Comparing the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy based on matrix and behavioral activation therapy on depression and quality of life

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of group psychotherapy based on acceptance and commitment by matrix method and group behavioral activation therapy on depression and quality of life in depressed university students. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 45 university students with depression were selected during June and July 2018 and randomly divided in 3 groups (behavioral activation, group psychotherapy based on acceptance and commitment and the control). The experimental groups received 6 weekly sessions based on matrix acceptance and commitment and behavioral activation. All participants completed the Beck Depression Scale (BDI-II) and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and one-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using multivariate covariance analysis. Results: The results showed that matrix acceptance and commitment therapy and behavioral activation therapy have significant impacts on reducing symptoms of depression and increased quality of life. There was no significant difference between the two experimental groups in terms of depression (P= 0.411). The results also remained at a one-month follow-up. Conclusion: It seems that group psychotherapy based on acceptance and commitment by matrix method and group behavioral activation therapy can decrease depression and increas quality of life in depressed university students.