Application Of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (Rebt) In Adjustment To Divorce: A Comparison Between Individual And Group Therapy Among Iranian Divorced Women
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Date
2015-08
Authors
Sabetsarvestani, Poneh
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Abstract
Numerous studies have documented the relationship between irrational beliefs and the indicators of emotional adjustment in life stress situations. While the application of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) on adjustment after marital separation has been examined in some studies, the process of rationality yet needs to be carefully investigated in adjustment to divorce. According to the Hill’s theory of family stress, interaction between stressor events, family’s resources, and also the definition attached to the event by the family determine the existence and intensity of the stress. In line with Hill’s theory, Ellis’ theory of rational-emotive and behavior therapy (REBT) which considers beliefs as the core of emotional disturbance emphasizes the role of irrational beliefs in response to undesirable events. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of REBT for adjustment to divorce among Iranian women. It also examined differences in adjustment to divorce using group REBT and individual REBT. To this end, a quasi-experimental research design with a convenience sampling was used in the study. Ninety participants of the study were divided into three groups (individual REBT, group REBT, and control group), each with 30 participants. Pre- and post-test scores of Fisher Divorce Adjustment Scale were used to evaluate the level of adjustment to divorce among the participants. In addition, pre-and post-test scores from Irrational Beliefs about Divorce Scale were employed to evaluate the level of
the participants’ irrational beliefs. The results of this study suggested that a significant improvement in adjustment to divorce occurred among the participants in a REBT program than those in the control group. The participants reported increased ability in altering irrational believes about divorce and consequently in coping with marital dissolution. In addition, demand for approval was found as one of the most important factors of irrational beliefs among Iranian divorced women. The decrease in demand for approval was associated with changes in five of the six items of adjustment to divorce: increase in social self-worth, feeling of self-worth, rebuilding social trust; and decrease in symptom of grief, and feeling of anger. Group REBT did not show any significant differences with individual REBT. Findings are discussed within the theoretical context of REBT and cultural background of Iranian society. This study highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of cultural and social constructs that frame and limit women’s options after divorce.
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Keywords
Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) , Iranian Divorced Women