Comparison of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Anger in Women with Postpartum Depression

The Postpartum depression is a high prevalence health issue. Aim of study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive -behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapies to anger in women with postpartum depression.

The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test-post-test design and 3-month follow-up with the control group. The statistical population was women with postpartum depression who referred to health centers in the west of Alborz province in 2019. 45 of these patients with Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, their depression was confirmed, selected by available sampling method and by random sampling method in two experimental groups and one control (15 people in each group), Were located. The groups responded to the Persian version of the Spielberger state-trait anger expression inventory-2, for a pre-test. The members of Experimental group 1 received cognitive-behavioral therapy, and experimental group 2 received acceptance-commitment therapy. Control group did not receive any intervention. In the post-test, this questionnaire was administered again.

The mean and standard deviation of anger were 182.96±21.76 in the pre-test, 143.13±40.07 in the post-test, and 142.31±40.55 in the follow-up. Mean difference between cognitive-behavioral groups and acceptance and commitment therapy with the control was significant (P=0.000). Mean difference between the groups of cognitive-behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapy was not significant (P=1.000). In follow-up, mean difference between cognitive-behavioral and control was not significant (P=0.054), mean difference between acceptance and commitment therapy and control was significant (P=0.018).

Considering the more stable effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy, it is suggested that, to reduce anger in women with postpartum depression, preferential treatment be considered.