Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science

Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science

The Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Depression in University Students Considering Their Level of Psychospiritual Development: A Single-Case Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
S. Azizi 1
K. Rasoulzadeh Tabatabaei 2
M. Janbozorgi 3
1 Department of Psychology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Psychology Department, Hozeh and University Research Institute, Qom, Iran
10.47176/TDASS.2022.164
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders, making the selection of effective treatment approaches critically important. Given the role of spirituality in depression and its treatment, this study aimed to examine the impact of individuals’ psychospiritual development on the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) using a single-case study design. Four students diagnosed with major depression were selected from Tarbiat Modares University through convenience sampling. Based on the Psychospiritual Development Scale [1], participants were divided into two groups of two individuals each: high psychospiritual development and low psychospiritual development. Each participant received ACT tailored to their respective level of psychospiritual development. Depression scores were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory before, during, and after the intervention, as well as at a three-month follow-up. Changes were evaluated using improvement percentages and effect sizes. The results indicated that ACT effectively reduced depression in students; however, its impact was greater in students with lower levels of psychospiritual development. These findings suggest that considering the psychospiritual development level of clients is crucial when selecting an appropriate therapeutic approach.
Keywords
Depression
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Psychospiritual Development
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Transactions on Data Analysis in Social Science
Volume 4, Issue 4
Autumn 2022
Pages 164-173

  • Receive Date 04 August 2022
  • Revise Date 05 October 2022
  • Accept Date 02 November 2022