Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Social Anxiety and Its Dimensions in Stuttering Adults

Abstract

Background and Objective: Adults with stuttering show a fear of communication. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction to that of acceptance and commitment therapy on social anxiety and its dimensions in adults with stuttering. Materials and Methods: This study was a semi-experimental type with a pretest-posttest and follow-up design. The statistical population included all stuttering adults aged 18 to 40 who were referred to speech therapy and psychology centers in Isfahan, Iran, in 2022 and 2023. The sample included 45 individuals, divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The subjects’ social anxiety was measured in three stages by administering the Connor social anxiety questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the experimental methods were effective on the dependent variables in the experimental groups compared to the control group. Regarding the effectiveness of the two experimental methods on physiological symptoms, there was no significant difference. On the other hand, mindfulness-based stress reduction had a more significant effect on fear, avoidance, and the total score of social anxiety compared to acceptance and commitment therapy (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, both mindfulness-based stress reduction, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy are effective in reducing social anxiety and its dimensions among people who stutter.