The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method

Samar Abu Mezyed; Emad Abed; Doaa Abu Zarga

doi:doi:10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18

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The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method

Samar Abu Mezyed^*

, Emad Abed

, Doaa Abu Zarga

Published in Humanities and Social Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 1)

Received: 30 December 2024 Accepted: 16 January 2025 Published: 26 February 2025

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Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT) in alleviating symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) through a comprehensive single case study. The participant, a 39-year-old woman from the Gaza Strip, exhibited severe C-PTSD symptoms resulting from cumulative trauma, including prolonged childhood abuse and repeated exposure to war-related adversities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined standardized quantitative assessments, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), with in-depth qualitative interviews to evaluate therapeutic outcomes over 19 sessions. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant reductions in core C-PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusive memories, and emotional dysregulation, alongside notable improvements in psychological flexibility and overall well-being. Qualitative data highlighted the participant’s progress in reconstructing a coherent self-identity, enhancing emotional regulation skills, and developing meaningful social connections. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance in fostering trust, engagement, and sustained therapeutic benefits. These findings suggest that TF-ACT is a promising and comprehensive intervention for addressing the complex challenges associated with trauma. By integrating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies with value-driven behavioral changes, TF-ACT provides a holistic framework for recovery, addressing both psychological symptoms and relational dynamics. This research contributes to the expanding evidence base for ACT-based therapies in trauma treatment and underscores the need for further clinical trials and longitudinal studies to optimize this intervention for diverse populations affected by complex trauma.

Published in	Humanities and Social Sciences (Volume 13, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18
Page(s)	67-84
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Trauma- Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, A Single Case Study Mixed Method

References

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APA Style

Mezyed, S. A., Abed, E., Zarga, D. A. (2025). The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method. Humanities and Social Sciences, 13(1), 67-84. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18

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ACS Style

Mezyed, S. A.; Abed, E.; Zarga, D. A. The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2025, 13(1), 67-84. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18

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AMA Style

Mezyed SA, Abed E, Zarga DA. The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method. Humanit Soc Sci. 2025;13(1):67-84. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18

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@article{10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18,
  author = {Samar Abu Mezyed and Emad Abed and Doaa Abu Zarga},
  title = {The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method
},
  journal = {Humanities and Social Sciences},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {67-84},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hss.20251301.18},
  abstract = {This study investigated the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT) in alleviating symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) through a comprehensive single case study. The participant, a 39-year-old woman from the Gaza Strip, exhibited severe C-PTSD symptoms resulting from cumulative trauma, including prolonged childhood abuse and repeated exposure to war-related adversities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined standardized quantitative assessments, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), with in-depth qualitative interviews to evaluate therapeutic outcomes over 19 sessions. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant reductions in core C-PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusive memories, and emotional dysregulation, alongside notable improvements in psychological flexibility and overall well-being. Qualitative data highlighted the participant’s progress in reconstructing a coherent self-identity, enhancing emotional regulation skills, and developing meaningful social connections. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance in fostering trust, engagement, and sustained therapeutic benefits. These findings suggest that TF-ACT is a promising and comprehensive intervention for addressing the complex challenges associated with trauma. By integrating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies with value-driven behavioral changes, TF-ACT provides a holistic framework for recovery, addressing both psychological symptoms and relational dynamics. This research contributes to the expanding evidence base for ACT-based therapies in trauma treatment and underscores the need for further clinical trials and longitudinal studies to optimize this intervention for diverse populations affected by complex trauma.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method

AU  - Samar Abu Mezyed
AU  - Emad Abed
AU  - Doaa Abu Zarga
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DO  - 10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18
T2  - Humanities and Social Sciences
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JO  - Humanities and Social Sciences
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PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8184
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18
AB  - This study investigated the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT) in alleviating symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) through a comprehensive single case study. The participant, a 39-year-old woman from the Gaza Strip, exhibited severe C-PTSD symptoms resulting from cumulative trauma, including prolonged childhood abuse and repeated exposure to war-related adversities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined standardized quantitative assessments, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), with in-depth qualitative interviews to evaluate therapeutic outcomes over 19 sessions. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant reductions in core C-PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusive memories, and emotional dysregulation, alongside notable improvements in psychological flexibility and overall well-being. Qualitative data highlighted the participant’s progress in reconstructing a coherent self-identity, enhancing emotional regulation skills, and developing meaningful social connections. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance in fostering trust, engagement, and sustained therapeutic benefits. These findings suggest that TF-ACT is a promising and comprehensive intervention for addressing the complex challenges associated with trauma. By integrating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies with value-driven behavioral changes, TF-ACT provides a holistic framework for recovery, addressing both psychological symptoms and relational dynamics. This research contributes to the expanding evidence base for ACT-based therapies in trauma treatment and underscores the need for further clinical trials and longitudinal studies to optimize this intervention for diverse populations affected by complex trauma.

VL  - 13
IS  - 1
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Author Information

Samar Abu Mezyed

Médecins Sans Frontières, Gaza Strip, Palestine

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-7484-1079
Emad Abed

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, Gaza Strip, Palestine

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-5337-3193
Doaa Abu Zarga

Médecins du Monde, Gaza Strip, Palestine

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0001-3918-0091

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Mezyed, S. A., Abed, E., Zarga, D. A. (2025). The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method. Humanities and Social Sciences, 13(1), 67-84. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18

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ACS Style

Mezyed, S. A.; Abed, E.; Zarga, D. A. The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method. Humanit. Soc. Sci. 2025, 13(1), 67-84. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18

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AMA Style

Mezyed SA, Abed E, Zarga DA. The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method. Humanit Soc Sci. 2025;13(1):67-84. doi: 10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18,
  author = {Samar Abu Mezyed and Emad Abed and Doaa Abu Zarga},
  title = {The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method
},
  journal = {Humanities and Social Sciences},
  volume = {13},
  number = {1},
  pages = {67-84},
  doi = {10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.hss.20251301.18},
  abstract = {This study investigated the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT) in alleviating symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) through a comprehensive single case study. The participant, a 39-year-old woman from the Gaza Strip, exhibited severe C-PTSD symptoms resulting from cumulative trauma, including prolonged childhood abuse and repeated exposure to war-related adversities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined standardized quantitative assessments, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), with in-depth qualitative interviews to evaluate therapeutic outcomes over 19 sessions. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant reductions in core C-PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusive memories, and emotional dysregulation, alongside notable improvements in psychological flexibility and overall well-being. Qualitative data highlighted the participant’s progress in reconstructing a coherent self-identity, enhancing emotional regulation skills, and developing meaningful social connections. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance in fostering trust, engagement, and sustained therapeutic benefits. These findings suggest that TF-ACT is a promising and comprehensive intervention for addressing the complex challenges associated with trauma. By integrating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies with value-driven behavioral changes, TF-ACT provides a holistic framework for recovery, addressing both psychological symptoms and relational dynamics. This research contributes to the expanding evidence base for ACT-based therapies in trauma treatment and underscores the need for further clinical trials and longitudinal studies to optimize this intervention for diverse populations affected by complex trauma.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - The Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Reducing Symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Single Case Study Mixed Method

AU  - Samar Abu Mezyed
AU  - Emad Abed
AU  - Doaa Abu Zarga
Y1  - 2025/02/26
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18
DO  - 10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18
T2  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JF  - Humanities and Social Sciences
JO  - Humanities and Social Sciences
SP  - 67
EP  - 84
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-8184
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.hss.20251301.18
AB  - This study investigated the effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TF-ACT) in alleviating symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) through a comprehensive single case study. The participant, a 39-year-old woman from the Gaza Strip, exhibited severe C-PTSD symptoms resulting from cumulative trauma, including prolonged childhood abuse and repeated exposure to war-related adversities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined standardized quantitative assessments, such as the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ), with in-depth qualitative interviews to evaluate therapeutic outcomes over 19 sessions. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant reductions in core C-PTSD symptoms, including hyperarousal, avoidance, intrusive memories, and emotional dysregulation, alongside notable improvements in psychological flexibility and overall well-being. Qualitative data highlighted the participant’s progress in reconstructing a coherent self-identity, enhancing emotional regulation skills, and developing meaningful social connections. Additionally, the study emphasized the importance of a strong therapeutic alliance in fostering trust, engagement, and sustained therapeutic benefits. These findings suggest that TF-ACT is a promising and comprehensive intervention for addressing the complex challenges associated with trauma. By integrating mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies with value-driven behavioral changes, TF-ACT provides a holistic framework for recovery, addressing both psychological symptoms and relational dynamics. This research contributes to the expanding evidence base for ACT-based therapies in trauma treatment and underscores the need for further clinical trials and longitudinal studies to optimize this intervention for diverse populations affected by complex trauma.

VL  - 13
IS  - 1
ER  -

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