Comparison of the Effectiveness of Gestalt Therapy and Albert Ellis's Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy on Mental Health and Self-Esteem of Psychology Professors at Shiraz University

Introduction: Health has been an important issue for centuries throughout human history, but whenever it is discussed, the physical aspect of it has mainly been considered, and less attention has been paid to other dimensions of health, particularly the mental aspect; Self-esteem as one of the important components of mental health refers to the ability to feel worthy and powerful in the face of challenges and obstacles in life. Aims: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy and rational-emotional-behavior therapy (REBT) by Ellis on the mental health and self-esteem of psychology professors at Shiraz University. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test-follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population of the study were psychology professors in Shiraz universities, of which ۴۵ people were randomly selected and divided into two experimental groups and one control group (۱۵ people in each group). The researchers’ tools were the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) by Goldberg (۱۹۷۲) and Cooper Smith Self-Esteem Inventory (۱۹۶۷) which were performed before and after therapy sessions. Both experimental groups underwent ۱۲, ۶۰-minute therapy sessions. The control group received no intervention. Results: The results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed that both therapies (Gestalt therapy and REBT) were effective in improving mental health and self-esteem of psychology professors in the experimental groups after therapy and in a one-month follow-up. There was also a significant difference between the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy and REBT, and Gestalt therapy was more effective in improving mental health and self-esteem compared to REBT (p<۰.۰۱). Conclusion: Based on the results, Gestalt therapy is a suitable and more effective intervention option for improving mental health and self-esteem.