A comparison between the effectiveness of dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy on the mental health of mother

Abstract

The negative mood affectivity is the psychological consequences of parents who having children with special needs. The aim of present study was comparing the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy on the regulation of the negative mood affectivity (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) among mothers having children with special needs. This quasi-experimental study was done with 24 mothers of children admitted to the rehabilitation center for persons with physical and mental disabilities who were diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and stress. Then, the participants were assigned into three groups: the dialectical therapy group, the cognitive behavioral therapy group, and the control group. The results showed that dialectical therapy was more effective in decreasing emotional disorders of mothers compared with cognitive behavior therapy, and both of them are better than control group. Therefore, it could be concluded that both interventions are beneficial for mothers whose children’s disabilities, special needs, or disorders affect their mental health. Thus, the mentioned therapies are recommended for these mothers.