Comparing the Effectiveness of Reality Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Programs in Reducing High-Risk Sexual Behaviors among Adolescents

Background and Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of reality therapy (RT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) programs in reducing high-risk sexual behaviors (HRSBs) among adolescents. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted based on a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population comprised all male students at the upper secondary schools in the city of Ghaen, South Khorasan Province, Iran, in the ۲۰۲۲-۲۰۲۳ academic year. Among them, ۴۵ individuals were selected by purposive sampling method and then randomized into three groups in line with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Afterward, they completed the High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Scale (HRSBS) at the pretest and posttest stages. During the intervention programs, the experimental groups (EGs) I and II respectively received RT and ACT for eight ۹۰-minute sessions, while the CG was only given daily training. To analyze the data, the SPSS Statistics (version ۲۴) software package and the univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were utilized, considering the statistical assumptions. Results: The study results revealed that the RT program significantly reduced HRSBs; however, ACT exhibited no noteworthy effects in this vein. Moreover, a significant difference was detected between the effectiveness of both interventions in lowering HRSBs (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusions: The present study ultimately demonstrated that the RT program was a better and more efficient practice for adolescents, as compared to ACT. It further provided a greater opportunity for counselors and therapists to manage the major problems facing this age group.

Keywords:

Reality Therapy , Acceptance-Commitment Therapy , High-Risk Sexual Behavior , Adolescents