Comparing the Effectiveness of "Existential Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" with "Compassion-Based Therapy" on self-Differentiation and life expectancy in Women Affected by Husband's Breach of Contract

Breaking the marital contract is one of the most traumatic issues that women face and it can lead to cognitive, emotional and behavioral symptoms in them. The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of "Existential Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" with "Compassion-Based Therapy" on self-differentiation and life expectancy in women affected by husband's breach of contract.

The present research was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test, follow-up and control group design. The statistical population of the present study were women affected by the breach of contract by their husbands who referred to counseling and screening centers in Isfahan city in the Spring of 2023, of which 51 were randomly assigned to the first and second intervention groups and the control group (17 in each group). Research tools included: demographic questionnaire, "Self of Differentiation Inventory" and "Life Expectancy Questionnaire". Content validity was measured by qualitative method and reliability by internal consistency method by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The participants of the "Existential Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" group and the "Compassion-Based Therapy" group were treated during 10 sessions 90-minute. The control group received the treatment after the completion of the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS. 22.

The results of analysis of variance with repeated measures and Bonferroni's post hoc test showed that "Existential Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" and "Compassion-Based Therapy" were effective in increasing self-differentiation and life expectancy in women affected by husband's breach of contract (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the effect of two treatment methods on self-differentiation and hope for the future (P<0.01).

"Existential Acceptance and Commitment Therapy" and "Compassion-Based Therapy " have been effective in increasing self-differentiation and life expectancy in women affected by husband's breach of contract. Therefore, it is suggested to therapists, marriage and family counselors that the above treatment methods are used to reduce the conflicts of women who are affected by their spouse's breach of contract.