Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Choice Theory-Based Therapy on Post-Traumatic Growth in Divorced Women with Divorce Grief

Najmeh  Hasanpur; Mahmoud Goudarzi; Hamzeh  ahmadian

Authors

Najmeh Hasanpur PhD student in Counseling, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University,Sanandaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2433-4043
Mahmoud Goudarzi Department of Family Counseling, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University,Sanandaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8480-7263
Hamzeh ahmadian Department of Psychology, Sa.C., Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4178-0280

Keywords:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Choice Theory, Post-Traumatic Growth, Divorce Grief, Divorced Women

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Choice Theory-Based Therapy (CTBT) on post-traumatic growth in divorced women experiencing divorce grief.

Methods and Materials: This research utilized a quasi-experimental, pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up period. The statistical population consisted of divorced women experiencing divorce grief. A sample of participants was selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three equal groups: ACT ( ), CTBT ( ), and a control group ( ). The experimental groups participated in weekly, two-hour intervention sessions based on their respective protocols, while the control group received no intervention. The primary data collection tool was the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests.

Findings: The results demonstrated a significant main effect for Time ( , ) regarding total post-traumatic growth. However, the main effect for Group ( ) and the Time Group interaction effect ( ) were not statistically significant for the total score. Bonferroni post-hoc analyses indicated no significant differences between the ACT and CTBT groups concerning total PTG at the post-test ( ) or the follow-up ( ) stages, though both were significantly higher than the control group. The only significant difference between the two active interventions emerged in the Spiritual Change sub-component at the follow-up stage, where the ACT group ( ) scored significantly higher than the CTBT group ( , ).

Conclusion: Both Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Choice Theory-Based Therapy are highly and equally effective interventions for promoting overall post-traumatic growth in divorced women dealing with divorce grief. While both can be confidently utilized in clinical settings, ACT may offer a specific advantage in facilitating sustained spiritual change over time.

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