The Effectiveness of Group-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Coping Styles, and Self-Efficacy in Girls with Abnormal Grief

Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most challenging clinical and mental health subjects. According to their numerous costs, review of background research is necessary to achieve the most beneficial treatment options. The aim of this study was to investigate effectiveness ofgroup-based acceptance and commitment group therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder, coping styles and self-efficacy in girls with abnormal grief.

Method: This is quasi-experimental study with pretest - posttest and control group. The statistical population included all female adolescents under supervision state welfare organization of Kermanshah city in 2015who were assessed basedon the inclusion criteria, DSM-V andscalesonGRIES-R-8,TGIF,CISS,SESand their scores on the questionnaires were considered as the baseline. Those who got highest scores were selected by convenience sampling. The study subjects were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (n1=n2=12).The experimental group was exposed to 8 sessions of two hours ACT. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) with SPSS-19 software.

Results:The results showed significant difference between experimental and control groups in total scores of PTSD, intrusive thoughts and avoidance components and self-efficacy (P<0.05). Also, significant differences between groups were observed between problem solving and avoidance coping styles (P<0.05) but no difference was in emotional coping styles (P>0.05).

Conclusion:The results indicated that the efficacy of this approach is emerging cognitive-behavioral therapy that it seems that due to the combination of eastern techniques is suitable for Iranian patients.