Comparing the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Depression and Attentional Control in Adolescents

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on depression and attentional control in adolescents. This research was a randomized controlled trial with a pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up design including a control group. The statistical population consisted of adolescents aged 14 to 17 from Karaj, who voluntarily participated. A total of 45 participants were randomly assigned to three groups: CBT, ACT, and control (15 participants each). The interventions were conducted in eight 90-minute group sessions. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Attentional Control Scale (ACS). Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS version 27. ANOVA results revealed significant differences among the three groups in depression (F = 41.37, p < .001, η² = 0.66) and attentional control (F = 32.64, p < .001, η² = 0.61). Bonferroni post-hoc tests showed that the ACT group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in depression (p < .001) and improvements in attentional control (p < .001) compared to the control group. Moreover, ACT was significantly more effective than CBT in both variables (p < .05). Both CBT and ACT were effective in reducing depression and enhancing attentional control in adolescents, but ACT demonstrated more sustained effects during the follow-up phase. These findings support the value of third-wave therapies in adolescent interventions.