Effectiveness of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Experiential Avoidance of Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Objective: In the theory of acceptance and commitment and recent theories, experiential avoidance is considered as an important factor in the etiology and continuation of mental pathology. This study was carried out to determine the efficacy and continuation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on reducing experiential avoidance of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Research Methodology: In this clinical trial, ۱۶ veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder referred to Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, with psychiatric diagnosis, were selected by purposive sampling method. They were treated for ۸ sessions (each session ۹۰ minutes) based on acceptance and commitment. Treatment was followed for two months after treatment. To collect the data, the check-list of symptoms of mental disorder (SCL-۹۰), Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-۵), post-traumatic stress disorder list (PCL-۵) and a questionnaire of acceptance and commitment (AAQ-II) were used. Findings: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy significantly reduced the experiential avoidance and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the reduction lasted up to two months after treatment. Conclusion: The treatment process and the results obtained in this study suggest that the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder of veterans, had the necessary efficiency and effectiveness.

کلیدواژه ها:

Post-traumatic stress disorder ، Acceptance and Commitment therapy ، Experiential avoidance ، veterans