Effectiveness of Compassion-Enriched Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Worry, Rumination, and Circadian Sleep Disorders in Adolescent Girls with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Mashhad
Keywords:
Acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion, anxiety, rumination, circadian rhythm sleep disorders, generalized anxiety disorderAbstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-enriched Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on reducing worry, rumination, and circadian sleep disorders in adolescent girls with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Methods and Materials: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test and control group structure. The statistical population included all female high school students in the city of Mashhad during the 2024–2025 academic year. Using Cochran’s formula and statistical assumptions including a 95% confidence level, an estimated proportion of 0.5, and a margin of error of 0.15, a sample size of 34 participants was determined. Sampling was conducted using an available sampling method combined with stratified random selection from five girls’ schools in District 4 of Mashhad's Department of Education. Following initial screening and administration of a diagnostic test for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, 34 eligible individuals were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. The instruments used in this study included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (Spitzer et al., 2016), the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (Zinbarg & Barlow, 2001), the Rumination Questionnaire (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (1989). The experimental group received compassion-enriched Acceptance and Commitment Therapy over ten 90-minute sessions, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analysed using covariance analysis via SPSS.
Findings: Results from the analysis of covariance indicated that compassion-enriched ACT had a significant effect in reducing worry, rumination, and circadian sleep disorders in adolescent girls with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Conclusion: This intervention can be considered an effective method for reducing psychological problems associated with GAD in adolescent girls and a suitable tool for improving their quality of life.
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