International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

International Journal of Behavioral Sciences

The Efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Sensitivity and Depression in Students with Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fereshteh Rezaeinasab 1
Nazanin Haghighat-Bayan 2
Elahe Nouri 2
Vahid Savabi-Niri 3
Zahra Kouhi 3
1 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch, Iran
2 Department of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch, Roudehen, Iran
3 Department of Clinical Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran
10.30491/ijbs.2025.458971.2123
Abstract
Introduction: Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition characterized by an obsessive focus on perceived flaws or defects in physical appearance, which are often unnoticeable to others. This study aims to investigate the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on distress tolerance, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression among students diagnosed with BDD.
Method: This study used a semi-experimental, pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of students diagnosed with BDD at the University of Ardabil during the 2023-2024 academic year. Thirty-six students with BDD were selected through purposive sampling and divided into experimental (n=18) and control (n=18) groups. The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute ACT sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data collection involved questionnaires on BDD, distress tolerance, interpersonal sensitivity, and depression. The data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS-24.
Results: Findings indicated that ACT significantly increased tolerance (F=41.72), attraction (F=34.73), assessment (F=44.43), and regulation (F=29.40) while reducing interpersonal sensitivity (F=67.65) and depression (F=51.58) in students with BDD.
Conclusion: These results underscore the potential of ACT as a valuable therapeutic approach for individuals with BDD, particularly within the college student population.
Keywords
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Distress Tolerance
Interpersonal Sensitivity
Depression
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
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International Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 18, Issue 4
Winter 2025
Pages 177-184