Comparison of the Affectiveness of ACT Matrix with ACT Focused on Compassion on Social Anxiety Disorder

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Clinical Psychology, Department of psychology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction and aim:Social anxiety disorder is one of the most difficult anxiety disorders in resistance to therapy.Therefore, the use of unified transdiagnostic experimental therapy is essential.The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ACT Matrix and ACT Focused on Compassion on social anxiety disorder.
Methods: This study was a clinical trial with a single-case experimental study non-concurrent multiple baseline design, who performed on 6 students with social anxiety disorder who were selected based on purposive random sampling. The treatment lasted for 12 sessions (60 minutes) with two-month follow-up. To compare the results of these two treatment models, the Social Anxiety Scale (Liebowitz),Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form (Raes & et ‌‌al) Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (Second Version, Bond & et‌ al) and the Valued Living Questionnaire (Wilson & et ‌al) were used. Data were analyzed by visual drawing, recovery percentage,stable change index and six indicators of clinical efficiency.
Findings:The results indicated that both methods of ACT Matrix and ACT Focused on Compassion reduced social anxiety (Z< -1.96) and increased acceptance and action flexibility, self-compassion, and a valuable life in the last stage of therapy and follow-up is effective and significant (Z>1.96). Furthermore, the results of this study in the follow-up phase indicated the continuity of the effectiveness and efficiency of these two integrated interventions on social anxiety disorder.
Conclusion:This study supports the effectiveness of the Matrix of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the treatment of compassion-focused acceptance and commitment in students with social anxiety disorder.

Keywords


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