The Effectiveness of Therapy Based on Acceptance and Commitment regarding Reducing Hopelessness and Anxiety of Working Children in Yazd city

Abstract

Introduction: The phenomenon of working and street children is one of the problems that plagues most big cities. Working children means children and teenagers who, according to social laws, under the age of 18 engage in activities to earn money. The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of treatment based on acceptance and commitment regarding reducing hopelessness and anxiety of working children in Yazd City. Method: The method of the current research was semi-experimental, and its design was pre-test-post-test with a control group and a four-week follow-up. The statistical population included working children in the age group of 8 to 12 who were covered by the welfare management of Yazd city in the spring of 2019. The study sample included 30 working children who were placed randomly in 2 control and experimental groups using convenience sampling. Data collection tools included Kazdin's Children’s Hopelessness Scale and Spence's Children’s Anxiety Scale. The experimental group received 8 one and half an hour sessions of treatment based on commitment and acceptance, but the control group was placed on the waiting list. Data analysis was done using analysis of covariance test and SPSS software. Results: The results of the present study, according to the analysis of covariance, showed that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment significantly reduced the level of frustration and anxiety in working children (p<0/05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the treatment based on commitment and acceptance has been able to reduce hopelessness and anxiety of working children. It is suggested to organize psychological interventions and trainings with the help of relevant organizations in order to improve working children’s mental health and reduce their anxiety and frustration.