Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Perceived Stress and Special Health Self-Efficacy in Seven to Fifteen-Year-Old Children With Diabetes Mellitus.
BACKGROUND
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) imposes restrictions on physical, emotional and social functioning of children and adolescents.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on perceived stress and special health self-efficacy in seven to fifteen-year-old children with DM.


METHODS
The present study was a clinical trial with a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population included all seven to fifteen-year-old patients who had referred to the Diabetes Mellitus Association of Tabriz, Iran, of whom 40 participants were selected using convenient sampling. They were randomly allocated to two matched groups (experimental and control). The experimental group participated in therapy sessions, while the control group did not receive any interventions. The research instruments were perceived stress and special health self-efficacy scales.


RESULTS
The multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) results showed that the treatment was effective on variables of perceived stress and special health self-efficacy (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The ACT is effective for reducing perceived stress and increasing special health self-efficacy in children with DM.
Department of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, IR Iran.
Mousa
M
Moazzezi
Department of Clinical Psychology, Young Researchers Club, Parsabad Moghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parsabad, IR Iran.
Vahid
V
Ataie Moghanloo
Department of General Psychology, Young Researchers Club, Parsabad Moghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parsabad, IR Iran.
Roghayeh
R
Ataie Moghanloo
Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, IR Iran.
Malihe
M
Pishvaei
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Diabetes Mellitus; Self Efficacy; Stress