Comparison of the Effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on the Dimensions of Posttraumatic Growth in Students with the Experience of Romantic Breakup

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Schema Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on dimensions of post-traumatic growth in students with a history of emotional breakup.

Methods and Materials: This was a quasi-experimental study with a three-group, three-stage design (pretest, posttest, and two-month follow-up). The statistical population consisted of university students who had experienced emotional failure and were referred to the Counseling Center of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2022. Forty-five students were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to three groups: Schema Therapy, ACT, and control (15 in each). Data collection tools included the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and the Love Trauma Inventory. Each intervention group received ten 60-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, MANCOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Findings: The results indicated significant differences between groups in the posttest and follow-up stages across all dimensions of post-traumatic growth, including change in life priorities, relationships with others, spiritual connection, new possibilities, and personal strength (p<0.01). Both intervention groups were significantly more effective than the control group. Additionally, the ACT group outperformed the Schema Therapy group specifically in the "new possibilities" dimension.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that both Schema Therapy and ACT are effective in promoting post-traumatic growth among students with emotional trauma, with ACT showing greater effectiveness in certain emotional domains.