Comparative Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Weight-Related Self-Efficacy in Patients with Obesity

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on weight-related self-efficacy in patients with obesity. This study employed a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest–follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population consisted of obese patients attended to private clinical centers in Tehran during 2023–2024. A total of 45 participants were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned into three groups (n=15 each): DBT group, MBCT group, and a control group. Data were collected using the Weight Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (WSEQ). Interventions were delivered in eight 90-minute group sessions. Measurements were conducted at pretest, posttest, and a three-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated measures mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests in SPSS-26 . Results indicated that both DBT and MBCT significantly improved weight-related self-efficacy and all its subscales compared to the control group at posttest and follow-up (p<0.001). Significant main effects of time and time×group interaction confirmed the durability of treatment effects. A significant difference between the two interventions was observed only in the “positive activities” subscale (p<0.05), where DBT demonstrated superior effectiveness, while no significant differences were found in other subscales . Both therapeutic approaches are effective in enhancing weight-related self-efficacy among obese patients; however, DBT appears more effective in improving active behavioral components, suggesting its potential advantage in practical weight-management interventions.