Comparison of the effectiveness of group-based compassion-focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on experiential avoidance in married patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Authors

1 Counseling and Educational Sciences Department, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

2 Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Assistant professor, Department of Education, Islamic Azad University, Torbat-e-Jam Branch, Torbat-e-Jam, Iran.

4 Department of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22038/jfmh.2025.26457

Abstract

Introduction: The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group-based Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on experiential avoidance in married patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Materials and Methods: The statistical population included all patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who were referred to the MS Comprehensive Center of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2022. From the statistical population, using a purposive and convenient sampling method, 24 patients were selected, and randomly assigned to three equal groups (groups A, B, and C). Group A received group therapy based on CFT, group B received ACT, and group C was the control group. We used SPSS 20 software and repeated measures analysis of variance to analyze the data.
 Results: Results indicated a significant difference between the means of CFT group and ACT group compared to the control group. The both interventions were significantly decreased experiential avoidance (P< 0.01), while there was no significant difference between two interventions.
Conclusion: We concluded that compassion-focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy effectively reduce experiential avoidance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Keywords

References

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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 27, Issue 3
May and June 2025
Pages 149-156

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