A Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Relationships, and Self-Efficacy in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exerts considerable negative effects on both individuals and society at large. Recent advancements in third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies have emerged as promising interventions for this disorder. This study presents a comparative analysis of the efficacy of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in relation to emotion regulation, interpersonal relationships, and self-efficacy among adults diagnosed with ADHD.The research employed a multi-group pre-test post-test design, with the statistical population consisting of all students enrolled at Azad University of Kerman in the year ۲۰۲۳. A total of ۴۵ students were selected from a pool of ۸,۰۰۰ through convenience sampling and were subsequently assigned to experimental and control groups, with ۱۵ individuals in each group. The experimental groups received either DBT or ACT. Data collection was conducted utilizing the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Sherer’s Self-Efficacy Scale, the Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Interpersonal Relationship Skills Test. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, mean, standard deviation, and percentage, were employed for data analysis, while Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was utilized for inferential analysis. The Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was applied to compare the efficacy of the treatments, and data were analyzed using SPSS version ۲۵.The analysis indicated that both ACT and DBT were effective in enhancing interpersonal relationships and self-efficacy (P<۰.۰۰۱). The results of the LSD test revealed that ACT was more effective than DBT in improving interpersonal relationships and self-efficacy. Conversely, DBT exhibited a superior effect on the components of emotion regulation. ACT facilitated increased self-acceptance and promoted a healthier mindset through cognitive flexibility, mindfulness, non-judgmental acceptance, and a focus on the present moment.The findings suggest that ADHD adversely affects self-efficacy and interpersonal relationships, with various individual, social, and biological factors contributing to its manifestation. Therefore, it is essential to enhance the functioning and social lives of individuals affected by ADHD through appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures, with a particular emphasis on the timely implementation of these interventions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) ، Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ، Adult ADHD ، Self-Efficacy ، Interpersonal Relationships