Comparison of the effectiveness of choice theory approach and acceptance and commitment approach on emotional processing, self-differentiation, body image and body fat mass index (FMI) in overweight women

aim of this study was compare effectiveness of the choice theory and acceptance and commitment on emotional processing, self-differentiation, body image and body fat mass index in overweight women.The method was quasi-experimental with three-group pretest-posttest design. The statistical population consisted of all overweight women in Tehran who referred to Tehran health centers From among them, several centers were randomly selected and 36 people were selected based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to the three groups. The first experimental group received choice theory with Glasser (2010) approach in 12 sessions of 60 minutes, the second experimental group received acceptance and commitment therapy with Hayes et al (2013) approach in 12 60-minute sessions. The research instruments were Baker et al.'s (2010) Emotional Processing Scale, Tetleton et al.'s (2005) Tetris Questionnaire of Body Image. Data were analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance and LSD post hoc test by SPSS25 software. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the dimensions of repression, unpleasant emotional experience, emotional symptoms of processing, avoidance, emotional control, dissatisfaction and embarrassment of their appearance and body fat mass index. (p < 0/05). The LSD post hoc test also showed that in order to improve the dimensions of emotional processing, the intervention based on choice theory was more effective than the treatment of acceptance and commitment.Based on the results of the present study, the use of new third wave therapies can be effective in improving the psychological status of overweight women.