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The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Marital Satisfaction and Resiliency in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran

2 Department of General Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran

3 Department of Clinical Psychology, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

4 Department of General Psychology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran

5 Department of General Psychology, Tabriz Branch, Payam Noor University, Tabriz, Iran

10.30476/smsj.2025.103141.1548

Abstract

Introduction: Parents of children with ASD face numerous psychological and familial challenges that can impair their mental health. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on marital satisfaction and resilience of mothers with children diagnosed with ASD. 
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population comprised all mothers with ASD under the care of the Welfare Organization in Tabriz, Iran, during 2023. A convenience sample of 30 mothers was selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group (15 participants per group). The experimental group received ACT over eight 90-minute sessions. The measurement tools included Enrich’s Marital Satisfaction Scale (1996) and Connor-Davidson’s Resilience (2003). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with SPSS software, version 26. 
Results: The results showed that the mean scores of marital satisfaction and resilience in the experimental group increased significantly from pretest to posttest (P<0.005). Furthermore, a comparison of posttest scores between the experimental and control groups revealed significantly higher mean scores in the experimental group. 
Conclusion: The findings indicated that ACT was effective in improving marital satisfaction and resilience among mothers of children with ASD. Therefore, it is recommended that mental health professionals utilize ACT to enhance the psychological well-being of this population.

Keywords

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Available Online from 03 February 2026
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