Comparing the Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Impulsiveness, Self-Esteem Enhancement, and Reduction of Rumination

The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on impulsiveness, self-esteem enhancement, and reduction of rumination in male adolescents aged 12 to 18 in Tehran.

Methods and Materials: 

The research method was applied in terms of objective and quasi-experimental in terms of information collection method. The statistical population of this study included male adolescents aged 12 to 18 in Tehran. The sample size for this part of the research was 30 individuals. The research instruments were the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (Barratt et al., 1995), the Eysenck Self-Esteem Questionnaire (Eysenck, 1976), and the Ruminative Responses Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991); also, the educational protocols used in this research were Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Linehan (1993) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Fletcher and Hayes (2003).

Findings showed that Dialectical Behavior Therapy was effective on impulsiveness in male adolescents aged 12 to 18, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective on impulsiveness in male adolescents aged 12 to 18, Dialectical Behavior Therapy was effective on self-esteem in male adolescents aged 12 to 18, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective on self-esteem in male adolescents aged 12 to 18, Dialectical Behavior Therapy was effective on reducing ruminative thoughts in male adolescents aged 12 to 18, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was effective on reducing ruminative thoughts in male adolescents aged 12 to 18; it was also determined that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was more effective than Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

The effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in impacting impulsiveness, self-esteem, and rumination in male adolescents offers a nuanced understanding of therapeutic interventions. Each therapy's influence on these variables underscores the importance of targeted psychological strategies in addressing specific facets of adolescent mental health.