The effect of group training based on acceptance and commitment on reducing anxiety and interpersonal problems in obese women

Obesity is a major health problem which leads to a decline in the indicators of individuals’ mental and physical health. Studies have indicated that there is a significant relationship between obesity, anxiety and depression; as well obesity can negatively affect interpersonal communication and create interpersonal problems. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of group training based on acceptance and commitment on reducing anxiety and interpersonal problems in obese women in Tehran, Iran. This present quasi-experimental study was conducted on a statistical population comprising all obese women presenting to a health home in District 2 of Tehran. Thirty of these women were selected using convenience sampling and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15). The participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32). The 15-session treatment protocol proposed by Eifert was used for group training based on acceptance and commitment. Group training based on acceptance and commitment reduced anxiety in obese women and improved their interpersonal relationships. According to the results of the data analysis, group training based on acceptance and commitment therapy affected the psychological process of obese women and reduced anxiety and interpersonal problems of the experimental group compared to the controls in the posttest stage.