The Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy on Positive Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, and Positive Perfectionism

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy on positive emotion regulation, mindfulness, and positive perfectionism.

Methods and Materials: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 participants from Tehran. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (15 participants) and a control group (15 participants). The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions of dialectical behavior therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were collected at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and five-month follow-up. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests via SPSS-27 software.

Findings: The results indicated that the mean scores of positive emotion regulation, mindfulness, and positive perfectionism significantly increased in the experimental group after the intervention (p < .001), and these changes remained stable at follow-up (p > .05). ANOVA results demonstrated a significant effect of the intervention on positive emotion regulation (F = 39.57, p < .001, η² = 0.61), mindfulness (F = 49.37, p < .001, η² = 0.67), and positive perfectionism (F = 31.17, p < .001, η² = 0.59).

Conclusion: Dialectical behavior therapy has a significant effect on improving positive emotion regulation, increasing mindfulness, and enhancing positive perfectionism, with lasting effects over time. These findings highlight the importance of this therapeutic approach in emotion regulation and personality development.