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Enhancing Distress Tolerance in Caregivers of the Elderly: A Comparison of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Zahra Noorali , Reza Khakpour * , Pante'a Jahangir
Department of Psychology and Counseling, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:   (1609 Views)
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) while enhancing distress tolerance among caregivers of the elderly. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, incorporating a control group. The study population included female caregivers attending health centers in the eastern districts of Tehran (districts 4, 7, 8, and 13) in the first half of 2023, totaling 169 individuals. A sample of 45 participants was selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Simons & Gaher’s (2005) Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) was employed to measure distress tolerance. Data were analyzed using SPSS and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Both ACT and EFT led to significant improvements in distress tolerance compared to the control group in both the post-test and follow-up phases. However, ACT presented a greater positive influence on distress tolerance than EFT. The study suggests that ACT is more effective than EFT on improving distress tolerance among caregiving children. These findings highlight the significance of utilizing effective psychological interventions, such as ACT, to boost resilience and mental health among family caregivers in clinical and counseling settings.
Article number: 5
Keywords: acceptance and commitment therapy, emotion-focused therapy, distress tolerance, caregivers, aged.
     
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/02/4 | Revised: 2025/04/20 | Accepted: 2025/05/9
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