Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Self-Control, Food Craving, and Body Appreciation in Women with a Low Level of Physical Activity

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master Student of General Psychology, Adiban Institute of Higher Education, Department of Psychology, Garmsar, Iran.

2 2. Adiban Higher Education Institute Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Garmsar, Iran.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on self-control, food craving, and body appreciation in women with low physical activity levels.
Methods: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of all inactive obese women living in District 17 of Tehran. A sample of 30 women was selected via convenience sampling and, after being matched for age and body mass index, were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group (15 participants each). The experimental group received 10 sessions of ACT, while the control group received no intervention. All participants completed the Self-Control Scale, the State and Trait Food-Cravings Questionnaire, and the Body Appreciation Scale at pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up assessments. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: The findings indicated a significant effect of ACT on the combined dependent variables. Specifically, the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in self-control and body appreciation scores, and a significant decrease in food craving scores compared to the control group, and these effects were maintained at the follow-up stage (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Based on the results, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing self-control and body appreciation, while reducing food cravings, in obese women with low physical activity. It is suggested that this therapeutic approach be offered as a complementary psychological treatment alongside standard weight management protocols for this population.
 

Keywords

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 September 2020
  • Revise Date: 30 November 2020
  • Accept Date: 13 February 2021

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