The effect of psychological flexibillity psychoeducation program based on acceptance and commitment therapy on attitudes towards dating violence and relationship self-efficacy

This study aims to develop an eight-session Psychological Flexibility Psychoeducation Program Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to enhance the psychological flexibility levels, relationship self-efficacy perceptions, and attitudes toward dating violence of university students currently in romantic relationships and to test the effectiveness of this program. The research is based on a mixed-methods design and consists of two phases: an experimental phase and a post-experimental qualitative phase. The experimental process was conducted using a 2x3 Split Plot design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up measurements for both the experimental and control groups. The experimental group consisted of 15 participants (14 women, 1 man), while the control group included 14 participants (12 women, 2 men). In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants of the experimental group to evaluate the training and group experience. Research data were collected using the Psychological Flexibility Scale, Attitudes Toward Violence in Close Relationships Scale, Relationship Self-Efficacy Scale, Personal Information Form, and Post-Implementation Evaluation Questions. In the analysis of quantitative data, paired samples t-test and repeated measures ANOVA were used as parametric statistical methods. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The results indicated that the Psychological Flexibility Psychoeducation Program Based on ACT was effective in increasing the psychological flexibility levels and relationship self-efficacy perceptions of university students while reducing their acceptance of dating violence. Furthermore, this effect was found to be sustained even after a three-month follow-up period. The qualitative findings supported the quantitative results by revealing that participants gained psychological flexibility, experienced an increase in relationship self-efficacy perceptions, and exhibited a decrease in accepting attitudes toward dating violence during the program.