Comparison of the Effectiveness of Value-Based Behavioral Activation Training and Flexibility-Based Cognitive Behavioral Training on Decentering in Divorced Women

Authors

Keywords:

Value, Based Behavioral Activation Training, Flexibility, Based Cognitive Behavioral Training, Decentering, Divorced Women

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Divorce is a major stressful life transition that may expose women to substantial emotional, psychological, and social difficulties, while strengthening decentering may help individuals observe their thoughts and emotions more objectively and respond less reactively to negative experiences. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of value-based behavioral activation training and flexibility-based cognitive behavioral training in improving decentering among divorced women.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest control-group design with a two-month follow-up. The statistical population consisted of divorced women attending private counseling centers in western Tehran in 2025. A total of 45 eligible participants were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to a value-based behavioral activation group, a flexibility-based cognitive behavioral training group, or a control group, with 15 participants in each group. Both experimental groups received ten 90-minute intervention sessions, whereas the control group remained on a waiting list. Data were collected at pretest, posttest, and follow-up using the Experiences Questionnaire for assessing decentering. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted using SPSS.

Findings: Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant intervention effects on lack of negative reaction (F=8.80, p=0.001, η²=0.299), awareness/self-compassion (F=4.88, p=0.001, η²=0.192), and total decentering (F=8.27, p=0.001, η²=0.290). Direct comparison of the two interventions revealed significant differences in lack of negative reaction (p=0.014) and total decentering (p=0.047), with value-based behavioral activation producing greater improvement. Bonferroni comparisons indicated no significant difference between posttest and follow-up scores, demonstrating that the effects of both interventions were maintained over the two-month follow-up period.

Conclusion: Both value-based behavioral activation and flexibility-based cognitive behavioral training are effective approaches for enhancing decentering in divorced women. However, value-based behavioral activation appears to produce greater improvement, particularly in reducing negative reactivity and enhancing overall decentering, with intervention effects remaining stable through follow-up.

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Mohammad, R., Farghadani, A., & Jafari, A. (1406). Comparison of the Effectiveness of Value-Based Behavioral Activation Training and Flexibility-Based Cognitive Behavioral Training on Decentering in Divorced Women. Psychology of Motivation, Behavior, and Health, 4(3), 1-20. https://jpmbh.com/index.php/jpmbh/article/view/431

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