Effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy in enhancing self-esteem and functional flexibility of children of divorce

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the effect of compassion-focused therapy on self-esteem and functional flexibility of children of divorce. Method: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design with a two-month follow-up. This study's statistical population was 87 adolescent children of divorce from Shariyar Province who were referred to the educational counseling center of Karaj due to behavioral, emotional, and educational problems. Thirty students were selected based on their low scores in Cooper Smith's self-esteem (1967), the functional flexibility of Connor and Davidson (2003), Walker, and Thompson's intimacy scale (1983). Then, 30 people were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received weekly treatment of Gilbert's compassion-focused group therapy (2009) in eight 90 minutes’ sessions. Data were analyzed using variance repeated measures. Results: Findings indicated a significant difference between the two groups' performance in self-esteem (F=5.82, P=.03) and functional flexibility (F=11.40, P=.002) in the post-test and one month follow up. Conclusion: Since self-esteem and functional flexibility level has a high effect on interpersonal relationships, education, and adjustment of children of divorce, compassion-focused therapy, which can improve and increase interactions interpersonal, can increase self-esteem and functional flexibility of adolescents. Therefore, we suggest therapists use this approach to improve adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and adolescent educational quality.