Comparison of the Effectiveness of Reality Therapy based on Choice Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Communication Skills of Female High School Students

Background: Communication skills are components of social empowerment which assist people to cope with daily life problems and difficult situations. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effect of reality therapy based on choice theory and acceptance and commitment therapy on the communication skills of female high school students. Methods: The present study was semi-experimental with pretest, posttest, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all the female high school students in Tehran during the academic year 2019-2020. A total of 45 students were randomly selected and assigned to two experimental groups (15 students in each group) and a control group (15 students). The interpersonal communication skills test of Queendom (2004) was used as a data collection tool in this study. Data were analyzed by one-way ANCOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc using SPSS (Version 24). Results: The results indicated that reality therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy in post-test and follow-up significantly affect students' communication skills (P<0.05). Also, acceptance and commitment therapy had stronger effects than reality therapy based on choice theory in improving communication skills (P<0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that reality therapy based on choice theory and acceptance and commitment therapy can be used as a treatment to improve the communication skills of students in educational and therapeutic settings.