Effects of ACT-Based Psychoeducation on Caregivers of Individuals With Mental Disorders

This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based psychoeducation program on psychological resilience, stress management, and caregiver burden in caregivers of individuals with mental disorders. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group received ACT-based psychoeducation while the control group received no intervention. H1-1: The mean psychological resilience scores of caregivers in the intervention group who received the ACT-based psychoeducation program are significantly higher compared to caregivers in the control group. H1-2: The mean stress management scores of caregivers in the intervention group who received the ACT-based psychoeducation program are significantly higher compared to caregivers in the control group. H1-3: The mean caregiver burden scores of caregivers in the intervention group who received the ACT-based psychoeducation program are significantly lower compared to caregivers in the control group. H1-4: The effects of the ACT-based psychoeducation program on psychological resilience, stress management, and caregiver burden differ significantly between caregivers of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and caregivers of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18 years or older Being a first-degree caregiver of an individual with severe mental disorder followed at a CMHC or outpatient clinic Turkish-speaking and at least primary school graduate No communication problems and open to cooperation Not having participated in any ACT-based or similar psychoeducation program in the last 6 months No alcohol/substance use disorder No psychiatric diagnosis Having regularly attended the intervention sessions - Exclusion Criteria:Not meeting the inclusion criteria \-