Sadra Medical Journal

The Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Marital Hardiness and Distress Tolerance in Women Seeking Divorce

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Zahra Zahedi
Moosa Javdan
Hadi Salimi
Seyed Abdolvahab Samavi

Department of Psychology and Counseling, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/smsj.2026.107496.1653
Abstract
Introduction: Marital hardiness and distress tolerance are considered key factors in improving the quality of couples’ relationships. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of compassion-focused acceptance and commitment therapy (C-FACT) on marital hardiness and distress tolerance in women seeking divorce.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a control group and a three-month follow-up period. The statistical population comprised women seeking divorce who were referred to counseling and psychological services centers in Bandar Abbas in 2025. A total of 30 people were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). Both groups completed the Marital Hardiness Questionnaire (MHQ) and the Distress Tolerance Scale (DTS) at baseline, after the intervention (ten 90-minute sessions), and at three-month follow-up. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 24.
Results: The findings indicated significant differences between the groups in the control, commitment, and challenge components, with the effects of the intervention persisting through the follow-up phase (P<0.05). In the tolerance, absorption, and appraisal components, significant differences were observed between the pretest and posttest. In the regulation component, a significant difference was found between the pretest and follow-up. Additionally, the effects of the intervention on the appraisal component persisted through the follow-up phase (P<0.05). 
Conclusion: Overall, it could be concluded that C-FACT had an effective role in increasing marital hardiness and distress tolerance among women seeking divorce.

Keywords

Stress, Psychological
Adaptation, Psychological
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Compassion
Empathy
Divorce
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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 14, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 342-358

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