.008) groups, with no significant difference between ACT and RT (P=1.000). Only the RT group showed a significant improvement in CDSE compared to the control group (mean difference=5.990, P=0.010). Multivariate analyses confirmed the overall effectiveness of the interventions, with treatment explaining 27% of the variance in anxiety and 44% in CDSE.
Conclusion: Both ACT and RT reduced anxiety in female adolescents; however, only RT significantly improved CDSE. These findings suggest using ACT for anxiety management and RT for CDSE. Future research should explore long-term effects and potential combined therapeutic approaches.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Psychology Received: 2024/12/17 | Accepted: 2024/04/1 | Published: 2024/04/1