Comparision the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy on social adjustment of adolescents with social anxiety disorder

Background and aims: Due to its nature, social anxiety can disturb the social adjustment of adolescents. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on the social adjustment of adolescents with social anxiety disorder. Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-/post- test format alongside a control group. The statistical population consisted of male students diagnosed with social anxiety disorder in the second year of high school within the first district of Babol city during the 1401-1402 academic year. A total of 45 participants were selected from this population using purposeful sampling, ensuring they met the study's inclusion criteria. These participants were randomly assigned to three groups: 15 in the CBT group, 15 in the ACT group, and 15 in the control group. Data were collected using social adjustment questionnaire, and the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was utilized for data analysis. Results: The findings indicated that both CBT and ACT significantly improved social adjustment in adolescents with social anxiety disorder (p<0.001), with no significant difference in effectiveness between the two treatments. Conclusion: CBT and ACT, both can be recommended for enhancing social adjustment among adolescents with social anxiety disorder.