Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy on the Tendency Toward Risky Behaviors and Life Orientation Among Adolescents in Conflict with Parents

Objective: This study examines the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness training in reducing risky behaviors and improving life orientation among adolescents experiencing parent-child conflict. Methods and Materials: A total of 45 adolescents were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups: ACT, mindfulness, and a control group, with 15 participants in each. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using standardized questionnaires to measure tendencies toward risky behaviors and life orientation.

Findings: The findings revealed that both ACT and mindfulness significantly reduced risky behaviors and enhanced positive life orientation compared to the control group (P< 0.05). Moreover, ACT demonstrated greater effectiveness than mindfulness in achieving these outcomes (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: These results highlight ACT’s ability to address risky behaviors by promoting psychological flexibility and value-based actions. This study underscores the importance of psychological interventions, such as ACT and mindfulness, in reducing parent-adolescent conflicts and fostering adaptive behaviors during adolescence. The practical implications extend to counselors, parents, and educators, emphasizing the necessity of adopting evidence-based methods to support adolescent mental health. Future research should explore the long-term impact of these interventions, their applicability across different cultural contexts, and their effects on diverse populations.In conclusion, this research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting ACT as an effective approach for improving adolescent well-being and mitigating the negative outcomes of parent-child conflict.