Abstract
Background and aims: Subjective well-being as a major prerequisite of health ensures mental and physical health, a long life, happiness, improved quality of life, and higher socioeconomic indices. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on subjective well-being, psychological distress, and emotion regulation in medical science students. Methods: The statistical population of this semi-experimental comprised all female students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (Iran) in the academic year of 2019-2020. Forty-five students referring to the university counseling center were selected as the sample of the study using convenience sampling and randomly divided into two experimental groups and a control group (n=15 per group). The first and second experimental groups underwent eight 90- and 45-sessions (twice a week) of MBCT and of ACT, respectively. The research instruments included the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWS), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that MBCT and ACT were effective in improving the components of subjective well-being and emotion regulation in medical students (P<0.001). Moreover, MBCT and ACT significantly reduced the post-test scores of psychological distress subscales in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Finally, no difference was observed between the two therapies in terms of effectiveness. Conclusion: According to the results, MBCT and ACT effectively promoted female students’ subjective well-being and emotion regulation and alleviated their psychological distress.
Highlights
Skilled human resources contribute to the development of countries and are considered as the major assets of societies
No significant difference was found between the experimental groups
The results revealed the significant effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) on subjective well-being, psychological distress, and emotion regulation, which is consistent with the research results of Cotton et al [33], and Hearn and Cross [34]
Summary
Skilled human resources contribute to the development of countries and are considered as the major assets of societies. Students run a greater risk of psychological disorders Stressors such as presence in a new environment far away from the family, educational and financial problems, competition with other students, exams, future employment prospects, impaired decision-making, and attendance in extensive classes cause depression and anxiety among the students [6]. They suffer from psychological distress and have lower well-being and quality of life indices due to their inappropriate and stressful educational and occupational conditions [7]. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on subjective well-being, psychological distress, and emotion regulation in medical science students.
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