Comparing the Effectiveness of Group Counseling based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Metacognitive Therapy on Reducing Aggression in Adolescent Boys with Divorced Parents

Abstract

Aim: Adolescent aggression causes significant disruption to one’s individual and interpersonal life and, if left unchecked, can change their destiny. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comparison between the effects of two approaches, namely metacognitive therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, on reducing aggression in adolescent boys with divorced parents. Methods: The design of the present study was a quasi-experimental research including control group with pre-test, post-test and follow-up. The sample, consisting of 36 male students whose parents were divorced, was selected by convenience sampling method. The research tool was Aggression Questionnaire (Buss & Perry,1992). Research data were analyzed using univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). Findings: The analysis of covariance in adolescents undergoing dialectical behavior therapy (p <0.05) and metacognitive therapy (P <0.01) interventions showed significant results. Both groups showed less aggression than adolescents in the control group and a significant difference was observed between the effects of these two types of interventions in reducing aggression. Conclusion: Based on the findings and the two-month follow-up, it can be concluded that dialectical behavior therapy reduced aggression among children of divorce by changing the components of emotional regulation, and metacognitive therapy did so by changing negative and irrational cognitions.