Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Metacognitive Therapy on Disease Self-Management and Illness Perception in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) on disease self-management and illness perception in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). In terms of purpose, this was an applied study, and in terms of methodology, it employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design with a control group. The study population consisted of individuals with multiple sclerosis who attended healthcare centers and MS-related treatment facilities in the city under study. Among eligible individuals, 45 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 15 participants each: an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group, a Metacognitive Therapy group, and a control group. The experimental groups received their respective therapeutic interventions, whereas the control group received no intervention during the study period. Data were collected using the Multiple Sclerosis Self-Management Scale and the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical indices, the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene’s test, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results indicated significant differences among the three groups in disease self-management and illness perception at the posttest stage. Both therapeutic interventions, compared with the control group, resulted in significant improvements in disease self-management and favorable changes in illness perception. Furthermore, pairwise comparisons showed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was more effective than Metacognitive Therapy in enhancing disease self-management and improving illness perception. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that both therapeutic approaches are beneficial for promoting psychological adjustment and improving disease management among individuals with multiple sclerosis; however, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may be more effective than Metacognitive Therapy in improving disease self-management and illness perception.