The effectiveness of commitment-based group therapy and acceptance on improving self-esteem and reducing the loneliness of adolescent girls living in orphanages

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Quchan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qucahn, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Gorgan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Qom Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

Abstract

Abstract
Introduction: Considering the destructive effects of the experiences of abused and abused children and adolescents on various aspects of their mental health, it is important to examine the factors and interventions that affect the psychological well-being of this vulnerable group. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group therapy based on acceptance and commitment to increase self-esteem and reduce the loneliness of adolescent girls living in the university.
Materials and Methods: The statistical population included all female adolescents living in Mashhad orphanages, and according to the criteria for entering the research, 30 statistical population were selected using targeted sampling method. The members were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The tools used in this study were the Cooper Smith Self-Esteem Questionnaire and the Single Feeling Questionnaire (Dehshiri et al., 2008) which were performed on the sample in two stages of pre-test and post-test. The members of the experimental group underwent 8 minutes of 90-minute sessions under the auspices of the ACT group.
Results: The results of the studies showed that group therapy based on acceptance and commitment has been able to significantly improve self-esteem and reduce the feeling of loneliness in the members of the experimental group compared to the members of the control group.
Conclusion: These findings indicate the importance of paying attention to emotional structures in malnourished and homeless adolescents and that by developing some therapeutic interventions, their psychological well-being can be helped.

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