The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Marital Satisfaction and Cognitive Flexibility among Married Employees of the Welfare Office

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Sexual Self-Efficacy and Sexual Quality of Life in Reproductive-Age Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acceptance and commitment therapy is one of the approaches in improving sexual problems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acceptance and commitment group counseling on sexual self-efficacy and sexual quality of life in reproductive-age women. This study was conducted on 58 women referred to selected clinics in IRAN who were randomly divided into the experimental (N = 29) and the control group (N = 29). The experimental group received eight sessions of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The data was collected by sexual self-efficacy and sexual quality of life questionnaire before, after, and one month after the intervention. In the intervention group, the average score of sexual self-efficacy and sexual quality of life was significantly higher than the control group after the intervention (8^th week) and follow-up period (12^th week)(P > 0.005). It seems that counseling based on the ACT is effective in promoting sexual self-efficacy and the sexual quality of life of reproductive-age women.

Effects of a Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Program on Intimate Relationships in a Youth Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Intimate relationship conflicts in young people are crucial experiences for change. They can lead to more or less satisfactory relationships, depending on individuals' skills to cope with these conflicts. This may or may not lead to violence in couples. Acceptance and self-regulation processes are an effective strategy to address individual factors such as avoidance and anxiety in intimate relationships of people in these age groups, thus preventing violence. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an eight-session mindfulness and acceptance-based program (MAP). Participants (n = 40), who were aged from 18 to 25 years old, were randomly assigned to a group receiving the MAP or an active control group. Outcome measures were anxiety about abandonment, intimacy avoidance (Experiences in Close Relationships scale), well-being (Psychological Well-being Scale), dispositional mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II). Measures were taken at pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up. Results showed that the MAP decreased anxiety (p = 0.025) and avoidance (p = 0.01) and increased mindfulness (p < 0.001) and flexibility (p = 0.001). In general, these improvements persisted at follow-up. Results are discussed in relation to the usefulness of mindfulness-acceptance strategies to cope with non-pathological intimate relationship conflicts.