Effectiveness of Third Wave CBT Techniques for Anger Management among Pakistani University Students

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques in managing anger among university students in Pakistan. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 25 years. A quasi-experimental design was used and conducted in two phases. In the initial phase, 75 participants were screened using the Clinical Anger Scale (CAS). Forty participants exhibiting moderate to severe anger were selected and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. In the second phase, the experimental group received third-wave CBT interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based techniques, while the control group received treatment as usual. Findings revealed that third-wave CBT techniques led to a significant reduction in anger symptoms compared to the control group. These results highlight the cross-cultural applicability of third-wave CBT and its potential to enhance emotional regulation and resilience among university students.