The Effect of Autobiographical Memory Specificity Training on Experiential Avoidance and Distress Tolerance in Imprisoned Men Suffering from Major Depressive Disorder

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of autobiographical memory specificity training on experiential avoidance and distress Tolerance in imprisoned men suffering from major depressive disorder. This is a semi experimental study. Thirty subjects were chosen by available sampling from the statistical population of the study which consisted of imprisoned men suffering from major depressive disorder in during the first half of 2018. Subjects were randomly put into two groups, control (n=15) and experimental(n=15). The experimental group received autobiographical memory training in 7 sessions of 90 minutes. The control group was on the waiting list for two months. Acceptance and action questionnaire and distress tolerance scale were used in stages of pre-test, post-test and follow up. Data were analyzed using analysis of measurements repeated ANOVA. Results showed that there were significant differences in mean scores on experiential avoidance, distress tolerance and this effect was stable until the follow-up stage a month later. Result showed, it can be claimed that autobiographical memory Specificity training has an effect on avoidance and distress tolerance in imprisoned men suffering from major depressive disorder.