The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Training on Depression and Malfunctioned Attitude of Mothers with Children with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder

Research has shown the presence of depression and dysfunctional attitudes among mothers of children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder; acceptance and commitment training has been neglected in depression and dysfunctional attitudes, despite its effectiveness on various variables. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment based education program on depression and dysfunctional attitude of mothers with children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder.

This study was a quasi-experimental and pre-test and post-test design with control and follow-up group. The statistical population of this study consisted of all mothers of children with ADHD. Out of this population, 40 were selected as available and randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups. The Depression Questionnaire (Beck, 1996) and dysfunctional attitudes (Weisman, 1978) were distributed among the study groups, eight sessions of acceptance and commitment based training were administered to the experimental group, and then post-test was administered. The findings were finally analyzed using SPSS software version 23 and repeated measurement test.

The results of repeated measures and post hoc tests showed that acceptance and commitment based education was effective in reducing depression and dysfunctional attitude of mothers of children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder and the effect of educational program was sustained over time (p≤ 0/005).

Acceptance and commitment education affects the depression and dysfunctional attitudes of mothers of children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder, so counselors and psychologists can benefit from this approach for mothers with specific children.