The effect of psycho-training programme related acceptance and commi̇tment therapy on decision making styles

This study examines the effect of psycho- training programme improved based on Acceptance and Committment Therapy on individuals' decision making styles. The participants of the study were randomly picked out of the students from different departments of Faculty of Education in Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen Üniversitesi. Decision making styles scale were used to determine the participants. After interviewing the individuals taking the highest scores from the scale, volunteers of them were randomly seperated into two groups as experimental group (n:12) and control group (n=12). Experimental group were trained through a psycho-training programme based on Acceptance and Committment Therapy along 90 minutes once a week; however, no action was taken on the participants in the control group. The experimental group experienced a psycho-training programme aiming that the participants learn the concept of decision making, be aware of decision making styles and have a valued based awareness. In the study, 2*3 split pilot design (Experiment/ Control groups *pre-test/post-test/ monitoring test) were used. Data were gathered through a decision making styles scale which developed by Scott and Bruce, 1995 and translated in Turkish by Taşdelen, 2002 (İt was applied two weeks ago from sessions, shortly after sessions, and three months after the end of sessions) and a personal information form generated by the researcher. To determine whether there is any significant difference between measurements and groups, two-factor variance analysis technique were utilized for iterative measurements on one factor. Data from three measurements (pre-test, post-test, and monitoring) were analyzed through SPSS 17 program and significance level was determined as .05. The findings indicate that the effect of Intervention*Time is significant on dependent decision making style and avoidant decision making. However, Intervantion*Time does not have a significant effect on instant decision making styles, intuitive decision making styles, rational decision making styles. Bonferonni compatible multiple comparison test and variance analysis were used to determine reason of the difference on Dependent and Avoidant Decision Making Styles. According to the findings, the psycho-training programme oriented Acceptance Committment Therapy significantly decrease individuals' dependent decision making styles and the decrease has contiuned throughout the monitoring test. Bonferonni compatible test and variance analysis on Avoidant Decision making point out that the psycho-training programme oriented Acceptance Committment Therapy significantly decrease individuals' avoidant decision making styles and the decrease has contiuned throughout the monitoring test. The findings were discussed and some implications were presented for future studies and other researchers. Keywords: Psychoeducation, Decision Making Styles, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy