Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: The pervasive impact of depression on cognitive-attentional processes and future hope in young individuals underscores the critical need to investigate targeted interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in improving Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome (CAS) and enhancing hope for the future in young adults experiencing depression. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed with a pre-test/post-test control group. The target population consisted of young adults aged 18-35 years diagnosed with depression, who presented for services at psychology and counseling centers in Ahvaz during 2021. A convenience sample of 40 eligible individuals was recruited and randomized into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each comprising 20 participants. Data were collected using the Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Questionnaire (CAS-Q) and the Adult Hope Scale (AHS). The experimental group underwent eight weekly 90-minute sessions of ACT, while the control group was placed on a waitlist with no intervention. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to analyze the collected data. Results: A statistically significant reduction was found in CAS scores (F=255.28, P<0.001, η=0.83) and a significant increase in hope scores (F=296.46, P<0.001, η=0.93) among young adults with depression in the post-intervention assessment within the ACT group, relative to the control group. These findings indicate that ACT is an effective treatment for mitigating maladaptive cognitive-attentional patterns and cultivating greater hope for the future in this demographic. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence for the efficacy of ACT in reducing CAS and enhancing dispositional hope in young adults with depression. These findings suggest ACT’s potential as a scalable clinical intervention to address core psychological processes and improve long-term mental health outcomes.