Background: Adjustment disorder can be associated with reduced self-esteem and quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy on self-esteem and quality of life in individuals with adjustment disorder.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest-posttest design with a one-month follow-up. Ninety individuals with adjustment disorder were randomly assigned to three groups: reality therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and control (30 per group). Data were collected using self-esteem and quality-of-life questionnaires and analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance.
Findings: Significant differences were found among the three groups in the combined components of self-esteem and quality of life (P<0.001). Significant posttest differences were observed in the general, family, and academic components of self-esteem. Effects on general and family self-esteem persisted at follow-up. Significant differences in quality of life were observed in psychological and environmental health; only the psychological health effect persisted at follow-up.
Conclusion: Reality therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can improve some components of self-esteem and quality of life in individuals with adjustment disorder. Follow-up programs may help maintain therapeutic gains.