KMAN Publication Inc. (KMANPUB) تست 3060-6713 4 Serial Number 13 2026 03 10 The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Positive Thinking and Lifestyle among Mothers of Children with Autism The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Positive Thinking and Lifestyle among Mothers of Children with Autism 1 9 10.61838/kman.prien.5630 EN Journal Article 2025 08 17 <p class="Abstract" style="line-height: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="letter-spacing: -.3pt;">The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on positive thinking and lifestyle among mothers of children with autism in Tonekabon, Iran. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest measurements and a control group. The statistical population consisted of mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Tonekabon during 2022. Initially, 45 mothers completed the Positive Thinking Questionnaire developed by Ingram and Wisnicki and the Lifestyle Questionnaire developed by Lali et al. Based on the screening results, 30 participants were selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15) or a control group (n = 15). The experimental group participated in eight 90-minute sessions of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Following the intervention, both groups completed the study measures again. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) through SPSS software. Multivariate covariance analysis revealed a significant overall effect of the intervention on the combined dependent variables of positive thinking and lifestyle (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.337, F(4,25) = 12.292, p &lt; .001, η² = .663). The results indicated significant differences between the experimental and control groups in posttest scores after controlling for pretest values. Descriptive findings showed that the experimental group demonstrated substantial increases in both lifestyle and positive thinking scores from pretest to posttest, whereas changes in the control group were negligible. The effect size suggested that approximately 66% of the variance in the combined dependent variables was attributable to the ACT intervention. These findings support the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in improving psychological and lifestyle-related outcomes among mothers of children with autism. The findings indicate that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an effective intervention for enhancing positive thinking and improving lifestyle among mothers of children with autism. By fostering psychological flexibility, acceptance of difficult experiences, value-based action, and adaptive coping strategies, ACT contributes to improved psychological well-being and healthier life patterns in this population. </span></p> https://www.journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/prien/article/download/5630/10525