Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) program on complex PTSD symptoms, experiential avoidance, and post-traumatic growth of women who involved in prostitution. Eight participants in A rehabilitation agency were assigned to a wait-control group, and 9 participants in B rehabilitation agency were assigned to a treatment group. The agencies are located in different provincial regions. The treatment group received 8 sessions of the program that lasted 120 minutes for each session. The scales used are as follows: Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Scale; Acceptance & Action Questionnaire-Ⅱ; and Korea Version Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. Data were collected at three time points: pre, post, and follow-up (4 weeks later). As a results of the data analyses, there was a statistically significant difference between the treatment group and the wait-control group in terms of complex PTSD symptoms, experiential avoidance and overall post-traumatic growth. Treatment effects were found to last 4 weeks after the program completion. Finally, the limitations of this study and suggestions for future research were discussed.