The Effect of "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" on Psychological Flexibility and Behavioral Inhibition of Adolescents with Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder as one of the most common anxiety disorders is a severe and persistent fear of situations in which one may or may not do something in the presence of others. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" on the psychological flexibility and behavioral inhibition of adolescents with social anxiety disorder.

The present study was a quasi-experimental post-test with one-month control and follow-up group. The statistical population of the study included all adolescents referring to clinics in Tehran. The sample consisted of 30 adolescents with social anxiety disorder referred to Tehran clinics who were selected by random sampling and assigned to two experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. Research instruments included “Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II” and “Behavioral Activation System/Behavioral Inhibition System Scale”. Content, face validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha) were measured. The "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" package was administered to the intervention group in 8 sessions 90-minute. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22.

Acceptance and Commitment-Based Therapy" in post-test and follow up phase significantly improved psychological flexibility and decreased behavioral inhibition of adolescents with social anxiety disorder in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). These results were also consistent with a one-month follow-up.

Given the desirable effect of "Acceptance and Commitment-Based Therapy" on psychological flexibility and reduction of behavioral inhibition in adolescents with social anxiety disorder, it is suggested to use this approach in the prevention and treatment of psychological and behavioral problems of social anxiety disorder.