Comparison of the Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Reality Therapy on the Mental Toughness of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder, mothers, mental toughness, compassion-focused therapy, reality therapyAbstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy and Reality Therapy on improving the mental toughness of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Methods and Materials: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The statistical population consisted of mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Shiraz in 2025, from whom 90 participants were selected using convenience and voluntary sampling based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to two experimental groups (Compassion-Focused Therapy and Reality Therapy) and one control group. The Compassion-Focused Therapy intervention was implemented based on an eight-session protocol focusing on self-compassion, emotional acceptance, and reduction of self-criticism, while the Reality Therapy intervention was delivered in eight sessions emphasizing personal responsibility, present-focused behavior evaluation, and effective choice-making. The control group did not receive any psychological intervention during the study period. Mental toughness was assessed at pretest and posttest using the 48-item Mental Toughness Questionnaire (MTQ-48). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including multivariate analysis of covariance, after verifying statistical assumptions.
Findings: The results of the analysis of covariance indicated a statistically significant difference among the three groups in posttest mental toughness scores after controlling for pretest effects. Both experimental groups showed significantly higher mental toughness compared to the control group, and Compassion-Focused Therapy was significantly more effective than Reality Therapy in enhancing mental toughness.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that while both therapeutic approaches are effective in strengthening mental toughness among mothers of children with autism, Compassion-Focused Therapy demonstrates superior effectiveness.
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References
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